Tablo Blog

The Cord Cutter’s Guide to Thanksgiving Day 2018 Football

November 19, 2018

We hope you enjoy the following guest post from Chris Brantner, one of the cord cutting experts behind StreamingObserver.com. 

Thanksgiving may be a day filled with family and food, but it’s traditionally also a day filled with football. In fact, you’ll get to watch three NFL games over Thursday's holiday, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET. 

The great news for cord cutters is that all the games are broadcast for free via local Over-the-Air channels.

The Thanksgiving Day schedule of NFL games include:

• Bears at Lions – 12:30 pm ET on CBS
• Redskins at Cowboys – 4:30 pm ET on FOX
• Falcons at Saints –8:20 pm ET on NBC
  
  

Where to Watch Without Cable

In most major cities and towns you’ll be able to watch all three NFL games using an antenna. And depending on your location and antenna setup, you could enjoy even more programs and channels without paying a dime for cable TV.

There are streaming services that offer these channels, but again, availability is based on location. Plus, why pay a monthly fee when you can get those channels for free and with zero impact on your internet datacap?

It's best to opt for an easy-to-use digital antenna which gives you the channels you need to watch sports like Thanksgiving football, special events, and more.

What If I’m Not Home?

Just because you have a digital antenna doesn’t mean you have to be strapped to your television.

Tablo DVRs allow you to pair your Tablo with your smart phone, tablet, PC, or supported streaming device. This setup will let you to stream the game live from anywhere in the world.

If that sounds confusing, don’t worry. It’s a lot easier than it sounds. At home, your antenna is connected to your Tablo, then the Tablo sends it to your Tablo app, where you’re able to watch your game on-the-go. It’s the perfect answer for holiday travelers.

Alternatively, if you’re not going to be home but you’d rather watch the game later, you can record the game with your Tablo DVR and watch it whenever you want.

Ultimately, this is the best option if you’re going to (or have already) cut the cord. Pairing a digital antenna with an OTA DVR allows you to watch both live and recorded television whenever and wherever it’s easiest for you to do so.

What If I Can’t Get Channels Over-the-Air?

If you’re not able to receive one or all the necessary channels for Thanksgiving football viewing with a digital antenna, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get them with most streaming services either. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to watch the games.

In fact, you’ll still be able to watch all three of them and any other NFL game you want to watch this season!

Streaming the NFL is as easy as downloading the NFL app on your smartphone or tablet. The only downside here is that unlike with Tablo, you’ll be forced to watch the game huddled around the phone or tablet you’re using. You won’t be able to screencast to your TV.

However, you’ll still get all of the games for free, so it’s still a great deal!

Watching Thanksgiving football has never been cheaper or easier than it is this year! Make sure to enjoy the day and may the best teams win!

Chris Brantner is the expert behind Streaming Observer, where he covers all things related to the world of cord cutting. He has also served as a contributor for US News & World Report, TechHive, VICE, Houston Chronicle, San Diego Union-Tribune, and more. Follow him on Twitter @StreamingOb.