Why cant i watch certain nfl games

The 2022 NFL season is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2022. But what if you’re not based in America or don’t have access to all the channels?

NFL 2022/23 LIVE Stream
Regular season:Sept. 8, 2022 – Jan. 8, 2023
NFL Super Bowl:Feb. 12, 2023
Stream anywhere:Get NordVPN – 60% OFF
Stream in the US:Hulu + Live TV, ESPN+

If you’re trying to watch the NFL online from outside of the United States or other country that has NFL broadcasting licenses, you may find yourself blocked from viewing certain channels and accessing sites due to geo-restrictions.

If you’re a die-hard fan who wants to watch every game, you’re going to have to get past some big quarterbacks in the form of broadcasting blackouts.

However, you might be having problems even if you reside in the US and have a Game Pass subscription. That's because this platform doesn't allow US users to watch the games live. How cruel!

But with a VPN set up, you can bypass all the blackouts and geo-restrictions that get in your way and never miss another touchdown again! Here’s how to watch every NFL game online, wherever you are in the world.

How to Stream NFL Game Pass International with a VPN

Why cant i watch certain nfl games
  1. Find a reliable VPN that’s good at unblocking geo-restricted content. We recommend NordVPN, now 68% OFF!
  2. Sign up for a plan, and install the VPN on your device.
  3. Find a new server to connect to (outside Europe or the US).
  4. Launch Game Pass.
  5. Kick back and enjoy some NFL action!

Why do you need a VPN to watch NFL online (even with Game Pass)?

Watching the NFL online is a complicated process, but a reliable VPN can help. From channel-hopping to purchasing Game Passes and dealing with broadcast blackouts – it’s not easy to keep up with your favorite sport. And if you’re in a country that doesn’t have NFL broadcasting licenses, forget it! You’ll find that if you try to log on to a channel or streaming site that’s showing NFL you’ll be geo-blocked.

Geo-blocking is when a platform detects your IP address to see if you’re in a country that has the all-important NFL licensing agreements (they are very strict). Otherwise, you’ll be faced with an annoying error message telling you you don’t have access.

Why cant i watch certain nfl games

So what's the solution? Luckily, it’s an easy one. With a VPN, you can completely change your IP address so that it looks like you’re visiting a website from a different country – in this case, one that has full NFL broadcasting rights. But not all VPNs are up to this task. You’ll need to carefully pick one that is proven to unblock NFL broadcasts. And that’s where this guide comes in!

Best VPNs to watch NFL online (with Game Pass International and other platforms)

  • NordVPN – best all-round VPN for streaming NFL
  • Surfshark – reliable and budget-friendly VPN
  • IPVanish – great VPN for unblocking NFL

Now that you know that a VPN is what you need, how to pick the right one? We’ve tested a range of VPNs to create a top 3 shortlist of the best VPNs for watching the NFL online.

1. NordVPN – best all-round VPN for streaming NFL

Why cant i watch certain nfl games
🌎Based in:Panama
🖥️Servers/countries:
5500 servers in 59 countries
🍿Streaming sites:Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
🔥Coupons:NordVPN Coupon 68% OFF

NordVPN is the best VPN to watch the NFL because it allows you to access multiple sports streaming platforms. It’s proven to unblock all the major sites like NFL Game Pass, DAZN, and ProSieben. If there’s a page you need to access for NFL games, NordVPN will get you in. Additionally, it also lets you access lots of movie platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

It’s also got a range of excellent features such as SmartPlay (Smart DNS), which helps you unblock content on platforms that don’t support VPN, split tunneling, and robust security features such as military-grade encryption.

Check out our in-depth review for more on NordVPN.

2. Surfshark – reliable and budget-friendly VPN

Why cant i watch certain nfl games
🌎Based in:The Netherlands
🖥️Servers/countries:3200+ servers in 95 countries
🍿Streaming sites:Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more
🔥Coupons:
Get 82% OFF Surfshark + 2 months FREE

Surfshark is another top-tier VPN that is ideal for watching NFL games wherever you are. It’s been tested out extensively and never has any issues unblocking streaming sites or online TV channels you can think of, and that includes NFL broadcasters like ESPN, NBC Sports, and Amazon Prime Video.

