Two games. One last chance. It’s time to see who’s going to the Super Bowl.
This Sunday’s conference championship games will, of course, be must-see affairs for anyone with even a passive interest in the NFL. But what makes them all the more remarkable is that two of those four teams were in jeopardy of not making the playoffs three weeks ago.
We’ll get a bit of a breather next week, with the Pro Bowl, which is hardly riveting stuff. So enjoy this last adrenaline rush before the pomp and pageantry of the Super Bowl hits Sin City.
Here’s how best to catch it all.
Which NFL teams are playing this week? And what channels are airing the games?
Here’s who’s playing where and when this week. (The home team is listed second.)
Sunday, Jan 28
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens, 3:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers, 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox
How can I watch NFL games for free—even if I am out of market?
Both of this week’s NFL playoff games can be watched without a cable (or streaming) subscription. The best way to do that (and watch any sort of network programming) for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. To ensure you’re getting the most reliable signal, be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home.
Can I stream NFL games live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
Of course! Here are a few options.
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $15 per month for all three combined (or $25 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service is no longer offered, as well. It will now cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After up to a two-week trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73. YouTube is also now the home of Sunday Ticket, but that won’t help this week as Sunday Ticket does not carry playoff games.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, but the cord-cutting service is offering 50% off of the first month’s bill.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $75 per month and up after the free trial option.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $75 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Can I watch the NFL games on Amazon?
Yes, but not the playoffs. This week’s games won’t be covered. Prime Video subscribers will be able to watch again next season on Thursdays.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the games I want?
It does!
NFL App
The NFL App will let you stream games that are being broadcast locally in your market on Sundays. If you want to watch an “out of market” game, you’ve got two choices.
NFL+
Watch live local and out of market games and (with the premium subscription) replays. There’s a seven-day free trial, after which you’re looking at a charge of $6.99 per month (including NFL Network). ($14.99 per month for premium, which includes NFL Network and RedZone.)
NFL Sunday Ticket
As mentioned above, YouTube has taken over broadcast duties for this channel, replacing DirecTV. With the current offered discounts, prices on the service (and the optional NFL Red Zone) currently range from $300 to $439 for the season.