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Thursday, August 8th kicks off the 2024-2025 NFL season with two games. Many of the NFL preseason games are available through in-market broadcasts, allowing one to easily enjoy a few nationally televised games and see how the season is shaping up for new and old players. Learn more about how to watch preseason NFL games without cable here.
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Where to watch NFL Preseason games
As the 2024-2025 NFL season gets closer to gracing our TV screens, finding the best way to watch preseason NFL games is a must. Many games will be broadcast on local channels, with the closest team to your location being televised. There may also be blackouts, depending on whether channels like ESPN, Fox, CBS, or NBC are picking the game up.
For streaming, NFL Network will broadcast one of the highest number of NFL games with 21. You can also enjoy one preseason game through Prime Video, but the rest may be best viewed through a streaming service that attaches to live local channels.
| Channels Available? | Hulu & Live TV | DirecTV Stream | FuboTV |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Network | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ESPN | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fox* | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CBS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NBC* | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Prime Video | No | No | No |
Related: How to Watch NFL Network in 2024
Watch NFL Preseason on NFL Network
The home for all things NFL, watch the majority of the preseason through NFL Network. The service plans to broadcast 21 of the 49 preseason games, highlighting teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, the Minnesota Vikings, and the New England Patriots. Some of these games may be subject to local blackouts based on your location.
The subscription to NFL Network is through NFL+, which starts at only $6.99 a month. Then you can enjoy preseason and regular season games, along with plenty of stats to keep your fantasy team on top.
Watch NFL Preseason on DIRECTV Stream
DIRECTV not only offers cable but streaming services as well through their DIRECTV STREAM service. Viewers can watch every channel that provides nationally broadcasted games, including NFL Network, ESPN, Fox, CBS, and NBC. DIRECTV STREAM also provides a large selection of local sports, providing you with around-the-clock content.
DIRECTV STREAM offers three plans for the streaming service. The Entertainment plan costs $79.99/month, the Choice + Sports plan costs $123/month, and the Ultimate + Sports plan costs $134/month. Occasionally these plans will be on sale, offering a lower price for the first few months of streaming. The best plan for watching the NFL would be the Choice plan, as it contains access to NFL Network, Bally Sports, and Marquee Sports Network.
Read More: How to Watch Sunday Night Football Live
Watch NFL Preseason on Hulu + Live TV
While Hulu + Live TV may offer just one price for their service, it is well worth the cost for the content provided. With Hulu + Live TV, viewers have access to TV broadcasts on NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, and NFL Network. All you need to have is a subscription and a live TV-supported device, such as a smart TV or phone.
Hulu + Live TV provides you with nationally televised and local affiliate networks but can be subject to regional restrictions or blackouts due to various contracts. You can enjoy NFL preseason and regular season with Hulu + Live TV, starting at $75.99 a month. Note: This does not include the bundle of Disney+ and ESPN+.
Watch NFL Preseason on FuboTV
Access all your favorite sports channels to stream the NFL preseason with FuboTV. You can enjoy NFL Network through all tiers of FuboTV in addition to Bally Sports, local networks, and ESPN. Other specific channels offered on FuboTV include FS1, FS2, CBS, NBC, and ESPN2.
There are three tiers of subscriptions through FuboTV, other than their Latino package for $32.99/month. Enjoy the Pro package for $79.99/month, the Elite package for $89.99/month, or the Premier package for $99.99/month. FuboTV also comes with a free trial period, so if you’re not satisfied with the streaming platform you can cancel before paying.
Watch NFL Preseason on Amazon Prime Video
While there is only one preseason game available exclusively through Amazon Prime Video, the streaming service is a great option for watching future Thursday Night Football games. Amazon Prime Video is the home for all things Thursday Night, and the $8.99/month subscription is a reasonable price for seventeen NFL games during the season.
Enjoy the NFL’s kickoff of TNF on August 22nd with Prime Video as the Colts and the Bengals fight for the win. You can also attach cable services like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV with the Amazon Fire Stick to watch even more preseason content.
Best NFL Preseason Options
| Streaming Service | Price (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| NFL Network | $6.99+ |
| Amazon Prime Video | $8.99+ |
| Hulu & Live TV | $75.99+ |
| DirecTV Stream | $79.99+ |
| FuboTV | $79.99+ |
There are several TV options to choose from when watching the NFL preseason, but the best depends on what team you want to watch. Below is a breakdown of how you can cheer for your favorite team based on the game type.
- Local Games: An over-the-air antenna can pick up local channels that broadcast your team, without monthly fees.
- Out-of-market Games: Starting at only $6.99 a month, NFL Network through NFL+ is the best way to watch the majority of NFL preseason games, with 21 of them being featured through the service. While some preseason games might be restricted, NFL Network provides the largest number of preseason games at the lowest price.
- National Games: While an antenna can access national broadcasts like CBS, Fox, and NBC, you’ll need a TV subscription to access ESPN and NFL Network. If you’re looking for a service to get you past preseason and through the 2024-2025 regular season, Hulu + Live TV is a great service that provides all your favorite sports channels in one spot.
