How to Watch NFL Playoffs Online Without Cable (2023 Streaming Guide)

The NFL Playoffs kick off with the wild card rounds, beginning on January 14 and they last until the Super Bowl, on February 12. The best part? You can watch NFL playoffs online without cable!

For a lot of teams, it has been a grueling season as they all collectively fought for their place in the playoffs. Many teams made it, and a few made sure that even though they couldn’t get in, that other teams couldn’t either. It’s been an exciting football season and it’s all about to come to a close.

You don’t need cable to watch the NFL and that includes NFL playoff games. In fact, many of the games air on local channels. These games can be watched multiple ways including cable, streaming, or using a digital antenna.

If you want to ditch cable and watch all the playoffs in one spot, your best bet is to consider a streaming service. Many services offer live channels that include local coverage along with nationwide channels. This means that whether the game is airing on your hometown station or ESPN, you can find a service that can offer you both!

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the details you need to watch NFL playoffs online without cable!

 

What Channels Air the NFL Playoffs?

Rather than list all the channels you’ll need, here is a playoff schedule with the days and times the games will air, the teams playing, and the channel you’ll need to watch them on.

• January 14 (4:30 pm ET) – Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers on FOX
• January 14 (8:15 pm ET) – Los Angeles Chargers vs Jacksonville Jaguars on NBC
• January 15 (1 pm ET) – Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills on CBS
• January 15 (4:30 pm ET) – New York Giants vs Minnesota Vikings on FOX
• January 15 (8:15 pm ET) – Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals on NBC
• January 16 (8 pm ET) – Dallas Cowboys vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers on ESPN
• January 21 (4:30 pm ET) – AFC Division Round on CBS
• January 21 (8:15 pm ET) – NFC Division Round on FOX
• January 22 (3 pm ET) – AFC Division Round on NBC
• January 22 (6:30 pm ET) – NFC Division Round on CBS
• January 29 (3 pm ET) – NFC Conference Championship on FOX
• January 29 (6:30 pm ET) – AFC Conference Championship on CBS
• February 12 (6:30 pm ET) – Super Bowl on FOX

As you can see, all games but one air on local channels. The only cable network you need access to is ESPN. Luckily many streaming services that offer local coverage also offer ESPN. That means that you can have access to watch NFL playoffs online without cable!

Keep reading to learn where you can watch NFL Playoffs online!

 

The Best Streaming Services to Watch NFL Playoffs Online

Streaming has been around for a while now, which means that most of the new technology kinks have been worked out and users are settling into their cable-free lives. There are so many options in the streaming market that it can almost seem daunting if you’re trying to pick a new service. We’ve removed some of that work by finding the best sports streaming services available. You just pick one and you’ll be set to stream NFL Playoffs and many other sports!

Even though most of the games during the NFL Playoffs are on local channels, you can subscribe to a live streaming service that offers local and nationwide content. In fact, these packages tend to look and feel a lot like cable, but with a cheaper price tag!

All the services that you’re about to learn about are contract-free services. That means that you can sign up and cancel whenever you want. Many of the services even offer a free trial. This is great because it gives you a few days to test out the service before you pay anything for it. If you’re not happy, you’ll have time to cancel and avoid being charged.

Here’s how you can watch NFL Playoffs online without cable.

 

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM has everything you need to watch the NFL playoffs online. You’ll have access to local channels in most parts of the country and access to ESPN is included. There are multiple package options, but all of them include the access you need to stream the playoffs!

Packages start at $70 per month and go up from there, depending on the package that you choose. Local channels are available in most areas. You can check the DIRECTV STREAM website and input your zip code to see the exact channel lineup you would receive.

In addition to local channels and ESPN, DIRECTV STREAM goes all out where sports are concerned. You can enjoy most popular sports channels including Big Ten Network, ESPN2 and ESPNU. Many other popular sports channels are also included. You can find the full package details in the DIRECTV STREAM channel lineup.

DIRECTV STREAM includes an on-demand library and a cloud-based DVR with your account. You’ll have the chance to stream on multiple devices including Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, and mobile devices.

Interested in learning more? Our DIRECTV STREAM review has all the details!

You can also check out the free five-day trial of DIRECTV STREAM.

 

fuboTV

fuboTV offers multiple live streaming packages if you’re ready to cut the cord. The base package is available for $75 per month, and it includes over 100 channels! Local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC are included in most homes. You’ll also have access to ESPN and many other sports channels.

The fuboTV channel lineup can give you the complete picture of what your lineup would look like. In addition to local networks and ESPN, you will have regional channels courtesy of AT&T SportsNet and NBC Sports regionals. NFL Network, FS1, and many other channels are also included.

Additional add-ons are available that can be added to any package for a small fee. These include sports and general entertainment options. You can cancel these additions at any time.

Your account will include standard features like use of TV Everywhere apps and a cloud-based DVR. You can stream live sports with the fuboTV app using Apple TV, mobile devices, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and other devices.

Our fuboTV review is a great resource if you want to learn more.

