From jaw-dropping touchdowns to last-minute upsets, the NFL season has garnered a dedicated international viewership. Yet for many of these fans, watching their favorite teams in action isn’t straightforward.

Geo-restrictions can be a formidable opponent. But, just as every defense has a weakness, there's a game-changer in the form of virtual private networks (VPNs). We’ll teach you how to use a VPN to watch out-of-market NFL games and share the best VPN providers for the task.

How to watch out-of-market football games

The allure of the NFL transcends borders, with globally scattered fans eagerly awaiting every snap, pass, and touchdown. However, geo-blocks often serve as the proverbial defensive line, blocking international viewers from accessing their favorite matches. The good news? There's a way to bypass this blockade, thanks to VPNs.

VPNs mask your online location and assign you a new IP address. You can select the specific country or region of your choice. If an NFL game is blacked out in your current location but is available within the U.S., then you could use a VPN to connect to a U.S. server where the game is available and access the live stream.

Now that you know how VPNs unblock out-of-market games, here's how to set up your VPN for watching football:

1. Choose a VPN for your NFL-viewing lineup. Ideally, you want a VPN with lots of servers in the U.S. — we recommend NordVPN.

2. Download and install the VPN app on the device you use to watch football. For example, if you watch blackout games on your phone, you want to install a VPN on your iPhone or Android.

3. Log into your VPN and connect to a server in the U.S. If you're itching to watch a specific game, choose a server outside the team's home market to skip the blackout.

4. Enjoy the game!

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On NordVPN's website

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NordVPN

• High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
• Too many confusing plans

This strategy doesn't just sidestep blackouts. It's the key for NFL enthusiasts outside the U.S. to consistently stream live NFL games, playoffs, preseason games, and more. Even if you're continents away, with a VPN, every game feels like a home game.

Best VPNs for streaming the NFL

Streaming the NFL flawlessly requires a VPN with a specific set of capabilities. 

• An expansive range of servers in the U.S. or in countries with access to NFL GamePass, like Mexico, Brazil, and the U.K. This provides flexibility in choosing optimal streaming locations. 
• Ability to unblock geo-restrictions on streaming services.
• Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth are essential to ensure high-definition streaming without pesky buffering during those nail-biting moments. 
• Compatibility is the final piece of the puzzle. The best VPNs tend to support a range of streaming devices. These include everything from computers and monitors to smart TVs and mobile devices. 

Here are our top three VPN picks for streaming the NFL:

NordVPN

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On NordVPN's website

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NordVPN

• High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
• Too many confusing plans

With over 1,900-plus servers in the U.S. alone, NordVPN promises a reliable VPN connection, making it an excellent choice for NFL streaming. Additionally, its smart DNS feature effortlessly unblocks numerous streaming platforms, giving fans a wider range of viewing options.

Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review

ExpressVPN

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On ExpressVPN's website

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ExpressVPN

• Premium VPN offering strong security and ultra-fast speeds
• Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
• In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

ExpressVPN is known for its exceptional speed. It offers a vast array of servers in the U.S. and globally, ensuring a smooth streaming experience. Its robust encryption makes it possible to bypass even the toughest geo-restrictions. Plus, its user-friendly interface allows even beginners to get started in no time.

Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

Surfshark

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On Surfshark's website

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Surfshark

• VPN technology offering stability and speed
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Works with Netflix and other streaming services
• Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

An underdog that packs a punch, Surfshark allows for unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can stream the NFL on multiple devices at once. Its CleanWeb feature blocks ads and malware, guaranteeing uninterrupted viewing pleasure.

Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review

How to use a VPN for NFL streaming

Using a VPN to stream NFL games is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you connected:

1. First, choose a reliable VPN service. You should look for VPNs that have a good track record of bypassing geo-restrictions, like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.
2. Sign up and download the VPN from its official website (or from the app store for mobile).
3. Launch the VPN application and sign in using your details.
4. Navigate to the list of servers and select a server with access to the NFL stream you desire.
5. Once connected, you can go to your desired streaming platform, such as Hulu or YouTube. (Make sure you have a subscription to the service.)
6. Search for the NFL game or broadcast you want to watch on your platform.
7. Enjoy the game!

Streaming services for watching the NFL from anywhere

The NFL has earned a monumental fan base worldwide. With its popularity, numerous streaming services have secured the rights to air these captivating games. Each service offers a unique flavor of NFL action, ensuring fans never miss a touchdown, regardless of where they are in the world.