Surfshark has a fleet of excellent features like split tunneling and Smart DNS, and it also allows unlimited simultaneous connections on one subscription!

Read our Surfshark review for more info.

3. IPVanish – great VPN for unblocking NFL

Why cant i watch certain nfl games
🌎Based in:United States
🖥️Servers/countries:2000+ servers in 50+ countries
🍿Streaming sites:Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube
🔥Coupons:
Get up to 63% OFF IPVanish + an Antivirus

IPVanish is yet another amazing VPN for watching NFL online. It unblocks various streaming sites, including Netflix, Youtube, and BBC iPlayer.

IPVanish has more than 2000 servers in 50 countries. That's one of the reasons why it's so great for streaming. Also, even though IPVanish is one of the most affordable options in the market, it doesn't compromise security.

Find out more about IPVanish.

Top streaming services to watch NFL online

You can watch the NFL on a range of streaming sites and channels, including Monday night football and Thursday night football. Here are they:

Streaming platformPrice per month
Hulu + Live TV$64.99
YouTube TV $64.99
Amazon Prime Video$8.99
DAZN $19.99
ESPN+ $5.99
NFL Game Pass US$99

You can also sign up for an NFL Game Pass and get access to NFL games online that way too.

To watch specific TV channels, you’ll need a US cable TV subscription, but you can access streaming sites from anywhere in the world. However, if you’re not in the US, you might find you’re geo-blocked, and you’ll get an error message pop up.

Why cant i watch certain nfl games

The best way to get around this is to use a VPN. With a VPN hiding your true IP address, you can make all these websites think you’re right there in the US, and then you’ll get instant access to all their NFL games!

What can you watch on NFL streaming sites?

Streaming sites vary in the types of content they show, as well as NFL. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect to watch.

  • ESPN+ – As well as NFL highlights, ESPN shows a range of sports entertainment including baseball, ice hockey, soccer, college sports, and much more.
  • YouTube TV – You can catch up on live broadcasts from a range of US TV channels on YouTube TV, including ABC, NBC, NFL Network, NBA TV, ESPN, and NBC Sports.
  • DAZN – As well as NFL, DAZN has a focus on combat sports such as boxing and MMA. It’s the place to go to for the hottest live fights.
  • Hulu+ Live TV – There’s a wide range of entertainment from US TV channels on Hulu+ Live TV. From drama to comedy, news to movies, and music to sports. That includes NFL too.
  • Amazon Prime Video – Watch a host of new movies, classic shows, and original programming on Amazon Prime Video. The streaming platform also broadcasts NFL games too!

What can you watch on NFL Game Pass?

Game Pass is yet another streaming site where you can watch the NFL games online. However, it has some frustrating restrictions that don't allow all of us to watch the same content. For example, Americans will often experience something called blackouts. This means that occasionally, certain games will be blocked due to licensing reasons. And here's the worst part if you're from the US – Game Pass won't let you watch NFL games live.

Luckily, there's still a lot of stuff to watch on Game Pass even if you're not using a VPN. That's because you'll be able to see all the NFL game replays as many times as you want. There are also a lot of NFL documentaries like A Football Life and Hard Knocks. Also, you can download content directly to your mobile device.

How to watch NFL on your device

We all use an array of devices for watching entertainment. Whether you’re relaxing at home, at a friend’s house, or catching up with NFL content on a commute, there are all sorts of situations where you might want to watch your favorite team battle it out in the NFL. So with that in mind, let us show you how to get NFL games on all major devices using a VPN.

For even more info check out our dedicated guides to the best VPNs for all your major devices.

PC

Phone

Smart TV

Watch NFL on PC

Watching NFL games on your PC is simple. Just follow a few steps, and you’ll be connected to American football action in moments.