A 7-day fuboTV free trial is available!

 

Hulu Live

Hulu Live includes everything you need to watch NFL Playoffs online without cable. Plans start at $70 per month. Local channels are included, as well as ESPN. In fact, you’ll have access to over 85 channels with your Hulu Live subscription.

The Hulu Live channel lineup offers a full look at all the channels you’ll be able to watch. Beyond local channels and ESPN, you’ll have networks like ESPN2, TNT, TBS, USA, BTN, ACCN, truTV, and many others! You’ll also have several general entertainment channels to go with all the sports coverage!

Hulu Live subscribers receive free subscriptions to both ESPN+ and Disney+ with their subscription. You’ll have an unlimited cloud-based DVR, access to TV Everywhere apps, and be able to watch anything from the Hulu on-demand library.

If you’re ready to start watching Hulu Live, you just need to turn on the app and pick something! You can use the Hulu Live app on mobile devices, Chromecast, gaming consoles, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, computers, and other devices.

You can learn more with our Hulu Live review.

Give Hulu Live a try with the free 7-day trial!

 

Sling TV

Sling TV gives you the choice of three packages starting at $40 per month. Like other packages, Sling TV can be cancelled at any time. You won’t be able to watch the full NFL playoffs with Sling, but if you have access to an antenna for local coverage, this is one of the cheapest ways to stream ESPN without cable.

The Sling TV channel lineup offers the complete package details. Local coverage is spotty, at best, with Sling TV. Some access to FOX and NBC is included, though it’s only available in a few cities. So, if you’re looking for local channels, this might not be for you. The Sling Orange package does offer ESPN and many other popular networks, though.

Each package comes with a cloud-DVR that includes 50-hours of storage space. Other features include an on-demand library and standard features like access to TV Everywhere apps.

You can stream Sling TV on most devices including Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, computers, and more.

Our Sling TV review has more available details.

Check out the current Sling TV deals here.

 

Vidgo

Vidgo is another option that offers access to many of the NFL playoff channels you need to watch without cable. Multiple plans are available, starting at $60 per month. ESPN is included in the base package along with dozens of other top channels.

Locals are available, but only some of them. You’ll have access to ABC and FOX. Unfortunately, NBC and CBS are not included. Where the playoffs are concerned this means you’d have access to games airing on FOX and ESPN.

Like with other services, you can cancel Vidgo at any time. Your package comes with some fun and interesting features. You’ll be able to pause and rewind live TV. Another option is the watch party feature, which allows you to watch content on Vidgo with other Vidgo users. Up to 100 users can watch together.

You can stream Vidgo on most popular streaming devices. Options like mobile devices, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV are all available.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out our Vidgo review.

Check out the deals on Vidgo, here.

 

YouTube TV

YouTube TV offers one plan that’s available for $65 per month. You’ll get local channels in most areas. ESPN is included, too. There are even channels you can add to your package if you’re willing to pay an additional fee.

The YouTube TV channel lineup is a great way to learn about the full channel lineup. You’ll find many popular channels including ESPN2, TNT, USA, TBS, truTV, BTN, NFL Network, and more. There’s also a huge amount of general entertainment channels.

Package features include multiple profiles for your account, unlimited cloud-DVR access, use of TV Everywhere apps, and an on-demand library.

YouTube TV is compatible with most streaming devices. Some options include Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, computers, mobile devices, and more.

Our YouTube TV review has more details.

Try YouTube TV free for a week.

 

FAQ

If you’re ready to choose a streaming service, you should be all set to watch NFL Playoffs online. You might still have some questions, though. If you do, this section is for you. Check out these common questions and if you can’t find yours, feel free to ask us in the comments!

What Channels do I need to Watch the NFL Playoffs?

The playoffs will air on multiple networks including CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN.

Can I Watch the NFL Playoffs Online without Cable?

Yes! In fact, many games can be watched with just a basic digital antenna. You’ll need a streaming service or cable provider to watch the game on ESPN, though.

Can I Watch the NFL Playoffs on ESPN+?

No. None of the NFL Playoff games will air on ESPN+.

Can I Watch the Super Bowl without Cable?

Yes. We’ve included the Super Bowl details here, as well as the playoff games. All games including the Super Bowl can be watched online without cable.

 

A Final Word on How to Watch NFL Playoffs Online

The NFL Playoffs will air on local channels and ESPN this year. That’s great for cord cutters because all these channels are easily accessible using a live streaming service or even your own digital antenna. You’ll be able to take your pick of using an antenna and a streaming service, or you can find a streaming service that offers access to local channels and ESPN.

Remember, all the services listed here offer the chance to cancel your package on your own terms. If you’re not satisfied with your service, just cancel, and move on. Some of these services offer free trial periods. If you want to test them out, just sign up and see how you like things. If you’re not satisfied just make sure to cancel before the end of the trial to avoid being charged.

Still not sure how to watch NFL Playoffs online without cable? Feel free to leave your questions in the comments.