Dallas Cowboys On ESPN Plus? How To Watch
\nAre you a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan wondering if you can catch their games on ESPN Plus? You're not alone! With the ever-changing landscape of sports broadcasting, it can be tough to keep track of where to find your favorite team. Let's break down whether the Dallas Cowboys games are available on ESPN Plus and explore the best ways to watch America's Team.
Understanding ESPN Plus and NFL Coverage
First off, let's clarify what ESPN Plus actually offers. ESPN Plus is a streaming service that gives you access to a ton of live sports, original shows, and on-demand content. However, it's important to know that ESPN Plus doesn't typically carry live broadcasts of nationally televised NFL games.
So, what does this mean for watching the Dallas Cowboys? Well, if the Cowboys are playing on Monday Night Football (which airs on ESPN), you won't find that specific game live on ESPN Plus. Monday Night Football is broadcast on the main ESPN channel, and while ESPN Plus might offer some related content like pre-game or post-game analysis, the live game itself isn't usually included. ESPN Plus sometimes offers an alternative broadcast of Monday Night Football called the "ManningCast," featuring Peyton and Eli Manning, which has become incredibly popular. This is a unique and entertaining way to watch the game, offering insightful commentary and a more relaxed viewing experience.
Here's the deal: ESPN Plus focuses on a variety of sports, including college games, international soccer, UFC, and more. It's a fantastic service for sports enthusiasts, but it's not designed to be a primary source for watching nationally televised NFL games. To catch the Cowboys, you’ll generally need access to traditional broadcast channels, cable networks, or other streaming services that carry those games.
Where Can You Watch the Dallas Cowboys?
Okay, so if ESPN Plus isn't the go-to for live Cowboys games, where can you watch them? Here's a rundown of the main options:
- Traditional TV Broadcasts: Games airing on CBS, Fox, and NBC are usually available through traditional cable or satellite TV subscriptions. These channels often broadcast games on Sundays, and you can also catch them with a good old-fashioned antenna.
- ESPN (Monday Night Football): As mentioned earlier, Monday Night Football airs on ESPN. If the Cowboys are playing on Monday night, you'll need access to the ESPN channel through a cable, satellite, or streaming service.
- NFL Network: Some Cowboys games might be broadcast on the NFL Network. This channel usually requires a cable or satellite subscription, but it's a great option for in-depth NFL coverage.
- Streaming Services: Several streaming services offer live TV packages that include the channels you need to watch the Cowboys. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV carry CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network (depending on the package), giving you a comprehensive way to watch the games.
- NFL Game Pass (via DAZN): For those outside the US, NFL Game Pass (now on DAZN) is a solid option. It allows you to stream every NFL game live or on-demand. Replays are also available for those who can't watch the games live.
Breaking Down Streaming Options
Let's dive a little deeper into those streaming services, because they're becoming increasingly popular for watching live sports. Here’s a quick comparison:
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV is a comprehensive option, offering a wide range of channels, including all the major networks you need to watch NFL games. It also includes unlimited DVR storage, so you can record games and watch them later.
- Hulu + Live TV: Hulu + Live TV is another great choice, bundling live TV channels with Hulu's extensive on-demand library. This is a good option if you want access to a variety of content in addition to live sports.
- Sling TV: Sling TV is a more budget-friendly option, offering different channel packages at lower price points. However, you'll need to make sure the package you choose includes the channels you need to watch the Cowboys. For instance, you might need both Sling Blue and Sling Orange to get all the necessary channels.
- FuboTV: FuboTV is a sports-centric streaming service, offering a wide range of sports channels, including those you need to watch NFL games. It also includes some features like 4K streaming and multiple simultaneous streams.
Consider these factors when choosing a streaming service:
- Price: Streaming services vary in price, so consider your budget.
- Channel Lineup: Make sure the service offers the channels you need to watch the Cowboys games.
- Features: Look for features like DVR storage, simultaneous streams, and 4K streaming.
- Contract: Most streaming services don't require contracts, so you can cancel anytime.
Key Considerations for Cowboys Fans
Alright, Cowboys Nation, here’s what you really need to keep in mind:
- Check the Schedule: The NFL schedule is released well in advance, so you can see which channels will be broadcasting each Cowboys game. This will help you plan your viewing strategy.
- Location Matters: If you're in the Dallas area, some games might be broadcast on local channels. Check your local listings to see what's available.
- Don't Rely Solely on ESPN Plus: While ESPN Plus offers great sports content, it's not the primary way to watch live NFL games. Supplement it with other options.
- Consider a Digital Antenna: A digital antenna can pick up over-the-air broadcasts from local channels, allowing you to watch games on CBS, Fox, and NBC for free.
Maximizing Your Viewing Experience
To make sure you never miss a Cowboys game, consider these tips:
- Set Reminders: Use your phone or TV to set reminders for upcoming games. That way, you won't forget to tune in.
- Download Apps: Download the apps for the streaming services you use. This will make it easy to watch games on your phone, tablet, or TV.
- Invest in a Good Streaming Device: A reliable streaming device like a Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV can enhance your viewing experience.
- Test Your Internet Connection: Make sure your internet connection is fast and stable. Nothing's worse than missing a crucial play because of buffering issues.
Wrapping Up: Watching the Cowboys
So, to answer the original question: No, you typically cannot watch live Dallas Cowboys games on ESPN Plus if they are nationally televised games. ESPN Plus is a great service for supplementary sports content, but you'll need other options like traditional TV, streaming services with live TV packages, or NFL Game Pass to catch the Cowboys in action. Keep an eye on the NFL schedule, explore your streaming options, and get ready to cheer on America's Team!
Remember, technology and broadcasting rights are always evolving, so it's a good idea to stay informed about the latest developments. That way, you'll always be ready to support the Cowboys, no matter where they're playing. Go Cowboys!