The NFL Playoffs will officially kick off on Saturday, January 4 this year, and millions of avid fans will surely watch or try it out on their mobile devices. Honestly, the Playoffs really start when my Packers play the 49ers at Lambeau.
For anyone who will be away from the TV, working, or otherwise out and about, they will likely catch a few games or entire games on a mobile device of their choice. Everything from Android smartphones and tablets to iPhone and iPad. While this was a relatively easy task in previous seasons, watching all the wildcards and playoff games on mobile this year will be easier than in past years.
Of course, the usual subscription methods that we’ll talk about below still work, but here we’ll explain a few quick and easy (and some free) ways to enjoy the NFL postseason on mobile this year.
Streaming NFL games online is nothing new for CBS, especially when it comes to the Playoffs or SuperBowl, but this year will be the first time mobile devices can go to the website and stream games for free. They don’t have a neat little mobile app, but you can still watch every game. At least from the AFC Playoffs.
NFC Playoffs and FOX games will be behind what many call a “paywall” that limits free streaming. As long as you subscribe to Comcast, Cox, Time Warner and many others, you can log in and enjoy the video with it. It’s similar to how the WatchESPN app works.
CBS Sports
CBSSports.com It will stream the AFC Playoffs like Chargers vs Cinci and every other CBS game on the web. And all Android smartphone or iOS users can navigate to that page from your mobile browser and watch it too. Finally. The CBSSports Android app says it streams popular games, but we’re not yet sure if the app will support full streaming, but the website will.
NFL Mobile
This is one of the best options for NFL fans who want to be a part of the action, but sadly limited to Verizon users. Well, the good parts. You can do Download NFL Mobile and enjoy scores, alerts and highlights, but for live NFL games you must be a Verizon Wireless customer and a paid NFL Mobile subscriber for $5.99 per month. It’s a shame that NFL Network customers (like me) can’t get better access on mobile, but at least Verizon users can enjoy better live streams.
Then, if you manage to own a Windows Phone or Blackberry device as well, NFL Mobile is available there too, so you have options, folks. That’s Verizon users, though, and it’s going to cost you to actually stream video.
NBC Sports Live Extra
Then for all Eagles fans who want to watch the high-octane rush against the Saints, you can do it with NBC Sports Live Extra. Who will broadcast free on the weband they are also Android app This requires you to sign in to your cable provider as long as the app supports it. The app isn’t the best either, so we recommend going to the website in your mobile browser on your preferred Android or iOS device.
weather
Aereo is another great option for mobile device users. This little service is the future of TV. No hardware required (other than a compatible smartphone or tablet), and when you sign up, which is free, everything is recorded or streamed directly from the cloud. This only works with your local ones, but with only a few games this weekend, it will definitely release the Playoffs. Unless the NFL and a few courtrooms intervene. They’ve been under attack for great service since launch and we don’t see that stopping anytime soon. Receive the app is here.
sling box
Of course, Slingbox and Slingplayer are a great option for those who have already paid and enjoyed it. A device that connects to users’ TV service at home, work or anywhere with an internet connection and then broadcasts it over Slingbox servers. this mobile application It’s $15, but if you already have this setup, you can stream any NFL game to a mobile device or browser with ease. So watch from work if you need to.
Here are a few more details about Slingplayer and the apps. It’s an expensive setup that we wouldn’t recommend just for the playoffs, you can watch anything with it, so grab it when you’re ready for episodes of Breaking Bad or Homeland.
NFL Game Rewind
The NFL has Game Rewind, Pre-Season Live, and Season Plus This allows some games to be watched live and AFTER real, commercial and non-stop watching. They also have companion apps for smartphones and tablets, but you likely won’t be able to watch the game live. However, if necessary, you can catch yourself missing from Saturday’s games on Sunday while you’re busy with your work.
They also offer a Playoffs Only package for $19.99, which again is repeat-only so not worth it if you ask me, but each on their own. I hope next year the NFL gets smarter and presents them live, not just as a replay. I would pay $99 per season for this.
Illegal Streams
Of course we would never condone illegal activity, and the quality of such broadcasts isn’t good enough to really enjoy Aaron Rodgers scoring a 48-yard field goal against Randall Cobb, but you have the option if you want. Justin TV or UStream both are usually packed with links (and popups) you can use to enjoy the playoffs this year.
Apps
While this post is all about watching the NFL Playoffs live from your mobile or Android device, you’ll also want the apps to stay up to date. My personal favorite for all sports Yahoo! sports, formerly Sportacular, only for wide coverage, notifications and coverage. NFL Mobile is a good one and of course Team Flow by BleacherReport.
Hopefully a few of these options will help you enjoy the NFL Playoffs this year, even on the go. I’ll stay warm watching the Packers beat the 49ers in cold weather. Go Package Go!
