With the NFL playoffs just around the corner, Week 16 promises to be filled with excitement and pivotal matchups. Whether you’re gearing up for intense rivalries or simply want to catch the highlight plays, this guide will help you navigate all your viewing options, including how to use a VPN to watch from anywhere.
Schedule Overview
The weekend kicks off on Saturday with two compelling matchups:
Sunday brings a full slate of action with games at 1:00 PM ET:
- Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns
- Kansas City Chiefs at Tennessee Titans
- Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins
- New York Jets at New Orleans Saints
- Los Angeles Chargers at Dallas Cowboys
- Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers
Later in the day (4:05 PM ET) are:
- Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos
- Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals
Finally, Sunday Night Football features:
- New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens
- Time: 8:20 PM ET
- Channel: NBC, streaming via Peacock.
How to Watch NFL Week 16
For those looking to catch all the games, there are multiple options available depending on your preferences:
Live TV Streaming Services
If switching between different channels seamlessly is a priority, a live TV streaming service might be the best fit. Here are some of the most popular options:
FuboTV
- Cost: $85/month
- Includes: Major networks like CBS, Fox, and NBC.
- Notable Feature: Known for its sports packages and user-friendly interface.
YouTube TV
- Cost: $83/month
- Includes: Access to all channels necessary to watch NFL games, plus the NFL Sunday Ticket (note: Sunday Ticket doesn’t cover local games).
- Refresh Rate: Great ability to flip between games.
DirecTV Stream
- Cost: $70/month for the MySports plan.
- Includes: ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and NFL Network.
- Note: A robust offering for local and national games.
Paramount Plus
- Price: $8/month for the Essentials tier.
- Benefit: Stream CBS games without needing a complete live TV package.
Fox One
- Cost: $20/month or $200/year.
- Features: Offers access to local Sunday afternoon NFL games along with their full TV portfolio.
Using a VPN to Access NFL Games
Sometimes, you might find that your local games are blocked due to regional restrictions—this is where a VPN comes into play. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to reroute your internet connection through servers in different locations, bypassing any blackout restrictions.
Benefits of a VPN
Access to Blocked Games: If you’re in a blackout zone, a VPN can give you an IP address from a different region, allowing you to stream the games you want.
Speed Throttling Protection: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, which prevents your ISP from throttling your connection during peak times.
Increased Privacy: While using public Wi-Fi, a VPN adds a layer of security to your data, protecting your device from potential threats.
Quick Setup Tips for VPN Users
Choose a Reliable VPN: Select a VPN known for fast speed and reliability, such as ExpressVPN, which is recommended for streaming.
Connect to the Appropriate Server: Depending on your desired game location, ensure you’re connected to a server in the right state or region that allows access to the game.
Verify Your Address: Sometimes, the account associated with your streaming service may need to match the location of the VPN server.
Use a Privacy-Focused Browser: Opt for browsers like Brave to securely log into your streaming services, preventing leaks of your actual location.
Install on Routers if Necessary: For devices like smart TVs that don’t directly support VPN apps, install the VPN on your router for broader coverage.
Stay on Top of Your NFL Viewing Game
Make your NFL Week 16 viewing experience as enjoyable as possible by planning ahead. Know the schedule, choose the right streaming options, and consider a VPN if necessary to access all the games. With this guidance, you’ll be all set to enjoy every thrilling moment of the action this weekend. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the excitement of NFL Week 16 is not to be missed!