NFL season is here, and if you’re planning to stream the big games, buffering or lag can ruin the experience. You don’t want to miss a game-changing touchdown just because your internet decides to take a nap. If you’ve ever found yourself cheering behind your neighbours or missed that pivotal moment in the game, chances are your home network isn’t up to scratch.
Let’s fix that. Whether you’re hosting a watch party or flying solo, follow these quick and easy steps to ensure your NFL streaming is buffer-free.
1. Run a Speed Test to Diagnose Your Internet
Before anything, find out what internet speed you’re working with. Many of us don’t even know the speed we’re paying for, so log in to your account with your internet service provider (ISP) and check. You’ll want to aim for at least 25Mbps for streaming 4K video, as recommended by the FCC, but ideally, you should target 100Mbps if you have multiple devices connected.
Here’s how to check your speed:
- Use a tool like Ookla Speed Test (I have it on my Apple TV, but you can run it from your phone, TV, or computer).
- Run tests at different times of the day to see if congestion affects your speed.
Compare your results to what your ISP promises. If your speeds are consistently underperforming, it may be time to upgrade your plan, or you could even try negotiating for a better deal. ISPs often have new offers for loyal customers, so check out what’s available.
2. Move Your Router to a Central Spot
Wi-Fi placement plays a massive role in streaming speed. If your router is buried in a corner room, your streaming devices might not be receiving strong signals. Simply moving your router to a more central location can fix this.
Here’s how to optimize:
- Place your router as close as possible to where you stream.
- Avoid obstacles like walls or large furniture that could block the Wi-Fi signal.
If you can’t move the router, consider investing in a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network to boost your coverage.
3. Connect via Ethernet for the Best Speeds
For serious NFL fans, Wi-Fi might not cut it. The best way to ensure smooth streaming is to connect your TV or streaming device directly to your router with an Ethernet cable. I’ve done this with my Apple TV, and it’s been a game-changer—no more buffering, no more delays.
If Ethernet isn’t an option, try moving your streaming setup closer to the router for better Wi-Fi signals.
4. Check Who’s Hogging the Bandwidth
If you’re streaming NFL games while others in the house are gaming, watching Netflix, or even browsing the internet, you might be experiencing bandwidth congestion. Every device in your house is fighting for a slice of that bandwidth pie, and if your smart fridge is checking for recipe updates while you’re streaming, it’s eating into your internet speed.
Here’s what you can do:
- Take inventory of how many devices are connected.
- Ask non-sports fans in your household to download their shows or movies ahead of time.
- Prioritize important devices by disconnecting or pausing less critical ones during the game.
Download movies for the kids or set up their own “game” with pre-loaded activities to minimise network stress.
5. Restart Your Router for a Quick Fix
It sounds simple, but turning off your router and turning it back on can actually solve a lot of problems. Routers can slow down over time, and a restart gives them a refresh to perform better.
- Unplug the router for 30 seconds.
- Plug it back in and wait a few minutes for it to reboot.
If this improves things, consider setting a schedule to reboot your router once a week for consistent performance.
6. Consider Using a VPN
If you’re streaming NFL games from apps that might limit content based on your location, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can give you access to broader options. VPNs reroute your internet connection through a server in a different location, potentially reducing throttling or letting you watch out-of-market games.
Check out ExpressVPN—it’s highly rated for streaming, and it even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you just want to use it for the NFL season. However, make sure your streaming services allow VPN usage according to their terms and conditions.
7. Do a Final Check Before Game Day
You’ve done all the legwork; now make sure everything is perfect before the game starts. Here’s your last-minute checklist:
- Rerun your speed test to ensure your download speeds are holding up.
- Double-check your router placement and make sure no extra devices are hogging bandwidth.
- Ensure everyone in the house knows the game plan for the day, and download any shows or movies ahead of time to keep your network clear.
Once you’ve done all that, grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready to enjoy the NFL with zero buffering.
