Cutting the Cord and Catching the Monsters of the Midway: How to Stream Chicago Bears Games Without Getting Sacked
Ah, Chicago Bears football. A glorious tradition of grit, determination, and enough heartbreaking losses to make a Sisyphus weep. But fear not, fellow fans! The days of being tied to your grandma's ancient cable box to watch Mitch Trubisky (or whoever's under center these days) are over. In the age of streaming, you can catch all the action from the comfort of your couch, phone, or even that weird beanbag chair in the basement (no judgement). But with more options than plays in Mike Ditka's playbook, how do you choose the right streaming service for your Bears fix?
Fear Not, Streamers! Here's Your Game Day Survival Guide:
1. Going Local (and Free!)
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The Old Faithful: Over-the-Air Antenna - Remember those spiky things on top of houses? Believe it or not, they still work! An antenna can snag you local channels like CBS and FOX, which often broadcast Bears games. It's free, but the reception might be a bit...enthusiastic during a monsoon (just like a day at Soldier Field!).
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Mobile App Magic: Chicago Bears App and CBS Sports - Die-hard Apple fan? The official Chicago Bears app lets you stream games for free on iOS devices (sorry, Android users, you're on your own for now). Bonus points for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes shenanigans. CBS Sports also offers free local broadcasts with a valid cable or satellite login.
2. Streaming Services: Your One-Stop Shop for Pigskin Perfection
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Cord-Cutting Champs: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV - These guys are the MVPs of streaming. They offer packages with all the major networks, including those pesky ones that keep showing the Packers (grumble grumble). Plus, you get a bunch of other channels to keep you entertained during those inevitable commercial breaks.
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Paramount+ - The home of CBS, this streamer is a great option for Bears fans who want to catch all the action without the extra bells and whistles. Plus, you get access to a ton of shows and movies to keep you busy when the season's over.
3. NFL Royalty: NFL+ and Sunday Ticket
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NFL+ : In-Market Love - This is the official streaming service of the NFL, offering in-market Bears games and out-of-market preseason games. It's a good option for casual fans who only want to see their hometown heroes. There's even a free trial, so you can test it out before you commit.
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Sunday Ticket: The Ultimate Fan Cave Experience - Think of Sunday Ticket as the buffet of streaming options. You get access to EVERY out-of-market NFL game, including the Bears (because let's face it, they're not always on national television). This one comes with a steeper price tag, so make sure your fandom is strong enough to handle the financial hit.
Remember: No matter which option you choose, make sure you have a strong internet connection. Nobody wants a pixelated Justin Fields pass attempt interrupting their viewing experience (although, it might be a metaphor for the 2023 season...too soon?).
So there you have it, folks! With a little research and maybe a bag of chips (gotta keep those Bears-induced hunger pangs at bay), you can be all set to stream another exciting (hopefully) season of Chicago Bears football. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some research to do on the best way to stream therapy sessions... just kidding (mostly). But seriously, Bear Down!
