The NFL continues to be one of the most popular sports leagues in the world with millions of dedicated fans tuning in every week to catch all the action live. However, cable TV subscriptions with full sports packages can be quite expensive. That’s where NFL streaming sites like Reddit come in extremely handy.
Reddit is a massive online discussion forum where different communities called subreddits are dedicated to various topics. With its huge user base, there are always active discussions happening around live streaming different sports events including all NFL games. In this article, we’ll show you how to stream NFL games for free using popular subreddits like r/nflstreams and more alternative options.
NFL Streams on Reddit
The r/nflstreams subreddit was once one of the most popular spots on Reddit for NFL fans to find live stream links for games throughout the season. However, in 2019 Reddit banned the subreddit due to copyright claims from TV networks and the NFL.
While r/nflstreams may no longer exist, several similar subreddits have popped up to continue offering free NFL live streams. Here are some of the best alternate subreddits to check for free NFL streaming links:
r/nflredditstream – Created as a direct replacement for r/nflstreams, this subreddit remains quite active and regularly updates live stream links for all games.
r/nflbite – Another highly active subreddit with multiple live stream links for each game organized by date in a calendar format. Streams load very quickly.
r/nfltv – In addition to live streams, this community also shares streams of NFL Films/Network TV shows and replays of full games.
r/ncaafootballdreams – While focused mainly on college football, they also share links for NFL games from services like DirecTV Sunday Ticket streams.
To find live NFL streams on any of these subreddits, simply browse through the posts for the day of
games and click on the stream link titles. The links will usually be embedded stream players or redirect to legal third party live sports streaming sites. Make sure to have an Adblock browser extension to avoid pop-ups.
Alternative Free NFL Streaming Sites
While Reddit remains the best free option, there are also a few alternative websites where you may be able to stream NFL games online without signing up or paying for a subscription:
Crackstreams – An unofficial live sports streaming site featuring streams for multiple leagues including NFL. The streams work flawlessly for most games.
Stream East – Provides free live streams and replays of all NFL games as well as other sports and eSports tournaments. Streams may buffer/lag at times.
Buffstreams – Reliable free streaming site similar to Crackstreams and Stream East. The streams are advertised as donations but you can watch completely for free.
SportsSurge – Acts as a search aggregator to help users find working live streams for NFL games across different streaming sites & servers. Rotate through links if one stops working.
Streamee – Another aggregator that searches through free sports streams across the web and indexes them on daily schedules for easy access.
ESPN+ Free Trial – ESPN+ offers a 7-day free trial which gives you access to some live NFL games as well as archives of past seasons & films. Remember to cancel before the trial ends.
Yahoo! Sports App – Yahoo’s sports app may sometimes show NFL games streaming for free. Check your local/regional broadcast availability on game days.
These sites should allow you to watch NFL games live for free without signing up as long as you have an active internet connection. However, the quality and reliability may vary compared to paid services.
Alternative Paid Streaming Options
If you don’t mind spending a little, there are some affordable paid streaming services that provide wider access to NFL games than regular cable/satellite:
NFL Sunday Ticket (DirecTV) – Lets you stream any out-of-market Sunday afternoon games live on mobile devices for $73/month, or $293 for the season with no contract.
YouTube TV – A cable TV alternative service that offers NBC, CBS, FOX, ESPN & NFL Network channels. Costs $64.99/month with a free trial. Some blackouts apply.
Hulu + Live TV – Also has the key NFL channels and costs $64.99/month after a 1 week free trial. Select local games may be blacked out.
fuboTV – Gets you CBS, FOX, NBC & NFL Network for $64.99/month. Regional blackouts still apply on some networks. Free 7-day trial available.
Sling TV – The Blue package has NBC and FOX for $35/month to watch select games. Combining it with additional Sports Extra add-on costs $45/month and adds more ESPN channels.
This allows you to access NFL games live and on-demand much like you would with a regular cable subscription while also getting DVR functionality to record shows too. However, you may still run into occasional blackouts depending on your location.
Watch NFL Live Games for Free using Locast
Another unique option to watch local NFL games for free is Locast – a nonprofit local TV streaming service that brings broadcast networks like CBS, FOX, NBC and ABC to internet-connected devices. It works similar to an online DVR for local network affiliate stations in supported cities.
To use Locast:
Go to Locast.org and input your zip code to check service availability in your area
Download the Locast app on Roku, Fire TV, Android or iOS devices
Sign up using just your email address without paying anything
Browse live and recorded local channels
On Sundays during the NFL season, simply tune into your local CBS and FOX affiliate stations at kickoff times to watch any games being broadcast in your home market absolutely free with Locast. The service requires a monthly donation but is free to try for 7 days.
Other tips for streaming NFL games for free:
Use a VPN like Nord VPN or Express VPN set to local markets to bypass blackouts when streaming from the sites/services mentioned above.
Check if your public library provides free access to authentication services like Canopy which may have NFL content or live local game streams available.
Keep an eye out for free trials of services like Sling TV, YouTube TV or others that overlap with a weekend or week of games early in the season.
Follow your favorite NFL teams’ social media handles & websites for news on free streaming events like international games, preseason games or Thanksgiving games.
So in summary, while r/nflstreams was once the best Reddit option, there remain several active NFL STREAM Reddit to check regularly. And with alternative websites, paid streaming services, VPNs and location-based options like Locast – there are still many ways to stream NFL games for free or at low cost without needing cable. Just do your research for each game day.
