Cutting the Cord on the NFL? Here's How Much You'll Shell Out to Ditch Cable and Watch Football Without Getting Tackled by Hidden Fees
So, you're tired of the cable company's Hail Mary attempts to up your bill every season? You want to ditch the ancient box o' channels and join the streaming revolution, but the whole cost thing has you feeling like you just got sacked in the end zone? Fear not, fellow football fan, because we're here to break down the cost of streaming the NFL Network and watching America's favorite sport without getting blindsided by hidden fees.
The Contenders: Your Streaming Showdown
First, let's look at the major players in the streaming game:
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NFL+: This is the official NFL streaming service, and it comes in two flavors – regular ($6.99/month) and premium ($14.99/month). The regular option gets you in-market games (so you can cheer on your hometown heroes), replays, and highlight shows. The premium throws in the holy grail for many fans – NFL RedZone, which lets you jump between all the live games on Sundays.
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Streaming Services with NFL Network: Think of these guys as your all-you-can-eat buffets of channels. YouTube TV ($72.99/month) is a popular option that includes NFL Network along with a ton of other channels. There are also skinny bundles like Sling Blue ($40/month), but be careful – they might not include all the sports channels you crave.
So, Which Option Should You Choose? It Depends on Your Fanatic Level
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The Casual Fan: Just here for the occasional Sunday afternoon showdown? The regular NFL+ subscription ($6.99/month) might be your best bet. You get the in-market games, which is clutch, and you can avoid the commitment of a year-long contract.
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The Weekend Warrior: You live for Sundays glued to the TV, strategizing your fantasy lineup and yelling at the refs (we've all been there). NFL+ Premium ($14.99/month) with that sweet, sweet RedZone access is your champion. Plus, you can snag a discount by pre-paying for the entire season.
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The Channel Surfer: You want all the sports channels, along with entertainment options for the rest of the family? A streaming service with NFL Network might be the way to go. Just remember, these can get pricey compared to NFL+ alone.
Remember, There's More to the Story Than Just the Base Price
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Free Trials: Many of these services offer free trials, so you can take them for a spin before you commit. Just be sure to set a reminder in your phone to cancel before the trial ends, or you might get hit with that surprise charge (trust us, it's a fumble you want to avoid).
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Hidden Fees: Read the fine print! Some services might sock you with additional fees for equipment rentals or regional sports network surcharges.
The Final Whistle: Stream Smart and Enjoy the Game!
With a little research and these handy tips, you can find the perfect streaming option to watch the NFL without getting tackled by your budget. So grab your favorite snacks, settle in on the couch, and get ready for an exciting season – all without the cable company's holding penalties!