NFL Preseason Schedule 2024
The NFL Preseason is split into four weeks, with one matchup in the first week and sixteen in the following weeks. 21 of these matchups will be featured on NFL Network. Most games will be offered in their local areas, so watch what channels will broadcast your team’s games.
NFL Preseason Schedule – Week 3
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Aug. 22 | Colts @ Bengals | 8:00 PM | Prime Video |
| Thursday, Aug. 22 | Bears @ Chiefs | 8:20 PM | NFL Network |
| Friday, Aug. 23 | Jaguars @ Falcons | 7:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Friday, Aug. 23 | Dolphins @ Buccaneers | 7:30 PM | Local |
| Friday, Aug. 23 | 49ers @ Raiders | 10:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Saturday, Aug. 24 | Panthers @ Bills | 1:00 PM | Local |
| Saturday, Aug. 24 | Steelers @ Lions | 1:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Saturday, Aug. 24 | Ravens @ Packers | 1:00 PM | Local |
| Saturday, Aug. 24 | Vikings @ Eagles | 1:00 PM | Local |
| Saturday, Aug. 24 | Rams @ Texans | 1:00 PM | Local |
| Saturday, Aug. 24 | Chargers @ Cowboys | 4:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Saturday, Aug. 24 | Giants @ Jets | 7:30 PM | NFL Network |
| Saturday, Aug. 24 | Browns @ Seahawks | 10:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Sunday, Aug. 25 | Titans @ Saints | 2:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Sunday, Aug. 25 | Cardinals @ Broncos | 4:30 PM | CBS |
| Sunday, Aug. 25 | Patriots @ Commanders | 8:00 PM | NBC |
Also Read: ESPN Plus Price, Packages, and Deals in 2024
Notable Injuries in NFL Preseason 2024
While some players have been proving their worth on the field, others have unfortunately entered the injured list. While we hate to see it happen, check out the most notable injuries so far in the 2024 NFL preseason.
- Rondale Moore – Falcons WR (knee injury, expected to return in 2025)
- Bralen Trice – Falcons, LB (torn ACL, expected return 2025)
- Matt Milano – Bills, OLB (torn biceps, expected return December 2024)
- Chris Evans – Bengals, RB (torn patellar tendon, expected return 2025)
- Samuel Williams – Cowboys, DE (torn ACL, expected return 2025)
- Samson Ebukam – Colts, DE (torn Achilles, expected return 2025)
- J.J. McCarthy – Vikings, QB (torn meniscus, expected return 2025)
- Mekhi Blackmon – Vikings, DB (torn ACL, expected return 2025)
- Nate Herbig – Steelers, OG (torn rotator cuff, expected return December 2024)
Check Out: How to Watch Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime in 2024
Rookies to Watch Heading into Regular Season
While we are all familiar with players like Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill and their performances on the field, the 2024 NFL Draft has provided some new talent for the league. Make sure to watch these rookies in their debut year in the NFL:
- Drake Maye (Patriots, QB)
- Sione Vaki (Lions, RB)
- Omar Speights (Rams, LB)
- Xavier Thomas (Cardinals, Edge)
- Jonah Elliss (Broncos, Edge)
- Bo Nix (Broncos, QB)
- Caleb Williams (Bears, QB)
- Jaylen Wright (Dolphins, RB)
- Olu Fashanu (Jets, OT)
The Dynamic Kickoff Response
While many players, coaches, and fans were wary about the dynamic kickoff rule change, it has had positive effects already in the NFL preseason. Statistics have shown a significant uptick in return rate and big-play returns (at least 40 yards), and an increase of more than 4 yards in average starting field position. This may help with declining scores in regular-season games over the years, and create those memorable plays every fan wants to watch on their screens.
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FAQs
Out of 32 teams, only two will play more than three preseason games. The two teams playing four games will be the Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans, since they are participating in the Hall of Fame game on August 8th. Every other team will have three preseason games spread across three weeks, and will officially start regular season games on Thursday, September 5th with the Ravens and the Chiefs.
All the NFL preseason games will be televised, airing through local networks within each team’s region. There will be a few games nationally televised, and one exclusively on Prime Video, so there are options to watch your favorite teams.
There are a few ways you can watch NFL games for free. You can purchase an HD antenna that can pick up local channels that carry NFL games, sign up for NFL Network for all things football, or take advantage of free trials offered by streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV or NFL Network.
While the whole NFL preseason is not available through Prime Video, there will be one game exclusively on the service. The Indianapolis Colts will head to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, August 22 at 8 pm ET. This game will kick off the Thursday Night Football coverage for the 2024-2025 season.
NFL+ allows users to stream live local and primetime regular and postseason games available on your local TV network. These can be subject to blackouts due to nationally televised games throughout the season.
The Ravens and the Chiefs are kicking off the 2024-2025 NFL season in a 2023 AFC Championship rematch. They will play on Thursday, September 5th at 8:20 pm ET.
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