You're sitting there, wings getting cold, staring at a "Game Not Available in Your Area" screen. It’s the worst feeling in the world for a member of the Who Dey nation. Honestly, the NFL’s broadcast rules have become a tangled web of regional blackouts, exclusive streaming rights, and hidden fees that could make a seasoned accountant’s head spin. If you just want to watch the Bengals game without a massive headache, you need a plan that goes beyond just turning on the TV and hoping for the best.
The 2025-2026 season has changed the math. We aren't just looking at CBS and FOX anymore. Now, we’re dealing with Netflix, Amazon, and Peacock as major gatekeepers.
The Local Fan’s Secret Weapon: The Antenna
People forget about the "old school" way. It’s funny, actually. You can spend $80 a month on a streaming bundle, or you can spend $30 once on a piece of plastic you stick to your window. If you live in or near Cincinnati, the Bengals are almost always on "free" TV.
Local games—even the ones on ESPN or Amazon—usually get a simulcast on a local broadcast station. For instance, in Cincinnati, you're looking at WKRC (CBS), WXIX (FOX), or WLWT (NBC). If Joe Burrow is playing on a Monday night, and you don't have ESPN, check the local listings; a local channel will usually pick it up for the local market only.
It’s the most reliable way to avoid the three-second lag that ruins the game when your neighbor screams "TOUCHDOWN" while your stream is still at the 20-yard line.
Why Out-of-Market Fans Keep Losing
If you moved to Chicago or Florida, things get complicated. Fast. You basically have two real choices: NFL Sunday Ticket or a very savvy combination of apps.
YouTube TV owns Sunday Ticket now. It’s expensive. Like, "maybe I should just buy a jersey instead" expensive. But if you’re a die-hard who needs every single Sunday afternoon snap, it’s the only legitimate way to bypass the regional maps.
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However, before you drop $400, look at the schedule. The Bengals are a "sexy" team for TV executives. This means they get a lot of primetime slots. If they have five night games, two on Amazon, and one on Netflix (yes, Netflix is in the NFL business now for Christmas games), Sunday Ticket only covers about 60% of your needs.
The Streaming Puzzle for 2026
Here is the reality of your monthly bill if you’re trying to catch every snap from outside of Ohio:
- Paramount+: This is your home for the CBS games. If the Bengals are playing an AFC rival at 1:00 PM, this is usually where they live.
- Peacock: NBC has the rights to Sunday Night Football. If it’s a big matchup against the Ravens or Chiefs, you’re likely going to need this.
- Amazon Prime: Thursday Night Football is still theirs. They’ve actually improved the stream quality lately, but you still need that high-speed internet to avoid the "pixelated Burrow" effect.
- Netflix: New for the 2025-2026 cycle, Netflix is hosting the Christmas Day games.
It's a lot. You’ve basically gotta be a digital librarian to keep track of which app to open on which day.
What About NFL+?
I get asked about this a lot. "Can't I just pay $7 a month for NFL+?"
Well, yes and no. Mostly no. NFL+ is great if you want to watch on your phone or tablet. But the second you try to cast it to your 65-inch 4K TV? Blackout. The league is very protective of their "big screen" rights. It’s a decent backup if you’re stuck at a wedding or a kid's birthday party, but it isn't a primary solution for a home setup.
The "Bar Strategy" Still Works
Sometimes the best way to watch the Bengals game is to not watch it at home at all. Cincinnati bars across the country—places like The Bus Stop in NYC or various spots in Chicago—will always have the game on. You pay in beer and burgers instead of subscription fees. Plus, there is something about screaming "Who Dey" with fifty strangers that a living room just can't replicate.
Actionable Steps for Next Sunday
Don't wait until 12:55 PM to figure this out. The stress isn't worth it.
- Check the Coverage Map: Sites like 506 Sports post the regional maps every Wednesday. This tells you if your local FOX or CBS affiliate is actually showing the Bengals or if they’re forcing you to watch the Giants instead.
- Audit Your Apps: Do a quick check on Friday. Is your Paramount+ logged in? Does your Amazon Prime need a password update?
- Check the Local "Simulcast": If you’re in Cincinnati, Dayton, or Northern Kentucky, check the local channel guide for Monday or Thursday games. You likely don’t need the expensive cable channel to see it.
- Test Your Speed: If you’re streaming, you need at least 25 Mbps for a stable 4K feed. If the family is all on their iPads, your game is going to buffer right when the ball is in the air.
Stop overpaying for bundles you don't use. Pick the one or two apps that cover the majority of the schedule and use an antenna for the rest. It’s not about having every channel; it’s about having the right one when the clock starts ticking.