What channel is Peacock? Is it free? Here's how to watch Dolphins-Chiefs game
The good news for Miami Dolphins fans: They can sit comfortably at home far away from the sub-zero temperatures in Kansas City to watch Saturday night's playoff game against the Chiefs.
The bad news: Watching the game will be a little more difficult. They'll need a subscription to Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service.
The Dolphins-Chiefs game is the NFL's first playoff game that's being exclusively streamed, meaning it won't appear on traditional TV channels. The only exceptions are for people in the Miami and Kansas City "local markets," which for Florida means Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Fans in Miami and Fort Lauderdale can tune into NBC-Channel 6 to watch Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce (and Taylor Swift?) but fans in Palm Beach County and everywhere else will need to go online.
Gameday updates: Miami Dolphins face Kansas City Chiefs in historic cold on Peacock playoff game
Here's what to know about Peacock.
Why is the Dolphins game on Peacock?
The NFL expanded the playoff field from 12 teams to 14 for the 2022 postseason, putting two more games into wild card weekend. The league has been doing more in streaming in recent seasons, moving Thursday Night Football exclusively to Amazon Prime in 2022.
According to USA Today, NBC Sports president Rick Cordella said the window was presented as a streaming-only playoff game as part of the new media rights deal that went into effect this season. NBCUniversal pitched for the Saturday night game to air on Peacock and reportedly paid $110 million for it.
The NFL likely chose this game for the star power. The No. 3-seed Chiefs are the reigning Super Bowl champions with two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. Plus, star tight end Travis Kelce is dating Taylor Swift, and the potential draw of "Swifties" flooding for subscriptions had to be appealing to Peacock. The No. 6 Dolphins are plenty appealing, too, with one of the top offenses in the NFL and former Chiefs star Tyreek Hill making his long-awaited return to Arrowhead Stadium.
Can you stream Peacock for free?
Peacock does not offer a free trial. Premium subscriptions cost $5.99 per month.
How much is Peacock NFL?
To watch the Dolphins-Chiefs game, users need only to buy the Premium package for $5.99 per month. Peacock also offers a Premium Plus package with no ads for $11.99 per month.
You can also buy a yearly subscription that shaves off two months of payment. An annual Premium subscription is $59.99, and an annual Premium Plus subscription is $119.99.
How do I get Peacock on my TV?
If you have a smart TV, go to the TV's app store and download Peacock. You can subscribe or log in through the app.
If your TV doesn't have Peacock available, you can download the app through the PlayStation Store on your PS4 or PS5 or the Microsoft Store on Xbox. You can also download the app on your phone or tablet, or access it through your laptop or computer at peacocktv.com.
Will restaurants and bars show Dolphins-Chiefs on Peacock?
NBCUniversal is offering the Dolphins-Chiefs playoff game as part of its Peacock Sports Pass package available to commercial establishments. Several sports bars in Palm Beach County will show the game.
Is there a Peacock free trial?
Peacock no longer offers free trials. The cheapest subscription plan is $5.99 per month.
Is Peacock free on Prime?
Amazon Prime subscribers will not be able to stream Peacock through Prime Video. NBCUniversal made its streaming service independent from Amazon, unlike other streamers such as Max and Hulu, which can be linked up with a Prime account.
Who offers Peacock TV for free?
New Instacart Plus subscribers can get access to Peacock for free.
Is Peacock free with Xfinity?
Comcast Xfinity subscribers can get Peacock Premium plans for just $2.99 per month for a year. The offer ends Monday, January 15.
Peacock subscriptions used to be free to X1 and Flex subscribers, but that is no longer included. Xfinity does have some offers for free Peacock Premium subscriptions:
Gigabit or Gigabit Plus speed service
Diamond or Platinum Rewards members
NOW TV customers
Can you get Peacock for $1.99 per month?
GQ offers a student discount that can be redeemed for a $1.99 monthly subscription to Peacock.
How do I watch local news on Peacock?
With a Premium Plus subscription, Peacock subscribers can access local TV stations. Those plans cost $11.99 per month, whereas a Premium subscription costs just $5.99 per month.
How can I watch the Dolphins-Chiefs game?
When: 8:10 p.m. Saturday, January 13
Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
TV: This game will not be available on traditional TV (except in Miami and Kansas City)
Streaming: Peacock ($5.99 per month)
The Dolphins vs. Chiefs playoff game kicks off at 8:10 p.m. Saturday, January 13 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
Dolphins-Chiefs will not be available on traditional TV channels outside of the Miami and Kansas City local markets. Dolphins fans in Miami and Fort Lauderdale will be able to watch the game on WTVJ Channel 6.
The rest of the country can watch the game only on the Peacock streaming service. Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and Jason Garrett (analyst) will be in the booth.
Eric J. Wallace of the Palm Beach Post and Chris Bumbaca of USA Today contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Peacock Dolphins game: How to get NFL playoff game vs Chiefs
