Watch NFL Games Live Right Now: Here’s How

Want to catch NFL games but don’t know where to start? Get ready to discover all the ways to follow the excitement of live American football, hassle-free and from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re a loyal fan or just don’t want to miss cheering for your favorite team, this guide is your passport to stay on top of every play.

In this article, we’ll show you the best options – both free and paid – for watching NFL games in a practical and accessible way. And the best part? No matter where you are, there will always be a way to ensure you don’t miss a single touchdown or an amazing play. Let’s explore affordable alternatives that will transform your way of experiencing the NFL!

Get ready for an epic experience and discover how accessing live NFL games has never been easier. Don’t miss the next steps – come along and see how to secure your place among the fans!

When does the NFL Season Start?

The NFL regular season usually starts in the first or second week of September and runs until the end of December, making it one of the most anticipated moments for American football fans. It is also worth noting that this is the period in which all streaming services, such as NFL Game Pass, ESPN+ and Hulu with ESPN, prepare to offer the best coverage. If you want to ensure you’re ready to not miss a game from kickoff, check out the detailed step-by-step guide below to organize your streaming experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Being Ready at the Start of the Season

Choose the Ideal Streaming Service

Before September, evaluate the options available for NFL streaming. NFL Game Pass is a popular choice for those who want full access to every live game, plus replays and exclusive content.

Consider ESPN+ if you already have a subscription and want to combine the NFL with other sports. Hulu with ESPN is a good choice for those who want more entertainment options, as it also offers series and movies.

Make a comparison between these services, taking into account what each one offers and the costs, to choose the one that best meets your needs.

NFL Structure: Conferences, Divisions and Teams

There are two conferences in the NFL, which consists of thirty-two teams. These conferences are the American and National Football conferences, known respectively as the AFC and NFC. Each of them is further divided into four divisions.—North, South, East, and West. Let’s go through how this structure operates and shapes each team’s journey throughout the season.

Step 1: Understanding Conferences

The NFL is divided into two main conferences:

• AFC (American Football Conference)
• NFC (National Football Conference)

These conferences operate independently for most of the season. They play a crucial role in the league’s structure, as each represents half of the NFL’s teams. Each conference organizes intramural games, in which teams compete primarily against opponents within the same conference.

Step 2: Exploring the Divisions

Within each conference, there are four divisions. Each division is made up of four teams, making eight divisions in total. Here is the breakdown of each conference:

AFC

• AFC Norte: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
• AFC Sul: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
• AFC Leste: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets
• AFC Oeste: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers

NFC

• NFC Norte: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
• NFC Sul: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• NFC Leste: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders
• NFC Oeste: Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks

Each division has a combination of teams, creating fierce rivalries that are highlighted during the regular season.

Step 3: The Regular Season and Division Games

To understand better, teams play against opponents in their own division twice, totaling six divisional games. They also face teams from other divisions and the other conference, resulting in a total of 17 regular season games. This structure provides a mix of indoor (within the division) and outdoor (outside the division) games, keeping the season balanced and exciting.

Importantly, intra-division games are especially significant as they help determine which teams will have home-field advantage during the playoffs. Teams that lead their divisions at the end of the regular season guarantee an automatic spot in the playoffs.

Step 4: How Teams Qualify for the Playoffs

The NFL playoffs are defined by this structure of conferences and divisions. Here is how the classification process works:

1. Division Champions: Each of the eight divisions will have a division champion, that is, the team with the best performance in the division. These eight teams advance directly to the playoffs.
2. Wild Cards: In addition to the division champions, six more teams are selected for the playoffs based on performance, regardless of division. These teams are called “Wild Cards”. In each conference, three teams are classified as Wild Cards, totaling six additional spots.
3. Playoffs and Super Bowl: Starting with the division champions and Wild Cards, the AFC and NFC conferences conduct their own internal playoffs. The champion of each conference meets to compete in the Super Bowl, which is the most important game of the season and defines the NFL champion.

This competitive structure not only organizes the games, but also creates regional and national rivalries, providing fans with a season full of decisive moments. Another important point to consider is that the playoff format is decisive for the teams, where each game can determine the continuity or elimination of a team.

Top Free Options for Watching NFL Games

If you want to watch NFL games without paying anything, some platforms offer free broadcasts and can be an excellent choice. It is also worth noting that the NFL App and Yahoo Sports applications broadcast some games live, especially for those in the United States. Next, see how to access these free options and make the most of the gaming season.

