How to Watch NFL Playoff Games without Cable

The NFL playoffs are finally here, and whether you’re a fan living in the US, Canada, Australia, or anywhere else, there’s no excuse for missing a game. The games are available without cable in nearly every country in the world, and there are even free options in some locations.  

If your “excuse” is that you’re traveling abroad and can’t access your streaming account or that your local Wi-Fi network is blocking access to streaming apps, PIA VPN is here to help you out. 

How to Watch the NFL Playoffs for Free

The NFL Playoffs are free to watch in the US with no cable subscription required. Most of the games are on CBS, FOX, ABC, and NBC. There is one wild card game that will stream exclusively on Prime Video, which you can watch for free if you qualify for a 30-day free trial. 

How to Watch the NFL Playoffs Online for Free Outside the US

Most international NFL fans who want to watch the NFL without cable need the DAZN NFL Game Pass. However, depending on your location, there are free options that stream every NFL playoff game live and on-demand.

Country	Streaming Platform	Available Games
Australia	7Plus	NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl
New Zealand	TVNZ+	NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl
Germany and Austria	RTL	NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl
France	W9 and M6	Select NFL Playoff Games and the Super Bowl
Mexico	Canal 5	NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl
Brazil	RedeTV! GO	Select NFL Playoff Games and the Super Bowl

The platforms listed above only work in their countries of origin – but if you’re traveling abroad, you can still connect to your account using PIA VPN. Connect to a VPN server location that matches where your streaming account is available and then log in. 

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How to Watch the NFL Playoffs Online without Cable 

One of the best ways to stream the NFL without cable is the DAZN NFL Game Pass. It’s available in nearly every country, and the prices get cheaper for the playoffs and Super Bowl. You can watch every game live and on-demand, and unlike with the TV streaming platforms, the on-demand games are always available. This means that you can rewatch every game of the regular season, full or condensed, as you prepare to watch the NFL playoffs. 

In addition to the games, Game Pass comes with the NFL Network, Hard Knocks, and other NFL-related content. You can watch it on nearly any device, at home and on the go. 

How to Watch the NFL Playoffs Online without Cable in the US

While the NFL Playoffs are free on TV in the US, you do need a TV provider login to stream the games on the official FOX, NBC, and CBS streaming platforms. 

That being said, if you don’t have cable, you can still watch every game for free. Many of the top streaming platforms that carry NFL playoffs offer free trials for qualified subscribers. We’ve found four options, and if you sign up for a different platform during each of the playoffs, you can stream every game for free. 

Service	Channels	Free trial length
YouTube TV	FOX, CBS, ABC, NBC and ESPN, NFL Sunday Ticket, and RedZone	Varies
Hulu + Live TV	FOX, CBS, ABC, NBC and ESPN, and RedZone	3 days
DirecTV Stream	FOX, CBS, ABC, NBC, ESPN, and RedZone	5 days
Fubo	FOX, CBS, ABC, NBC and ESPN, and RedZone	7 days

These streaming platforms are only available in the US. However, if you’re traveling abroad, you can use PIA VPN to access your account as if you never left home. Connect to one of the streaming-optimized servers in the US, log in to your account, and enjoy the game. 

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Top NFL Playoff Moments

The NFL Playoffs have provided countless memories and moments that have helped make this game great. Here are some our favorite moments: 

1. The Immaculate Reception (1972)

In a stunning AFC Divisional game, the Pittsburgh Steelers trailed the Oakland Raiders with seconds remaining. Terry Bradshaw’s desperate pass ricocheted off defenders before Franco Harris made an iconic shoestring catch, sprinting into the end zone for a game-winning touchdown. This controversial and miraculous play remains a defining moment in NFL history.

2. “The Catch II” (1998)

Steve Young found Terrell Owens in the end zone with eight seconds left in an NFC Wild Card game against the Packers. Despite double coverage and a hard hit, Owens held onto the ball to secure a 30-27 victory. This play cemented Owens’ reputation as a clutch performer and gave the 49ers one of their most memorable wins.

3. The Music City Miracle (2000)

In the AFC Wild Card round, the Tennessee Titans pulled off an incredible lateral-filled kickoff return against the Buffalo Bills. Frank Wycheck’s lateral to Kevin Dyson resulted in a 75-yard touchdown, sending the Titans to a 22-16 victory. The controversial call and thrilling execution made this play unforgettable.

4. Beast Quake (2011)

Seattle Seahawks’ Marshawn Lynch bulldozed through the New Orleans Saints’ defense in an NFC Wild Card game, breaking nine tackles on a jaw-dropping 67-yard touchdown run. The run was so powerful it caused seismic activity in Seattle, coining the term “Beast Quake.” This play sealed a 41-36 upset win.

5. The Original Hail Mary (1975)

The “Hail Mary” was born in the 1975 NFC Divisional game when Roger Staubach launched a 50-yard prayer to Drew Pearson. Pearson pinned the ball against his hip and ran into the end zone, giving the Cowboys a 17-14 victory over the Vikings. This moment created one of the NFL’s most iconic phrases.

6. Ice Bowl Drive (1967)

With temperatures plummeting to -15°F in the NFC Championship, the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys battled in brutal conditions. Bart Starr’s legendary quarterback sneak in the closing seconds secured a 21-17 win for the Packers. The “Ice Bowl” remains a testament to resilience and clutch performance.

7. Tuck Rule Game (2002)

In a snowy AFC Divisional game, the Patriots benefited from a controversial “tuck rule” ruling against the Raiders. Tom Brady’s apparent fumble was overturned, allowing Adam Vinatieri to tie the game with a 45-yard field goal before winning it in overtime. This moment sparked the Patriots’ dynasty.

8. Vernon Davis’ “The Catch III” (2012)

The San Francisco 49ers hosted the Saints in an electrifying NFC Divisional matchup. Vernon Davis’ leaping touchdown catch with 14 seconds left secured a 36-32 victory. His emotional celebration became synonymous with his commitment to the game and franchise.

9. Colts’ Epic Comeback (2014)

Down 38-10 against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Wild Card game, the Indianapolis Colts mounted a historic comeback. Andrew Luck’s grit and a fumble recovery for a touchdown brought the Colts within striking distance. They won 45-44, marking one of the largest comebacks in playoff history.

10. Stefon Diggs’ “Minneapolis Miracle” (2018)

With 10 seconds left in the NFC Divisional game, Case Keenum connected with Stefon Diggs for a 61-yard touchdown. Diggs evaded a missed tackle and sprinted into the end zone, delivering a 29-24 victory over the Saints. This jaw-dropping moment sent shockwaves through the league and became an instant classic.You never know what will happen in the 2024-25 playoffs. Get PIA VPN and watch every game.

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