NFL Game Pass Review
The National Football League’s video-on-demand streaming service, NFL Game Pass, provides access to all 256 regular-season games as well as preseason and postseason coverage. It elevates the way you watch the game, with multiple on-field camera angles, the ability to pause and replay, and 45-minute, abridged versions of games. Just don’t expect to watch games as they air live, since there’s a waiting period before games are uploaded to stream on the NFL Game Pass app. The service also offers exclusive content from NFL Films Archive and commentary shows hosted by all-time greats like Peyton Manning. The NFL’s streaming service costs $100 per year, or you can choose to make four payments of $30. Just keep in mind, you’ll save $20 by paying all at once.
NFL Game Pass at a Glance
ServicePrice Free trial lengthGamesAd-freeNFL Game Pass$99.99/yr. or $30/4 mo. 7 days256+ preseason and postseason gamesNoHow We Evaluated NFL Game Pass
The market for sports-centered video-on-demand services has expanded significantly in recent years. Offerings from the NBA and NFL, for example, have grown from cable and satellite add-ons to independent streaming options. The way we watch sports in the streaming age has also changed where people go to view games and matches. Streaming makes it possible to head right to the source instead of relying on third-party services. Thanks to catalogs full of exclusive content, special controls, and the ability to watch from various devices, the decision to make the switch from traditional viewing methods to streaming have never been easier.
In evaluating NFL Game Pass, we paid particular attention to the availability of live games. Streaming services, like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, offer ESPN and other sports channels and provide access to a variety of sporting events. But due to current contracts and local blackout restrictions, many services only have coverage of specific leagues. Some don’t have the ability to air live games, and others only offer limited live-action.
Keeping these nuances in mind, we dug into NFL Game Pass’ features, catalog, and streaming capabilities to determine how they stacked up against competitors.
NFL Game Pass vs. Other Video Streaming Services
NFL Game PassNBA League PassESPN+YouTube TVStarting annual price$99.99$199.99$49.99N/AMonthly price$30/4 mos.$28.99/mo.$4.99/mo.$49.99/mo. Free trial length7 daysN/AN/A7 DaysSimultaneous streams5 (using same Wi-Fi and IP address)553Streaming qualityFull HD720p, 30 FPS720p1080pOffline downloadsAndroid and iOS mobile dvicesWith NBA appMobile storageUnlimitedKey NFL Game Pass Features
You hold the controls when watching NFL Game Pass. Pause, replay, and fast forward the game at your leisure. You can also operate with numerous camera angles, which lets you examine plays like referees with the Coaches Film feature. If you have two games you’d like to watch at the same time, just hit the blue dots at the top right corner of your screen and access the Live Games option — you’ll be able to enjoy both games concurrently on a side-by-side split screen.
On top of access to every broadcast along with condensed 45-minute versions of games, NFL Game Pass offers an impressive catalog of content. The NFL Films Archive is at your disposal with HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series, “A Football Life,” “Fantasy Live,” and “Mic’d Up” along with other impressive content. Redefine how you watch the game with “Film Session,” an extra where some of the NFL’s best coaches and players like Andrew Luck and Doug Pederson breakdown tape. There’s also additional audio coverage. The Live Audio feature is perfect for getting a hometown perspective on the action.
NFL Game Pass works with families and friends by letting up to five users watch simultaneously — a generous number. Only viewers streaming from the same Wi-Fi and IP address can take advantage of this feature, limiting its usefulness.
The Bottom Line
NFL Game Pass will pique the interest of football fanatics with a wealth of content including every NFL game, exclusive series commentary, and popular HBO series like “Hard Knocks.” If you’re the type of fan who monitors fantasy football teams or wants the library of the NFL at your disposal, this service will certainly enhance your knowledge of all things NFL. But if you’re looking for a way to watch live NFL games, you’ll be better off with a live streaming option.
About the Authors
Zack Kulm is a writer and contributor to soda.com. He covers a variety of topics from entertainment and gaming technologies to pop culture commentary. Kulm received a degree in English from Penn State University and Film Studies from Pittsburgh Filmmakers Institute. He also produces award-winning documentaries.