As the 2024 NFL season approaches, football fans across the United States are gearing up for another exciting year of gridiron action. For those looking to catch all the CBS-aired NFL games without a traditional cable subscription, Paramount+ offers a compelling streaming solution. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about watching NFL 2024 games on CBS Paramount+, from subscription options to troubleshooting tips.
What is Paramount+ and NFL on CBS?
Paramount+ is the streaming service owned by Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) that replaced CBS All Access in 2021. As the digital home for CBS content, Paramount+ provides access to a vast library of on-demand shows, movies, and live sports – including NFL games broadcast on CBS.
NFL on CBS has been a staple of American football coverage for over 60 years. The network typically airs AFC games and select NFC matchups throughout the regular season, as well as playoff games and the Super Bowl on a rotating basis with other networks.
Paramount+ Subscription Options for NFL Viewing
To watch NFL games on Paramount+, you’ll need to choose one of two subscription tiers:
Essential Plan
- Price: $5.99/month or $59.99/year
- Features:
- Live NFL games in your local market
- Limited commercials
- Access to CBS live stream (except local station)
- On-demand content library
Premium Plan
- Price: $11.99/month or $119.99/year
- Features:
- All Essential Plan features
- Commercial-free on-demand content (except live TV)
- Access to local CBS station live stream
- Ability to download shows for offline viewing
- Expanded live sports offerings
Both plans include access to NFL games broadcast on CBS, but the Premium Plan offers a more comprehensive experience with the addition of your local CBS station live stream.
How to Watch NFL Games on Paramount+
Once you’ve subscribed to Paramount+, following these steps will get you ready for kickoff:
- Sign in to your Paramount+ account on a supported device
- Navigate to the “Live TV” section
- Select your local CBS station or the NFL on CBS live feed
- Enjoy the game!
Supported Devices
Paramount+ is available on a wide range of devices, including:
- Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- Mobile devices (iOS and Android)
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio)
- Streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast)
- Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
To ensure the best viewing experience, make sure your app and device software are up to date.
NFL Coverage on Paramount+
Regular Season Games
Paramount+ typically offers streaming access to all NFL games broadcast on CBS in your local market. This usually includes:
- Sunday afternoon AFC games
- Select NFC games (when CBS has the doubleheader)
- Thanksgiving Day game
The exact number of games available may vary depending on your location and the NFL’s scheduling, but you can expect to have access to multiple games each week throughout the season.
Playoffs and Super Bowl
Paramount+ subscribers can stream all CBS-aired playoff games, including:
- AFC Wild Card games
- AFC Divisional round games
- AFC Championship game
When it’s CBS’s turn in the rotation (which will be the case for the 2024 season), Paramount+ will also stream the Super Bowl live. This makes it an excellent option for cord-cutters who want to catch the biggest game of the year without a cable subscription.
Additional NFL Content on Paramount+
Beyond live games, Paramount+ offers a variety of NFL-related content to keep fans engaged throughout the week:
- NFL Today: Pre-game and halftime shows
- Inside the NFL: Weekly recap and analysis show
- Fantasy Football Today: Expert advice for fantasy players
- NFL documentaries and classic game replays
- 24/7 CBS Sports HQ streaming channel
This supplementary content adds value to your subscription and helps you stay connected to the league even when games aren’t being played.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Even with a reliable streaming service, technical issues can sometimes arise. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Q: Why can’t I see my local NFL game on Paramount+?
A: Ensure you’re in the correct local market and that the game isn’t subject to blackout restrictions. Some games may be exclusive to other networks or streaming platforms.
Q: The stream is buffering or low quality. What can I do?
A: Check your internet connection speed, close other bandwidth-heavy applications, and try lowering the video quality in the Paramount+ settings. Restarting your device or router can also help.
Q: Is there a way to watch games after they’ve aired?
A: While Paramount+ doesn’t typically offer full game replays, you can often find condensed game highlights and recaps through the NFL on CBS content section.
Q: Can I watch Paramount+ NFL games outside the United States?
A: NFL streaming rights vary by country. While Paramount+ is available in some international markets, NFL game availability may be limited or non-existent due to licensing restrictions.
Comparing Paramount+ to Other NFL Streaming Options
While Paramount+ is an excellent option for CBS-aired games, it’s worth considering how it stacks up against other NFL streaming services:
Service | Price (Monthly) | Live Games | Exclusive Content |
---|---|---|---|
Paramount+ | $5.99 – $11.99 | CBS games | Yes |
NFL+ | $4.99 – $9.99 | Local & primetime | Yes |
YouTube TV | $72.99 | All networks | No |
Hulu + Live TV | $69.99 | All networks | No |
Amazon Prime Video | $14.99 (with Prime) | Thursday Night Football | Yes |
Paramount+ offers a cost-effective way to stream CBS NFL games, but you may need to combine it with other services for comprehensive coverage.
Tips for Optimizing Your NFL Viewing Experience on Paramount+
To get the most out of your NFL streaming on Paramount+, consider these tips:
- Use a wired internet connection when possible for more stable streaming
- Take advantage of the multi-view feature on supported devices to watch multiple games simultaneously
- Enable notifications for game start times and breaking news
- Explore the on-demand NFL content between live games to stay engaged with the league
- Consider upgrading to the Premium plan for a commercial-free experience and additional features
Conclusion
Paramount+ offers an affordable and convenient way to watch NFL games broadcast on CBS throughout the 2024 season. With multiple subscription options, a user-friendly interface, and additional NFL content, it’s a solid choice for football fans looking to cut the cord without missing out on the action.
As the NFL continues to expand its digital presence, streaming services like Paramount+ will play an increasingly important role in how fans consume the sport. By understanding your options and optimizing your setup, you can ensure you never miss a touchdown, tackle, or game-changing play during the 2024 NFL season.
Remember to check the NFL and CBS schedules regularly, as game times and broadcasts can change throughout the season. With Paramount+ as part of your NFL viewing strategy, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy America’s favorite sport all season long.
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