As an NFL football fan, one of the most exciting parts of the season is watching your favorite team play each week. If you’re a Buffalo Bills fan, you definitely don’t want to miss seeing Josh Allen and the Bills live in action. However, the Bills game may not always be easily accessible, especially if you don’t live in the Buffalo area. Here are some of the main options for catching the Bills game each week of the NFL season.
Watch on Local CBS, Fox, NBC, or ESPN
The most straightforward way to watch the Bills game is on your local over-the-air CBS, Fox, NBC, or ESPN channel (based on which station is broadcasting the game that week). As long as you’re in range of the broadcast signal, you should be able to tune into the game for free on one of these basic cable channels. This is the easiest method if you regularly get TV channels with an antenna in your home.
Check the weekly NFL schedule to see which station will be airing the Bills game. CBS and Fox alternate broadcasting AFC and NFC Sunday afternoon games, while NBC airs Sunday night football. Monday and Thursday night games will be on ESPN. Just turn your TV to the correct channel before kickoff time and enjoy the game!
Stream through NFL+
For $4.99/month, NFL+ allows you to live stream local and primetime games on your mobile device or tablet. While you can’t cast games to your TV, it’s an affordable streaming option to watch the Bills on the go. NFL+ replaced NFL Sunday Ticket for local market games. Make sure to connect to a WiFi or data connection to avoid using up your mobile data.
Use a Live TV Streaming Service
Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, and Sling TV all include many local stations like CBS, NBC, Fox, and ESPN in their channel packages. Most also offer free trials or discounted introductory offers. These services let you stream the Bills game live on internet-connected devices like your phone, tablet, streaming box, or smart TV.
The main drawback is that some streaming services only carry select local channels based on your location. Be sure to check that your desired service includes live local channels like CBS and Fox to watch the Bills. Also note that some channels like ESPN may only be available on higher tier packages.
Popular Live TV Streaming Options
| Streaming Service | Price | Free Trial | Local Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $64.99/month | Yes | CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN |
| Hulu + Live TV | $69.99/month | Yes | CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN |
| FuboTV | $69.99/month | Yes | CBS, Fox, NBC |
| DirecTV Stream | $69.99/month | Yes | CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN |
| Sling TV | $35/month | No | Fox, ESPN (in select packages) |
NFL Sunday Ticket
NFL Sunday Ticket shows out-of-market Sunday afternoon games, so it’s ideal if you don’t live near Buffalo. It’s only available to DirecTV satellite subscribers or as a standalone streaming plan. The max plan streams every live out-of-market Sunday game across devices. This comprehensive package comes at a steep price of $293 for the streaming version.
Listen on the Radio
When you can’t watch the game on TV, try tuning into a radio broadcast. In Buffalo, WGR Sports Radio 550 AM airs the Bills game with announcers John Murphy and Eric Wood. Other sports radio stations around the country also carry NFL gameday audio broadcasts. Just search for Buffalo Bills radio on TuneIn or other radio apps.
Listening on the radio allows you to follow along even when you can’t be in front of the TV. You’ll get lively commentary of all the on-field Bills action.
Go to a Sports Bar
Heading to a local sports bar or restaurant to catch the Bills game is a fun option for fans. Many sports bars have multiple big-screen TVs dedicated to football games on Sundays. Call ahead to make sure your desired establishment will be showing the Bills game that day.
The atmosphere at a sports bar lets you cheer, yell, and react real-time with other fans. Order some wings and beer and make a whole day of it. And if the sports bar has the game audio on, you’ll be able to clearly hear the broadcast.
Use a TV Antenna
One of the most affordable ways to access free over-the-air channels showing NFL games is with a digital TV antenna. Indoor and outdoor antenna options range in price from $20 to $200. Connect an antenna to your TV and scan to pick up stations like CBS, NBC, and Fox broadcasting the game in your area.
The advantage is that a one-time antenna purchase can enable completely free access to local live channels. Visit AntennaWeb.org to check which broadcast towers are within range of your location. Position and test different types of antennas to find one that reliably picks up your desired stations.
Watch at a Sportsbook
In states where sports betting is legal, watching the game at a sportsbook lounge is an engaging option for fans. Large sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel have changed the game with massive broadcast walls airing every NFL matchup simultaneously. There’s an unbeatable energy seeing the games with fellow bettors.
While you don’t have to wager, the ability to bet on live odds and proposition bets contributes to the electric environment. Sportsbooks aim to make watching the overall experience more enjoyable for sports fans. And with many food and drink promotions, you can indulge right alongside the game action.
Stream on Mobile through the NFL App
The NFL app allows you to stream live local and primetime games on your mobile device or tablet. While viewing on a small screen isn’t ideal for an entire game, it’s useful in a pinch when you can’t get in front of the TV. Connect your device to WiFi to avoid excessive data usage.
There are some limitations where live streaming may not be available due to your location or mobile provider. Check the NFL app to see if your device is compatible.
Use a VPN
For fans living outside the Bills television broadcast territory, a VPN can be an effective tool to stream the game live. A VPN masks your location, allowing you to spoof your IP address as if you’re in the Buffalo area.
First, connect to a secure US-based VPN server near Buffalo. Then launch a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream to watch the local CBS, NBC, or Fox affiliate. Stay connected to the VPN for the duration of the stream.
Make sure to choose a reliable VPN that won’t throttle speeds. And keep an eye on latency, as a delayed connection can ruin the live game viewing experience.
Watch Replays through NFL Game Pass
While it doesn’t help for live games, NFL Game Pass provides on-demand replays of all games. You can re-watch the full broadcast or condensed 45-minute game replays. It’s a great way to catch up on a Bills game you missed. One caveat is that nationally televised games are not available until after 24 hours.
NFL Game Pass access starts at $99/year for the US and $199 for the international version. Or pay $1.99 per month for access to just one team’s replays. There is a 7-day free trial if you want to test it out.
Conclusion
Buffalo Bills fans don’t have to miss a game this season! With the rise of live TV streaming, accessing the Bills game is easier and more affordable than cable subscriptions. Whether gathering with fellow fans at a sports bar, listening on the radio, or streaming at home, you have plenty of options to follow Josh Allen and the Bills.
Just identify the method that works best for your location, budget, and viewing preferences. Don’t let Bills game day pass by without tuning in to cheer on your favorite team! Check the NFL schedule weekly and be ready to watch the Bills compete across the NFL season.
