The Cheapest Way To Watch NFL Games

LAST UPDATED ON SEP. 18, 2022 AT 12:02 AM | 4 MINUTE READ

If you’re a cord cutter looking for the cheapest way to watch NFL games…

Then for $35 per month, Sling TV’s Blue package is just that.

Moreover, it’s also the best value for local, in-market streams.

In detail, here’s how Sling TV Blue compares to other major streaming providers:

Clearly, Sling TV is the cheapest way to stream NFL games. And when it comes to value, there seems to be minimal difference – with the exception of DirecTV.

To clarify ‘value’, we’re talking in terms of lowest cost per game. So based on the above table, Sling is 29¢, YouTube is 32¢, Fubo & Hulu 34¢, and DirecTV 51¢.

But here’s the thing. These calculations are based on the maximum number of broadcast games, which would only be accessible if you use a VPN. 

The reality is that most NFL fans don’t use a VPN. In actuality then, what we’re talking about is a max of 36 in-market games per year, excluding national broadcasts.

SEE HOW THE BEST NFL STREAMING SERVICES COMPARE.

Conclusion #1: For local, in-market broadcasts only, Sling TV Blue is not only the cheapest way to watch NFL games, it also provides superior value.

Cheap NFL streaming vs. NFL Sunday Ticket

NFL Sunday Ticket is unquestionably the best TV package, primarily because it allows you to watch out of market games. 

Again, the only way to do that with the other streaming services is through a VPN. However, VPNs can be complicated, and moreover, there can be legal issues.

Therefore, without Sunday Ticket or a VPN, the only time you get to watch out of market NFL games is when they’re nationally televised. 

Interactive NFL TV Schedule for 2023

In essence, this creates a good news/bad news scenario for streamers:

• Good news – For the 2022 season, there are 13 teams that have 5 or more primetime games.

• Bad news – In order to access these games, you have to subscribe to either SlingTV (Blue + Orange), Fubo, Hulu, or YouTube TV, and Amazon Prime.

Specifically, since it lacks ESPN, the most out of market games you get with SlingTV Blue is 2.

Conclusion #2: Sling TV is not the cheapest, nor the best, streaming platform for out of market NFL games.

The cheapest way to watch NFL games for each team

Provided that:

• You don’t need access to out of market NFL games, and
• You’re only interested in one team,

Sling TV Blue is the cheapest way to stream NFL games. 

In particular, for fans of 11 teams, it’s also the best streaming value:

Instructions: Mouse over a total in order to see the cost per game for each team for a specific service provider.

This color = lowest

For Sling, the value threshold is 6 games. That is to say, at 6 or more broadcasts, the cost per game is the cheapest among the streaming services. Once you get below that, Sling TV becomes less valuable.

8 games/$4.38 per game
7 games/$5 per game
6 games/$5.83 per game

…NFL fans turning to Sling TV to watch all the big games – silive.com

Conclusion #3: If you’re only interested in watching one NFL team, and 6-8 games will suffice, Sling TV Blue is the cheapest way to watch NFL games.

The absolute cheapest way to watch NFL games

…Is with the new NFL Plus streaming platform and a mobile device. For a mere $29.99 yearly (or $4.99 per month), you get:

• Live out of market preseason games
• Live local regular & postseason games

What’s the catch you say? Notably, you’ll only be able to stream games to your mobile phone or tablet, and casting to a TV isn’t an option. Accordingly, this is a deal-breaker for many, but it’s also the cheapest streaming option by far.

Learn more about NFL+ here.

Conclusion #4: If watching NFL games on a tiny screen isn’t an issue, then this is hands-down the best way to save money.

Summary

• At $35 a month, Sling TV Blue is the cheapest streaming service for NFL games
• Using a VPN will, theoretically, give you access to as many as 267 regular season games in 2022 with Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, & YouTube TV.
• Without a VPN, the most games you get to watch for one team is 8 with Sling, and 11 with Hulu, Fubo, & YouTube TV.
• If watching 6-8 games of one team is enough, then Sling TV Blue provides the best NFL streaming value.
• If saving money is your top priority, then NFL Plus is unquestionably your best bet.
• In reality you can go cheaper, since you can stream NFL games at no cost.

Next: How to Watch NFL Football Online for Free