How To Stream NFL Games for Free and Unlock the Gridiron

The best way to watch National Football League (NFL) games for free is on the official NFL channel. However, if you're having trouble accessing it, plenty of other free NFL streaming sites exist. If you’re a die-hard American football fan who’s missing out on watching Thursday night football games, you are not alone! Many fans of the NFL face this challenge because they reside outside of the United States or have ditched their expensive cable subscriptions.

Fortunately, there is a solution for overcoming this barrier and getting back to enjoying your favorite sport. Virtual private networks (VPNs) are an excellent and secure way to bypass streaming restrictions so you can access your favorite NFL games and live-streaming sites.

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.

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:

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.

By using a VPN like ExpressVPN when accessing these sites, you can bypass potential geo-restrictions and secure your privacy. 

It’s important to note that the reliability and security of these streaming sites can vary, so it’s best to have as many options as possible ready in case you experience technical issues. 

Best VPNs for NFL streaming

Choosing the right VPN for a seamless and enjoyable NFL streaming experience is crucial. Here are three VPN recommendations for streaming live games:

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is known for its fast and reliable server connections. It offers a wide array of server locations spread across the world to help you easily bypass geo-restrictions and access your favorite live NFL games on streaming sites from anywhere in the world.

ExpressVPN also offers excellent encryption to protect your privacy and it is known for reduced latency and lag to ensure you can stream NFL games on up to 8 devices without experiencing buffering.

See ExpressVPN Plans | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

NordVPN

NordVPN is known for its expansive security features and high-performance servers. It offers a network of 6,800+ servers to provide you with reliable NFL streaming.

In addition, Nord offers advanced encryption, ad blocking, and malware protection to ensure your activity remains secure and private.

See NordVPN Plans | Read Our NordVPN Review

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN provider that offers dedicated servers optimized for streaming. Fast and reliable connections and robust security features make it a suitable choice for those wanting to watch NFL games live.

All three recommended VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, but CyberGhost offers 45 days while ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer 30 days. That way, you can really test out how well the VPN works for streaming before committing to a subscription.

See CyberGhost Plans | Read Our CyberGhost Review

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 off, you must 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 the VPN of your choice and then proceed to download and install the VPN app or browser extension on your preferred 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 VPN allows you to bypass geo-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, like public Wi-Fi, and you can 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 that are implemented due to broadcasting rights and contractual agreements between the league and the streaming provider. 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 to 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.