By Chris Brantner
We’re down to the four best teams in the NFL playoffs, and this weekend’s championship games are sure to be memorable. Whoever you’re rooting for, you can expect two phenomenal games — and you can watch all the action on your Apple devices.
The New England Patriots are back in the AFC championship game, which is no surprise since this is the team’s eighth straight season doing so. They’re up against the Kansas City Chiefs, who undoubtedly want to see the Super Bowl, since they haven’t been to one since 1970.
In the NFC, the New Orleans Saints will take on the Los Angeles Rams. Neither team has seen a Super Bowl in recent years: It’s been nine years for the Saints, and 17 for the Rams. (Ironically enough, if the Rams beat the Saints, they could end up taking on the Patriots, who beat them in their last run at the biggest game of the year.)
If you’re looking for a way to watch either of these NFL championship games on your iPhone, iPad or Apple TV, you’ve got plenty of options to make that happen.
When to watch the AFC and NFC championship games
Both the AFC and the NFC championships will occur on Sunday, January 20. The time and channel will depend on which of the two games you want to watch. The NFC game comes first, with the Rams taking on the Saints in New Orleans on Fox at 3:05 p.m. Eastern. The AFC game follows, with the Patriots heading to Kansas City to battle the Chiefs at 6:40 p.m. Eastern on CBS.
How to watch NFL championship games on Apple devices
All of the following devices will let you watch the NFC and AFC championship games on some or all Apple devices, whether you plan to watch on iPhone, iPad or using Apple TV.
Fox Sports Go
Using your cable login or a variety of streaming services, you will be able to sign in to Fox Sports Go. This handy app can be accessed on many streaming devices including iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. You’ll have access to all of the Fox Sports regional channels, as well as sporting events on Fox and included sports channels owned by the network.
CBS All Access
CBS All Access is a small, niche streaming service offering the CBS live stream in most areas of the country along with CBS on-demand nationwide. You can stream on the majority of streaming and mobile devices and the monthly cost is just $6 per month. There’s also an Amazon Channel available if you’re a Prime member. In both cases, CBS All Access comes with a free trial, so you can watch the Patriots play the Chiefs in Kansas City for free.
fuboTV
fuboTV is a popular choice with all kinds of sports fans. More than 70 channels are included, with many of them offering sports content. CBS and Fox are offered in the majority of locations. fuboTV also offers the use of TV Everywhere apps, so you’d be able to use Fox Sports Go in conjunction with your fuboTV login. Streaming is possible on most devices. The first month runs $40, and your first week is free. See the complete fuboTV channel list here.
Hulu Live
Hulu Live is an extension of Hulu’s on-demand service. It offers local channels in more areas than most other streaming services. You also get many cable networks and Hulu’s on-demand service. Watch on everything from your TV to your Xbox. The entire service costs $40 per month, with your first week free.
NFL app or Yahoo Sports mobile
Another option, and one that won’t cost you a thing, is to use either the NFL app or the Yahoo Sports app. These only work on mobile devices. You can get them on iPad, too, but that’s as far as it goes. Apple TV won’t be able to stream either app. And there’s no way to stream either device to your TV. On the plus side, these apps offer a free and easy way to watch both games.
Enjoy the NFC and AFC championship games!
As you can see, there is no shortage of ways to watch the AFC and NFC championships on your favorite Apple devices. Good luck to your favorite teams and be sure to enjoy the games!
Chris Brantner founded Streaming Observer, a website for cord cutters.