How to watch out-of-market games with a VPN and NFL Game Pass

One great option for catching every NFL game is by using NFL+, formerly known as NFL Game Pass. NFL+ provides access to lots of NFL content, including preseason and regular season games. Regular season games are available on NFL+ if they’re available on your local TV network.

Here’s how to watch out-of-market NFL games with a VPN and NFL+:

1. Select a VPN provider. If you don’t already have one, we recommend checking out NordVPN.
2. Once your VPN is downloaded, connect to a server in the city or state of the game you want to watch. For instance, if you want to watch a Kansas City Chiefs game, you could connect to a server in Kansas.
3. Sign in to your NFL+ account.
4. Find the game you wish to watch and start your stream.

Since NFL+ gives you access to games on your local network, you’ll want to connect to a server in the location of the team you hope to watch.

How to watch Buffalo Bills games with a VPN

The Buffalo Bills are based in the Buffalo-Niagara Falls area. If the Buffalo Bills are your team, you’ll need to select a VPN server outside of this area due to local blackouts.

Here’s how to watch Buffalo Bills games with a VPN:

1. Select the VPN service you want to use.
2. Download and set up your VPN.
3. Select and connect a U.S. VPN server outside of the Buffalo-Niagara Falls area (Texas and California are some faraway options).
4. Once connected, sign in to your preferred NFL streaming app and access the Bills game.

How to watch Cleveland Browns games with a VPN

If you’re looking to watch the Cleveland Browns this year, you can use a service that streams NFL games and a VPN so you don’t don’t miss a moment. Since the Cleveland Browns are based in Cleveland, Ohio, you’ll need to connect to a server outside of that area.

Here’s how to use a VPN to watch the Browns play:

1. Select a VPN that meets your needs.
2. Set up the VPN.
3. Connect to a U.S. server away from Cleveland (for example, California and Florida).
4. Sign in to your preferred NFL streaming app and watch the Browns game.

How to watch New York Giants games with a VPN

If you’re looking to catch New York Giants games this season, a VPN is the perfect quarterback. Just choose a VPN server outside of New York to access games affected by local blackouts.

Here’s how to use a VPN to stream the Giants:

1. Select a VPN.
2. Download and set up your VPN.
3. Connect to a U.S. VPN server in a location away from New York (like Texas or Alabama).
4. Log in to your NFL streaming service to access the Giants game.

How to watch Philadelphia Eagles games with a VPN

If you’re used to chanting “Fly Eagles Fly,” you can use a VPN to watch the Philadelphia Eagles from anywhere. Just select a server outside of the Pennsylvania area to ensure you can access their games.

Follow these steps to stream the Eagles with a VPN:

1. Choose the VPN of your choice.
2. Get the VPN installed and set up.
3. Connect a U.S. server location away from Philadelphia, like Arizona or Nevada.
4. Open your preferred NFL streaming service and watch the Eagles fly.

How to watch Pittsburgh Steelers games with a VPN

Don’t get stuck on the sidelines for any Pittsburgh Steelers game. Even if a Pittsburgh game isn’t available where you are, you can watch the game so long as you have a streaming service and a VPN. Choose a VPN server outside of Pennsylvania to stream any Steelers game.

Follow these steps to access a Steelers game from anywhere:

1. Find a VPN you’d like to use
2. Set up and download your new VPN.
3. Select and connect to a U.S. server location away from Pennsylvania (for example, Washington or Kansas).
4. Sign in to your preferred NFL streaming app and get ready for kick-off.

FAQs on watching the NFL from anywhere

Bottom line

The thrill of an NFL game is unparalleled and, for fans across the globe, missing out on that experience due to location restrictions can be deeply frustrating. Fortunately, with the power of VPNs, borders dissolve and regional blackouts become a thing of the past. By virtually relocating your device to a region where the game is broadcasted, all NFL games can become in-market, irrespective of where you physically are in the world.

Moreover, the applications of VPNs extend beyond just streaming sports. For those intrigued by the world of online betting or keen on securing an edge in sports gambling, VPNs can be a game-changer. Dive into the world of secure, anonymous, and unrestricted online experiences by checking out our comprehensive guide to the best VPNs for gambling and sports betting. Ensure you're equipped with the right tools and information to make every game day a winning one!

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Limited-time offer: 69% off + 3 extra months

Learn More

On NordVPN's website

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NordVPN

• High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
• Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.

Andrew Adams