  1. Pick a VPN you can count on to unblock the NFL. We recommend NordVPN.
  2. Download and install NordVPN to your Windows or Mac PC.
  3. Once it’s all set up, open the VPN app.
  4. Connect to a new server.
  5. Load up a streaming app, like DAZN, and watch NFL!

How to watch NFL on your phone

Whether you’ve got an Android or an iOS smartphone, you can still catch up on NFL games with the help of a VPN. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be ready to go in no time.

How to watch NFL on Android smartphones

  1. Go to the Google Play Store on your device and find an Android compatible VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
  2. Install the VPN app on your smartphone.
  3. Open up your VPN app and connect to a server.
  4. Log into a streaming site that’s showing NFL, like Hulu+ Live TV, and start watching!

How to watch NFL on iPhone and iPad

  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open up the iOS App Store.
  2. Search for a VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
  3. Choose, download, and install a VPN.
  4. Launch the VPN app, find a server to connect to.
  5. Open your streaming app of choice, like YouTube TV, and watch the NFL!

How to watch NFL on Smart TVs

If you have a Smart TV that runs on Android, you’ll be able to install a VPN directly on it. Here’s how.

  1. Switch on your TV and head to the app store.
  2. Pick a reputable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN.
  3. Install the VPN application and sign in.
  4. Head over to a streaming app that’s showing NFL, like ESPN, and put on some American football.

Some Smart TVs don’t support native VPN downloads, such as Samsung and some LG models. In this case, you can still connect. You just have to install a VPN on your router instead.

How to stream NFL on streaming devices

You might want to use many popular streaming services (like Game Pass) to watch NFL games, and the best way to make sure you have access to all the games is by having a VPN set up. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to do on some of the main streaming devices.

Alternatively, if you still need help on deciding which streaming service to pick check out our reviews on the most popular VPNs for streaming devices here:

Streaming

Browsers

How to stream NFL on Roku

Unfortunately, you can’t install a VPN directly onto Roku. But there’s good news! You can still connect by installing a VPN onto your router instead.

  1. Find a VPN that supports router installation. We recommend NordVPN.
  2. Install NordVPN to your router.
  3. Connect to a new server.
  4. Switch on Roku, head to the NFL channel or Game Pass, and watch without any geo-blocks!

How to stream NFL on Kodi

Want to get NFL games on Kodi without any geo-restrictions? We recommend connecting a VPN to your router. Just follow these steps.

  1. Install a VPN on your router. We recommend NordVPN.
  2. Connect to a new server, ideally one in the US.
  3. Find a service that shows NFL on Kodi, like DAZN.
  4. Now you can watch all the NFL games you want!

How to stream NFL on Apple TV

Apple TV has a range of apps, channels, and services that will show NFL games, like Game Pass. So how can you make sure you’re able to watch them all? A VPN, that’s how! Since you can’t install a VPN directly to Apple TV, we recommended the router method.

  1. Select a VPN that works on routers. We recommend NordVPN.
  2. Set up your chosen VPN on your router.
  3. Launch the VPN, connect to a US server.
  4. Switch on Apple TV, run the NFL app, and get ready for American football action!

How to stream NFL on Firestick

It’s easy to get a VPN connected to Amazon Firestick. Follow these instructions, and you’ll be watching NFL in no time.

  1. Search for a VPN on Firestick. We recommend NordVPN.
  2. Install it, and launch it.
  3. Choose a US server to connect to.
  4. Find a channel with NFL coverage (like NBC), and you’re all set!

How to register for NFL Game Pass outside the US

NFL Game Pass is a subscription that gets you international access to NFL games and shows online. However, the US version of Game Pass doesn’t show regular-season NFL games. Instead, it shows replays and preseason games. The European version of Game Pass also has a blackout on many games. So, to get access to all live NFL games on Game Pass, you need a VPN to sign up from another location. Just follow these steps, and you’ll get access.

