by As the 2026 NFL postseason reaches a fever pitch, fans are looking for every possible way to stay connected to the action. Whether you are stuck at work during a playoff kickoff or trying to catch up on the game film that the pros use, the league’s proprietary streaming service has become a central part of the conversation. In this guide, we provide NFL Plus explained in full detail, covering the current pricing tiers, the latest feature updates, and whether it deserves a spot in your monthly budget.
What is NFL Plus? The Basics
At its core, NFL Plus is the league’s direct-to-consumer streaming subscription designed specifically for the mobile-first fan. While other services like YouTube TV focus on the big-screen experience, NFL Plus explained simply is a way to watch live local and primetime games—including the playoffs and Super Bowl LX—directly on your phone or tablet. It serves as the spiritual successor to the old “NFL Game Pass,” providing a mix of live broadcasts, high-quality audio, and an extensive library of NFL Films content.
Current Pricing and Plans for 2026
Navigating the cost is the first step in getting NFL Plus explained for your wallet. As of the 2025-26 season, the service is split into two distinct tiers:
- NFL+ (Standard): Currently priced at $6.99 per month (or $49.99 annually).
- NFL+ Premium: Priced at $14.99 per month (or $99.99 annually).The standard tier is ideal for the casual fan who just wants live local access, while the Premium tier targets the “die-hard” who craves every detail of the game.
Features of the Standard Tier
To truly have NFL Plus explained, you have to look at what you get for that base $6.99 price point. The standard subscription includes live local and primetime regular-season and postseason games, but there is a major catch: these are restricted to mobile devices only. You also get a 24/7 live stream of the NFL Network, live game audio (home, away, and national calls) for every single contest, and an ad-free library of on-demand programming. It’s a solid “on-the-go” package for fans who can’t always be in front of a television.
The Power of NFL Plus Premium
For many, the Premium tier is where the service truly shines, and it is a vital part of the NFL Plus explained value proposition. The standout feature here is NFL RedZone, which allows you to watch every touchdown from every game on Sunday afternoons without commercial interruption. Additionally, Premium subscribers get access to full and condensed game replays across all devices, including smart TVs. This means you can watch a full game broadcast shortly after it ends, making it a perfect tool for those who have to miss a live kickoff.
Coaches Film and Advanced Analytics
For the true “film junkies,” NFL Plus explained wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the “All-22” Coaches Film. This feature, exclusive to the Premium tier, provides the high-angle footage that professional coaches and scouts use to analyze player movements and defensive schemes. In 2026, this has been augmented with “NFL Pro” statistics, offering over 95 unique performance metrics. If you enjoy winning your fantasy league by out-researching your friends, this advanced film access is likely the deciding factor for your subscription.
The “Is It Worth It?” Verdict
Deciding if the service is right for you depends on how you consume football. If we have NFL Plus explained correctly, it’s clear that the service is best suited for two types of people: the “cord-cutter” who primarily watches on a phone, and the “football nerd” who needs RedZone and Coaches Film. If you already have a massive cable package or YouTube TV with Sunday Ticket, the standard NFL+ might be redundant. However, for $14.99, getting RedZone without a traditional TV contract remains one of the best values in sports media.
Quick Comparison: NFL+ vs. NFL+ Premium
| Feature | NFL+ ($6.99/mo) | NFL+ Premium ($14.99/mo) |
| Live Local/Primetime Games | Mobile Only | Mobile Only |
| NFL Network 24/7 | Yes | Yes |
| NFL RedZone | No | Yes (All Devices) |
| Game Replays | No | Yes (All Devices) |
| Coaches Film (All-22) | No | Yes |
| Live Game Audio | Yes | Yes |
Final Thoughts
As the league continues to push into the digital frontier, services like these will only become more integrated into the fan experience. We hope this deep dive has the current state of NFL Plus explained in a way that helps you make an informed choice before the next big kickoff. Whether you’re chasing the “witching hour” on RedZone or studying the All-22 to perfect your playoff bracket, there is a version of this service built for your specific needs.
