NFL 2023 How to Watch Games and RedZone With or Without Cable

NFL 2023 How to Watch Games and RedZone With or Without Cable

Get Ready for the 2023 NFL Season: How to Stream Every Game

Patrick Mahomes and the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs

It’s that time of year again, football fans! As the 2023 regular season kicks off, it’s time to gear up and get ready for all the action that the NFL has to offer. From fantasy leagues to actual rosters, the anticipation is palpable. And in today’s digital age, there are more streaming options than ever before to catch every game, making it easier and more convenient for fans to follow their favorite teams. So, let’s dive into the rich world of streaming services and explore the best ways to watch the 2023 NFL season.

Who Aired Games and When?

In the past, cable TV was the go-to solution for watching football. However, the landscape has changed, and games are now spread across different days and nights, aired on various channels, and available through streaming services. Let’s break it down:

  • Sunday: Most NFL games are played on Sundays. AFC teams are typically aired on CBS, while NFC teams are shown on Fox. The primetime Sunday night game is broadcasted on NBC.
  • Thursday: The games on Thursday nights, except for Week 12’s Thanksgiving Thursday games, are exclusively available on Amazon’s Prime Video.
  • Monday: Monday Night Football games are broadcasted on ESPN and/or ABC. There are several Monday night doubleheaders scheduled for this year across different weeks.

Streaming Options for NFL Games in 2023

If you’re a cord-cutter, you’ll be delighted to know that there are several streaming services specifically tailored to cater to NFL fans. Let’s take a closer look at some of these options:

  • YouTube TV (starting at $73 per month): YouTube TV is the ultimate choice for everything NFL-related, including access to the NFL Network. You can also add the popular RedZone channel as an add-on.
  • Sling TV Blue (starting at $45 per month): Sling TV is the cheapest option that includes the NFL Network. However, it does not offer CBS, ABC, or ESPN.
  • Paramount Plus Essentials ($6 per month): Paramount Plus offers a cheap alternative for AFC fans looking to catch CBS games on Sundays.
  • Peacock Premium ($6 per month): Peacock’s Premium plan provides access to all the games aired by NBC.
  • Amazon Prime Video ($9 per month): Thursday Night Football games are exclusively available on Amazon Prime Video.

These streaming services cover a wide range of games, so you can choose the option that best suits your preferences and budget.

The Lowdown on NFL Plus and NFL Network

NFL Plus lets fans stream local and primetime games

The NFL offers its own streaming service called NFL Plus, which has undergone some improvements alongside a price increase. With NFL Plus, you can stream any local or national game on your phone or tablet. The service also includes the exclusive ESPN Plus and Peacock games. The NFL Network is now included in NFL Plus, and you can watch both the channel and its eight exclusive NFL games on your mobile devices, computers, game consoles, or TVs.

Apart from NFL Plus, the five major streaming services also offer the NFL Network in certain plans. So, you have multiple options to enjoy the channel’s football-focused content.

The Best Streaming Options for the 2023 NFL Season

The streaming services mentioned above cover a broad spectrum of NFL games, ensuring that you don’t miss any of the action. Here are our top recommendations for the 2023 NFL season:

Best for Everything: YouTube TV ($73)

Sarah Tew/CNET

For the past two years, YouTube TV has been our go-to choice, and it continues to impress in 2023. Priced at $73 per month, YouTube TV offers a comprehensive package that includes all the major football channels, including CBS, NBC, Fox, ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network. You can even add the RedZone channel with an additional $11 per month. With superior DVR capabilities, unlimited storage, and the option to stream in 4K, YouTube TV is unbeatable.

The Cheapest Way to Stream NFL RedZone: NFL Plus Premium ($15 per month)

Rob Carr/Getty Images

For fans who are avid followers of every touchdown during the Sunday afternoon games, NFL RedZone is a must-watch. The most affordable option to get RedZone in 2023 is by subscribing to NFL Plus Premium. Starting at $15 per month, this plan not only includes RedZone but also allows you to watch it on TVs and computers, making it an easy choice for RedZone enthusiasts.

Budget Alternatives for NFC and AFC Fans

If you’re looking to save some cash while enjoying NFL games, we have a couple of alternatives for you:

  • NFC Fans in Big Cities: Sling Blue ($45) or Antenna ($20 one-time) – Sling TV’s Blue plan offers access to NBC, Fox, and the NFL Network. However, it lacks CBS and ABC. To fill in the gaps, you can opt for an antenna, which provides local channels without any monthly charges.
  • AFC Fans: Paramount Plus Essentials ($6) or Antenna ($20 one-time) – Paramount Plus’ Essentials tier is a great option for catching CBS’ slate of Sunday AFC games. However, coverage may vary depending on your location. Alternatively, you can rely on an antenna to access local channels.

Thursday Night Football: Amazon Prime Video

Starting from Week 2, Thursday Night Football games are exclusively available on Amazon Prime Video. If you’re already an Amazon Prime subscriber, you can enjoy these games at no extra cost. However, if you’re not a subscriber, you can opt for the standalone TV service fee of $9 per month.

NFL Sunday Ticket: The Ultimate Package

After being exclusively available on DirecTV for years, NFL Sunday Ticket has found its new home on YouTube TV. This ultimate package allows you to watch out-of-market games and choose between different pricing options. With Sunday Ticket, you can access Sunday afternoon games not broadcasted by CBS or Fox in your area. Students can also take advantage of discounted prices.

As the 2023 NFL season commences, you now have a plethora of options to catch every game, touchdown, and highlight. Whether you’re an avid fan or a casual viewer, there’s a streaming service that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. So, grab your favorite snacks, gather your fellow football enthusiasts, and enjoy an unforgettable season of NFL action right from the comfort of your own home!