  1. Get a reliable and well-reviewed VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
  2. Connect to a location outside of the US, like India
  3. Sign up for an NFL Game Pass
  4. Get the snacks ready and settle down for NFL thrills!

How to watch NFL from anywhere

No matter where you are in the world, you can watch the NFL on Game Pass International and other platforms with the help of a VPN. Whether you’re in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Italy, Germany, Europe, Mexico, or anywhere else, there are simple steps to follow that always get you connected.

  1. Download a VPN onto your computer, router, smartphone, or another device. We recommend NordVPN.
  2. Install and launch the VPN.
  3. Connect to a server in the US.
  4. Find a streaming site that shows NFL, like NBC or ESPN.
  5. Now you’re all set to enjoy the games!

How to watch NFL free online

Watching the NFL for free is not easy. You need a US cable TV subscription to access games on the free NFL app, and if you’re based outside of the US, this won’t be an option.

What you can do is find a streaming service that shows NFL games, sign up for a free trial, and then use a VPN to connect to a US server.

NFL-broadcasting streaming sites that also have a free trial include:

Streaming siteFree trial period
Amazon Prime Video30 days
YouTube TV7 days
fuboTV7 days
Hulu + Live TV7 days
Game Pass7 days

Remember, these services will still have geo-blocks in place, so if you’re not in the US, you’ll still need a VPN to hide your IP address. Luckily, our recommended VPNs, including NordVPN, Surfshark, and IPVanish, all offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can essentially use them for free for one month.

You could also use a free VPN like Atlas VPN or ProtonVPN. Although it's worth noting that free options won’t have as many features as paid VPNs. Free VPNs also come with some risks. They often recoup money by filling their apps with annoying ads or selling your data to third parties.

Sometimes, free VPNs can also install malware onto your device. A freemium VPN, like Windscribe, is a better option as this is simply a free version of a paid VPN, so you know you can trust it. However, these will also have limited features and data caps restricting your use.

NFL 2022/23 – everything you need to know

This year’s NFL season is scheduled to kick off on September 8, 2022. Last year’s Super Bowl winners, the Los Angeles Rams, will start the season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

The defending Super Bowl champions have the toughest NFL schedule this season:

HomeAway
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco 49ersSan Francisco 49ers
Arizona CardinalsArizona Cardinals
Carolina PanthersNew Orleans Saints
Atlanta FalconsTampa Bay Buccaneers
Dallas CowboysGreen Bay Packers
Las Vegas RaidersKansas City Chiefs
Denver BroncosLos Angeles Chargers
Buffalo Bills

The Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys, on the other hand, have the easiest schedules this year.

For the second year in a row, the 32 NFL teams will each play 17 games in the timeframe of 18 weeks.

The NFL is a thrilling, unpredictable league where anything can happen. Unmissable games happen throughout the season. Here are some important dates in the season, leading up to the Super Bowl climax.

Pre-season:August 5-28, 2022
Week 1 regular season:September 8-13, 2022
Week 18 regular season:January 8, 2023
Wild Card play-offs:January 14-15, 2023
Divisional play-offs:January 21-22, 2023
Conference Championships:January 29, 2023
Pro Bowl:February 5, 2023
NFL Super Bowl:February 12, 2023

Whatever happens in the opening games, it’s bound to be a heavy-hitting season. Keep up to date with all the news over on the NFL website and the official NFL social accounts over on Facebook and Twitter.

How to watch NFL in 2022 – the final score

So you’ve made your predictions, got your team’s jersey, and are all set for NFL 2022/23, now you just need to make sure you can watch every game. As we’ve explained in this guide, the best way of doing that is with a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN. A VPN can storm past geo-blocks and blackouts like a star quarterback. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to access NFL games.

With a VPN hiding your IP address, all those streaming sites that show NFL will be yours to unblock, even if you’re nowhere near the US. VPNs come with other great bonuses too, they keep your online activity anonymous and hidden from ISPs, data thieves, and cyber threats.

Are you excited for this year’s NFL season? Let us know your picks for the Super Bowl in the comments section below.

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