Step 1: Download the NFL App

The NFL App is a great way to watch select games live. Follow this step-by-step guide to get started:

1. Access your device’s app store: The NFL App is available for iOS and Android. Access the App Store (for Apple devices) or the Google Play Store (for Android devices).
2. Search for “NFL” and download: In the search bar, type “NFL” and locate the official NFL app. Click “Install” and wait for the download to complete.
3. Open the app and register: After installing the app, open it and follow the instructions to register. Generally, you need to do is enter an email address and set up a password.
4. Navigate to the live games section: Once logged in, navigate through the main menu until you find the “Live” section. There you can check which games are available to stream for free.
5. Turn on notifications: To ensure you don’t miss any games, turn on notifications for live games. This way, you will be notified when a match is about to start.

Step 2: Watch the Games on Yahoo Sports

Another excellent free option for watching NFL games is the Yahoo Sports app, which also offers live game broadcasts. Here is how to access:

1. ,Download Yahoo Sports on your device: Open the App Store or Google Play Store, search for “Yahoo Sports” and download the app.
2. Configure the app and choose your preferences: When you open Yahoo Sports for the first time, you will be guided through an initial setup where you can choose your favorite sports and teams. Select “NFL” as one of your preferences to ensure you receive game notifications.
3. Access the live games section: In the main menu, you will find a section dedicated to live streams. On game days, access this area to check which matches are available for free.
4. Check the free game schedule: Yahoo Sports offers a list of games that will be broadcast for free. You can access the schedule to know in advance which matches will be available.
5. Enable notifications for live games: Just like the NFL App, Yahoo Sports allows you to turn on notifications to be notified about live broadcasts. This function is ideal for not missing important games for your favorite team.

Step by Step to Access the Best Paid Services and Watch the NFL

Step 1: Choose the Right Streaming Service for You

To begin with, it is important to define which service best meets your needs. Top options include:

• NFL Game Pass: Offers access to all games of the season, with replays, analyzes and exclusive content, ideal for those who want to follow every detail. With Game Pass, you can watch live and recorded, which is perfect if you missed a game.
• ESPN+: Excellent for those who want complete coverage not only of NFL games, but also other sports. ESPN+ offers HD live streams and in-depth analysis, making it a popular choice for sports fans.
• Hulu with ESPN: With this package, you have access to a vast library of series and movies, as well as live sports. It is ideal for those who want to combine entertainment and sports in a single subscription.

To choose the ideal service, take into account factors such as your budget, the need to watch live and whether you want access to replays and additional content. Another important point to consider is whether you prefer a service focused exclusively on the NFL (like Game Pass) or something more comprehensive (like Hulu with ESPN).

Step 2: Sign Up and Set Up Your Account

Once you’ve decided which service to use, the next step is to sign up. Below are the general instructions for each service:

• NFL Game Pass: Visit the official website and choose the plan that best suits your interests (there are full season, monthly and even free plans with limited access options). Once selected, follow the instructions to create an account, adding your payment details to complete registration.
• ESPN+: Go to the ESPN website or app and select “Subscribe to ESPN+.” Follow the account creation flow, entering your personal information and selecting your payment method. ESPN+ also offers combo packages with Hulu and Disney+, which might be interesting for you.
• Hulu with ESPN: Go to Hulu and choose the “Live TV and hulu” package that includes ESPN. Create your account and follow the instructions to add the best payment method. If you’re already a Hulu subscriber, you can upgrade your plan to include ESPN+.

Step 3: Download and Install the Application on Your Preferred Device

To ensure easy access to NFL games, it is also worth highlighting that all of these services have applications for different devices. Here is how to go about installing them:

1. NFL Game Pass: Available for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox devices, among others. Access your device’s app store, search for “NFL Game Pass” and download. After installing, log in with the data you created when registering.
2. ESPN+: ESPN has an app available for iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and more. Download the app from the app store and log in with your login.
3. Hulu with ESPN: Access the Hulu app, available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, and streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV. When opening the app, select the sports tab to access ESPN content.

Step 4: Access Content and Explore Features

After setting up your account and installing the application, you can explore the features offered by the service. To understand better, let’s look at some of the main features available on each platform:

• NFL Game Pass: Browse live games, replays and additional content like documentaries and post-game analysis. You can also customize your experience by selecting your favorite team to receive notifications and quick access to games.
• ESPN+: In addition to watching NFL games, you can access sports analysis programs, documentaries from the 30 for 30 series, and much more. With ESPN+, you can pause, rewind and watch the most important moments of matches.
• Hulu with ESPN: Watch the NFL live and also access on-demand content. You can browse categories and personalize your entertainment experience, switching between sports, movies and series.

Step 5: Improve Your Experience with Stable Connections and Quality Accessories

Another important point to consider for an uninterrupted experience is to ensure a good internet connection, especially for high definition broadcasts. Make sure your connection is fast and stable. A good tip is to connect your device directly to the router or use an Ethernet cable connection if possible.

Additionally, you can enjoy streaming on a Smart TV or use devices like Chromecast to mirror your cell phone or tablet screen on the television, providing a more immersive experience.