How To Stream NFL Games for Free and Unlock the Gridiron

If you’re a die-hard American football fan who’s missing out on watching Thursday night football games, you're not alone! 

The best way to watch National Football League (NFL) games for free is on the official NFL channel. But even if you're an international fan or have ditched your expensive cable subscription, there are still plenty of other free NFL streaming sites available.  

In this article, we’ll discuss why you may be encountering issues accessing NFL football games and provide recommendations to overcome these common obstacles, including the best VPNs for streaming football from anywhere. 

8 best free streaming sites for NFL games

If you’re looking for a free and reliable website for streaming NFL games, you should check out the following U.S. and international websites. You can bypass potential geo-restrictions and secure your privacy by using a trustworthy VPN like NordVPN.

Pro tip: The reliability and security of these streaming sites can vary, so it’s best to have as many options as possible available in case you encounter technical issues. 

1. NFL Channel: The official free channel for NFL games, streaming live NFL content 24/7. 
2. NFLBite: A popular platform that provides a number of streaming links for every NFL game.
3. BuffStreams: Another well-known streaming site that offers free livestreams of all NFL games.
4. Crackstreams NFL: A streaming site renowned for its extensive coverage of the NFL calendar.
5. CricFreeTV: While primarily used for streaming cricket matches, CricFreeTV also broadcasts other live sports, including the NFL.
6. Tubi: If you're looking for Sunday afternoon and evening games that are normally hosted on FOX, Tubi is a free alternative.
7. 7plus: Even Australia loves watching NFL games, and you can join the Aussie crowd streaming football for free at 7plus. (Tip: Using a VPN with Australian servers can help you access 7plus and other foreign streaming services.)
8. StreamNFL: A quick and easy way to find the next game and stream it, StreamNFL doesn't require an account.

Best VPNs for NFL streaming

Virtual private networks (VPNs) are an excellent and secure way to bypass streaming restrictions, allowing you to access your favorite NFL games and global live-streaming sites. Choosing the right VPN for a seamless and enjoyable NFL streaming experience is crucial. Our top three VPN recommendations for streaming live games are NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access. 

NordVPN is our #1 overall VPN based on performance and price. We also highly recommend Surfshark for large households because it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to use the VPN (and other bundled security software, such as CleanWeb ad blocker) on all your devices. And finally, Private Internet Access (PIA) is the only VPN provider to offer servers in all 50 U.S. States, ensuring you access across the country. 

How to use a VPN to stream the NFL

Be sure to do your own research and ensure the VPN you choose has suitable security and reliable performance while bypassing geo-restrictions. We’ll walk you through the steps for using a VPN to stream football games.

1. Choose a VPN: First, select a reliable and secure VPN service that meets your requirements for streaming live NFL games.
2. Sign up and install the VPN: Sign up for a membership (if required) with your preferred VPN and then proceed to download and install the VPN app or browser extension on your chosen device. Most VPNs will work with computers, mobile devices, and tablets. There are even VPN apps for Amazon Fire TV Stick, routers, and more.
3. Launch the VPN: Open the VPN app or browser extension and log in using your account details.
4. Select a server location and connect: Browse through the server locations and select one in a region where the NFL game you want to watch is available and not subject to any blackout restrictions. When you’re happy, simply click the server or the “connect” button to establish a connection.
5. Access the streaming site: Now you can open your preferred NFL live streaming site and find a link to the game of your choice.
6. Enjoy the game: Time to sit back and enjoy the game!

These instructions may vary slightly depending on the VPN’s user interface that you use. Refer to any guidelines provided by your VPN provider for their specific steps.

Why you should stream NFL games with a VPN

With technology like VPNs, you can access any NFL game, no matter the region. A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to bypass geographic restrictions. You can connect to a VPN server located in a city or country that has access to the live NFL game you wish to watch.

VPNs have other benefits as well. They can encrypt your internet traffic, rerouting it through a secure server. You can protect your devices from unsecured networks, such as public Wi-Fi, and hide your online activity from your internet service provider. This will protect your data from cyber threats.

Why can't I watch certain NFL games?

There’s nothing more frustrating than being excited to watch your favorite NFL games but being unable to access the sports stream from your cable subscription. This is likely due to local geo-restrictions implemented by the league and its streaming provider to comply with broadcasting rights and contractual agreements. Due to this exclusive agreement, the specific network or cable subscription broadcasting the game has the rights to the match and only in a specific region, which you may fall under.

And even NFL+, formerly known as NFL Game Pass in the U.S., has certain limitations. This subscription service is designed for livestreaming games that are out of market and for international viewers only, so fans in the region where the game is being played may still miss out on the action.

FAQs on NFL livestream sites

Bottom line

Live NFL streaming for free is possible thanks to livestreaming sites, combined with a VPN, which helps overcome geo-restrictions and protect your privacy. Whether you’re seeking to stream live NFL games or engage in other online activities, it’s important to stay safe online and use a VPN for encrypted protection and security.

If you’re interested in VPN services for sports betting on NFL games or other live sports, visit our guide to the best VPNs for sports betting and gambling.