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Can You Watch NFL Games on Apple TV? Your Complete Guide

Yes, you absolutely can watch NFL games on Apple TV, but the way you do it depends on the game and the streaming services you subscribe to. Let’s break down all the ways you can catch the action on your Apple TV, because missing your favorite team is simply unacceptable!

Untangling the NFL Streaming Landscape

The world of streaming NFL games can feel like navigating a complex playbook. Rights are scattered across different networks and platforms, so understanding where to find each game is crucial. Fortunately, Apple TV is a versatile device that can bring it all together.

Understanding NFL Game Rights

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to grasp how the NFL divvies up its game rights. Key players include:

National Broadcast Networks (CBS, FOX, NBC): These networks typically hold the rights to regular season Sunday afternoon games, as well as select playoff games.
ESPN: Often airs Monday Night Football.
Amazon Prime Video: Holds exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football.
NFL Network: Features Thursday Night Football games (simulcast with Amazon Prime Video in some instances) and select Saturday games later in the season.
Local Broadcast Channels: Carry games featuring your local team.

This distribution model dictates how you access games on your Apple TV. You can use third-party apps or live TV streaming services.

Utilizing Streaming Services on Apple TV

Your key to watching NFL games on Apple TV lies in utilizing the right streaming services. Here’s a rundown of the major players and how they fit into the NFL landscape:

NFL+: This is the NFL’s own streaming service. It allows you to watch live local and primetime games on your phone or tablet. You can also listen to live game audio on any device. Note that NFL+ doesn’t allow you to watch live games on your Apple TV directly, but you can cast to your Apple TV from your phone or tablet. NFL+ Premium unlocks game replays and condensed games without commercials.
Amazon Prime Video: The exclusive home of Thursday Night Football. If you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber, simply download the Prime Video app on your Apple TV and start watching.
Paramount+: Paramount+ offers live streams of CBS-broadcast NFL games, including regional Sunday afternoon games and some playoff matchups. Select the Paramount+ Premium plan to enjoy your local CBS station live, including NFL games.
Peacock: Peacock streams Sunday Night Football games broadcast on NBC. Certain exclusive regular-season games and playoff games can also be streamed here.
ESPN+: While ESPN+ doesn’t typically stream the main Monday Night Football broadcast, it does offer supplementary NFL content, including game recaps, analysis, and studio shows. Check for special ESPN+ exclusive NFL games, as they occasionally feature one.
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo: These are live TV streaming services that bundle various channels, including CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. They offer a comprehensive way to watch a wide range of NFL games on your Apple TV without a traditional cable subscription. Check each service for your local channels.

Downloading Necessary Apps

The first step is ensuring you have the correct apps installed on your Apple TV. Navigate to the App Store on your Apple TV, search for the relevant streaming services, and download them. Once installed, log in with your existing subscriptions.

Connecting to Your Local Broadcasts

A crucial consideration is how to access your local broadcast networks. The following options let you stream your local broadcast networks to catch the local games:

Live TV Streaming Services: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and Sling TV usually include local channels in their packages. Verify that your local CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates are included in the service’s channel lineup for your area.
Over-the-Air (OTA) Antenna: An OTA antenna receives local broadcast signals for free. Connect the antenna to your TV and use the Apple TV’s screen mirroring feature (via AirPlay) to display the antenna feed. Some apps like Channels DVR and Plex can also integrate with HDHomeRun tuners to provide a TV guide and DVR functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how to watch NFL games on Apple TV:

1. Can I watch every NFL game live on Apple TV?

No, you cannot watch every NFL game live directly through a single app on Apple TV. Game rights are split across various networks and streaming services.

2. Does NFL Sunday Ticket work on Apple TV?

As of 2023, YouTube TV is the official home of NFL Sunday Ticket, which provides access to out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. To watch these games, subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket through YouTube TV and watch via the YouTube TV app on your Apple TV.

3. How can I watch Thursday Night Football on Apple TV?

You can watch Thursday Night Football on Apple TV by subscribing to Amazon Prime Video and using the Prime Video app.

4. Is NFL RedZone available on Apple TV?

Yes, NFL RedZone is available on Apple TV through several streaming services like Sling TV (with the Sports Extra add-on), Fubo, and YouTube TV.

5. Can I use AirPlay to watch NFL games on my Apple TV?

Yes, you can use AirPlay to stream content from your iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV. If you have an app that offers live NFL games on your mobile device, you can use AirPlay to mirror your screen to your Apple TV. Be cautious of potential streaming quality issues.

6. What’s the cheapest way to watch NFL games on Apple TV?

The most budget-friendly approach depends on which games you want to watch. An OTA antenna offers free access to local broadcasts. NFL+ gives access to local and primetime games on your mobile devices. A single-channel like Amazon Prime Video may be the most cost-effective if you are only interested in Thursday Night Football games.

7. Do I need a cable subscription to watch NFL games on Apple TV?

No, you don’t need a traditional cable subscription. Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo provide access to many NFL games without requiring a cable contract.

8. Can I record NFL games on Apple TV?

Yes, several live TV streaming services, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo, offer DVR functionality. You can record NFL games and watch them later.

9. Does the NFL Game Pass (now NFL+) include live games on Apple TV?

No, the previous NFL Game Pass did not include live games. Now, NFL+ includes live local and primetime games on mobile devices only. You can cast NFL games from your mobile devices to Apple TV.

10. What is the best streaming service for watching NFL games on Apple TV?

The “best” streaming service is subjective and depends on your viewing preferences and budget. YouTube TV offers a comprehensive package with many channels, including local broadcasts, ESPN, and NFL Network. Fubo is another strong contender with a wide range of sports channels. Sling TV is a more affordable option but may require add-ons to access all the desired NFL channels.

11. Can I watch NFL Network on Apple TV without cable?

Yes, you can watch NFL Network on Apple TV without cable by subscribing to a live TV streaming service that carries the channel, such as YouTube TV, Sling TV (with the Sports Extra add-on), Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV.

12. How often do streaming services change which NFL games they carry?

The broadcasting rights for NFL games can change annually or every few years, so it’s crucial to stay informed. Always check the current season’s broadcasting schedule to confirm which networks and streaming services are carrying specific games.

By understanding the NFL’s broadcasting landscape and utilizing the available streaming services on your Apple TV, you can ensure you never miss a moment of the action! Now, get ready to cheer on your favorite team!