How to Enjoy NFL Football Games

The Streaming Era Has Arrived

NFL football games are a sport without equality. As the 32 teams play just once a week over a 17-game regular season (hopefully the playoffs after that), there is ample time to have fans prepare their favorite methods to enjoy their favorite teams.

Long gone are the days of non-sellout blackouts or fans being ‘stuck’ with perpetually bad local teams (greetings, New York). Today, any fan can enjoy any game, anywhere, though there’s a cost associated with this luxury. 

What is the Best Way to Enjoy a Football Game?

There are personal preferences when it comes to the best way to enjoy a football game. If you’re a serious fan or bettor, check out NFL game predictions on BetUS. Or maybe you prefer to 'hibernate' to avoid distractions.

If you’re more of a casual fan, enjoying a game socially is the way to go. It’s not just the Super Bowl where parties rule the day.

Take the Thanksgiving holiday as an example. Football has joined floats, family, and feeding your face as givens in late November.  

Christmas has accompanied Thanksgiving as a holiday with football. Included in the 2024 season are three Thanksgiving games and a pair to enjoy around the tree.

In short, there is no incorrect way to enjoy a football game.       

How do You Watch NFL Games for Free?

The NFL has over-the-air United States broadcast partners on ABC, Fox, CBS, and NBC. As the saying goes, “check local listings” when it comes to the games in your area. However, each ‘home team’ has its regional territory where all games are available without charge.

There are games available on other networks opposite a local team, along with national doubleheaders. Again, these games are available without fees.       

How Do You Watch Monday Night Football for Free?

Since the AFL-NFL merger of 1970, NFL Monday Night Football has been a staple of television. Harken back to the days of Frank Gifford (though Keith Jackson preceded him), Howard Cosell, and Don Meredith, when Monday’s game was an event.

Now, Monday Night Football belongs to Disney (ABC and ESPN, with/without the Brothers Manning), and while it is never going to be the spectacle of its forefathers, the games (sometimes concurrently in certain weeks) have been compelling. Something to note about the Monday games is it involve a ‘local’ team(s) in your market, it will also be available on an over-the-air outlet without charge. 

How About NFL Streaming Options?

As was mentioned, a part of the explosion in popularity of the NFL has been the ability to enjoy any game, regardless of venue.

However, there’s a catch and a cost.

NFL streaming option Sunday Ticket, which is now available via YouTube, allows both the casual and diehard fan to watch his/her team of choice each week. There is a per-game or per-season cost associated with the privilege. Even some of the early postseason games come with price tags attached (again, local teams are made available through an over-the-air outlet).

There are other pay entities, including Amazon and Peacock, which have exclusive rights to various games. In short, the league has its tentacles all over the place.