Time to cut the cord? A guide to NFL coverage on a budget
In pretty much every case, it's much more cost-effective to ditch your cable subscription for Internet-based TV services. Over the past few years, Internet TV services like Sling and PlayStation Vue have exploded in popularity, but many have held off from cutting the cord because services like NFL Sunday Ticket and channels like the NFL Network and RedZone were not available.
However, this offseason, most of those problems have been solved. Sling TV now offers NFL Network as part of its core group of channels with RedZone available as an add-on, with PlayStation Vue availability to follow.
Honestly, there's very little reason not to cut the cord, given that most cable and satellite networks charge around $100 per month for the privilege to watch live games, plus more if you're going to add NFL Sunday Ticket or watch in multiple rooms. There are plenty of options available, so let us be your guide.
For NFL fans on a tight budget, Sling TV may be your best bet. Recently, it's added the NFL Network to its Sling Blue package, available for $25 per month, and the RedZone Channel as part of a $5 Sports Extra package.
There are a few drawbacks, however. As it stands now, the only way to get both ESPN networks and the NFL Network on the same plan is to purchase Sling's most expensive channel pack at $40/month. In addition, at least right now, broadcast channels like NBC or Fox are not available in certain areas, and it appears as if the service doesn't carry CBS at all.
Pros: Incredibly affordable depending on your specific needs, no contracts, support for multiple devices
Cons: Need to spend more money to get all sports channels, iffy support for broadcast channels
All-in monthly cost for NFL viewing: $45/month
PlayStation Vue's offerings start at $50 per month and scale up to $65 per month depending on the package, and they also offer a $10 per month discount for PlayStation Plus members. If you're just looking for a way to watch football and nothing else, however, you won't need much more than Vue's cheapest option, the Access package. That includes broadcast networks like CBS, ABC, NBC and Fox (depending on your market), as well as ESPN (and plenty of other channels).
Now, the service has not added the NFL Network to its package offerings yet, but Sony has promised that it will be forthcoming before the season starts. It's safe to assume that regardless of whether the NFL Network and RedZone are added to the Access package, a higher package or simply offered as an add-on package, you won't be paying more than $5 more per month to add those channels.
As an added bonus, the service is supported by WatchESPN and other mobile apps and websites that require a login from a TV service provider, so Vue can be incredibly versatile on the go.
Pros: Superior DVR functionality, no contracts, stream on up to five devices simultaneously, external app login support, generally more channels included than Sling
Cons: NFL Network and RedZone not offered quite yet, inferior UI to Sling
All-in monthly cost for NFL viewing: $55/month ($45/month for PlayStation Plus subscribers)
As a final note, if DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket service is what has kept you from cutting the cord, know that starting this season, DirecTV is offering the service as a stand-alone package available for $200 (or $300 if you want NFL Sunday Ticket Max with Red Zone and Fantasy Zone). There really isn't any excuse anymore.
Assuming you aren't in the middle of the hugely discounted first year of a two-year contract, you're likely paying double what Sony or Sling are charging, and that's before you consider multi-room viewing, equipment rentals or NFL Sunday Ticket payments. Don't be scared. It's time to cut the cord.
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