Tuning in MLB, NFL games

Speaking of streaming, if you’re a cord-cutter like me, watching sports can be a challenge.

But I’ve figured out how to tune in my beloved New York Yankees in the American League Division Series games — for free. The hardest part is figuring out which channels are carrying the games and matching them to the right package offered by a no-contact streaming service.

Postseason games and the World Series are airing on TBS and Fox’s FS1 this year.

The cheapest way to watch playoff action between the white lines is with SlingTV’s Blue package. It includes TBS and

FS1 channels for $25 a month at Sling.com. Sling also offers a free trial for seven days, which gets me through the first round of playoffs. If the Yankees advance, I’ll gladly pay the

25 bucks.

For football fans, there are new, free, streaming options this year.

A mishmash of providers air games online for free, depending on who owns the rights.

Here is a primer:

NFL App: The National Football League is now streaming live, local prime time games to phones and tablets for free this season through the updated app, according to a news release. It’s free to download at NFL.com/Apps. Watch nationally televised games on NBC’s Sunday Night Football and ESPN’s Monday Night Football, playoff games and the Super Bowl. Make sure location services is on to see games in your area.

Fans who want to watch on their TVs or desktop computers can access live games by logging in with their TV provider on NFL.com, the NFL app, or TV network or provider’s digital platform. NFL Sunday Ticket customers can stream through NFL and DirecTV apps and sites.

The redesigned app also features a new Game Center that provides up-tothe-minute scoring, ingame highlights, statistical insights and animated drive charts.

The NFL app doesn’t show games airing on CBS or Fox, so here’s how to tune in those games:

Yahoo Sports: Download the app to steam live games for free on phones and tablets at Sports.yahoo.com/nfl/live-video/.

CBS Sports: Let’s hope the Miami Dolphins get the win against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Tune in the game at 1 p.m. with a cheap antenna for free or download the CBS All Access app and sign up for a free one-week trial. After that it’s $5.99 a month.

Fox Sports Go: Download the app and sign in with your TV provider credentials (Comcast, DirecTV, etc.) to see games on the go at FoxSportsGo.com. Provider not listed? Too bad. Fox does not offer directto-consumer streaming, so you could watch through the aforementioned SlingTV.

Thursday Night Football: Amazon Prime members can stream Thursday games, which started on week 4, on Prime Video or through Amazon-owned Twitch gaming.