How to stream NFL football

Sling TV has an a la carte approach to channels that separates it from its competitors. Sling TV offers two basic packages: Blue, with 43 channels for $35, and Orange, with 32 channels for $35. You can get them both as a package deal for $50, and you can add small packages of other channels, called Sling Extras, for small additional fees.

For NFL fans this is a mixed blessing. I like it because it lets me get the channels I want, but it’s also a tad confusing. Some channels are available on both Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Orange is basically an ESPN/Disney package, while Blue offers a Fox/NBC package. Blue also includes The NFL Network. Your best deal, if you want a broad selection of channels, is to subscribe to the combo for $50.

Sling TV’s Extra packages, besides such common offerings as Showtime channels, cost from $6 monthly. For pro ball fans, the $11 Sports Extra comes with 15 channels, including NFL RedZone. 

What you won’t get, though, is your local CBS affiliate. For that, Sling TV urges you to use an over-the-air antenna. Sling TV offers its own streaming device, the $99.99 AirTV 2, which I’ve used and liked. This lets you watch both Sling TV and your local channels. Sling frequently offers deals on the AirTV 2 that cut its price down considerably.

Sling TV’s cloud DVR gives you 50 hours of recording time, and you can record as many shows as you want at once. If you want more, you can add up to 200 hours of storage for an additional $5 a month. You can fast-forward through commercials with this service.

Your streaming options are … interesting. Sling Orange only lets you stream one channel at a time, while Sling Blue allows you to stream three. If you combine them, you can stream four shows at once. 

Personally, I’ve liked Sling TV ever since it pioneered live TV streaming back in 2016. I like the interface, I like its speed, and I like that I can pick and choose my channels, so I get just what I want. Its combined Blue and Orange price is still below those of its main competitors. But without CBS, you can’t stream AFC games. For NFL streamers, Sling TV is a second-choice service.

Besides CBS, you can’t watch Thursday Night or out-of-market NFL games.

On the other hand, Sling TV gives you the cheapest way to watch RedZone. You do this by subscribing to Sling TV Blue for $35 per month and adding the $11 per month Sports Extra add-on.