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Now, the NFL is on Netflix. OK, then. The two broadcasts were fine, but when people wonder what’s the best app to watch NFL games, the answer can get convoluted. But let’s try.
And just because there are more apps than ever that broadcast NFL games, that doesn’t mean there are that many options. For example, when Netflix streamed the two games, they were only shown on Netflix and nowhere. So if Christmas Day games are only on Netflix, the answer to what’s the best app to watch NFL on Christmas Day is Netflix. But that’s the only option. So it’s the best by default.
I would still recommend watching on a big screen – even though the first NFL games on Netflix were not broadcast in 4k. I’m guessing they will be at some point in the future. And when it’s time for the Super Bowl, you’ll want to have a TV that will display that in 4K.
And we can get whiplash trying to figure out what app actually has what game. But the good news is we can easily subscribe and unsubscribe. That is exactly what I did during Caitlin Clark’s fantastic Iowa career. Many games were on Peacock (or Paramount+? – can’t remember, one of those two.) But I wanted to watch the games, so I subscribed and then unsubscribed.
Especially, now with the FTC rules that require easy cancellation, the on-and-off customer relationship can be the future.
And that’s really the key to watching NFL games in the new streaming world. Be strategic about it. Let’s look at the options.
The networks – which are not always apps
Many games are still produced by what we might call traditional networks. That includes CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN and even the NFL Network. They all started over the airways and satellites. But when Apple entered the fray with Friday Night Major League Baseball games, that was different. Apple TV is an app. So are Amazon Prime and Netflix – which now do NFL games.
And for local games, you might not even need a streaming service. An antenna often works just fine for CBS, NBC and Fox games.
The apps – which sometimes belong to networks
And then we have the streaming apps. Here’s a list:
Amazon Prime Video owns Thursday Night Football. If you’re already a Prime member for shopping, you’re covered.
Peacock offers Sunday Night Football plus some exclusive games.
Paramount+ carries CBS games, which means AFC matchups on Sunday afternoons. The benefit? You’re getting your local CBS NFL games plus their other content.
ESPN+ features select exclusive games.
NFL+ is the NFL’s streaming service.
YouTube TV now houses NFL Sunday Ticket for out-of-market Sunday games. If you are a Commanders fan in Iowa, this is the way to go.
Netflix has just started with those Christmas Day games. The streaming quality was good.
Read next: When does SNL post on YouTube?
Which streaming service has the most NFL games?
YouTube TV. No doubt. The majority of games are broadcast there through:
- Sunday Ticket
- ABC, CBS, ESPN, NBC all can be watched there.
Missing are:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Netflix
Here’s what I recommend based on different viewing needs:
Local team fans: Start with an HD antenna for your local channels. You can add Amazon Prime Video if you want Thursday games. But if you have bowling league on Thursday nights, don’t waste your time.
Out-of-market viewers: YouTube TV with Sunday Ticket is your best bet if you want to catch every game of your favorite team. You can pay it off over a few months, too.
Prime-time game watchers: Combine Amazon Prime Video (Thursday) with Peacock (Sunday night). Most Monday night games are still on regular ESPN, so if you already have cable or a streaming TV service, you’re covered. You can also watch that on YouTube TV.
The most (cost-)effective approach? Be strategic. I sign up for services when my must-watch games are on, then cancel until I need them again. For example, I’ll activate Peacock for a month if there’s an exclusive game I want to watch, then pause it until the next one.
The future will likely bring more changes to how we watch NFL games. More streaming services might join the mix, and distribution models keep evolving. For now, you can just focus on the games you really want to watch rather than trying to subscribe to everything at once. Also, be realistic with time. If you are heading to your daughter’s softball tournament and are using all devices to stream her games, do you really need Sunday Ticket?