How To Watch NFL Preseason Games: The Ultimate Guide
The NFL preseason is an exciting time for football fans, guys! It's when we get our first glimpse of the rookies, see how the veterans are shaping up, and generally get that football itch scratched before the regular season kicks off. But how exactly do you watch these games? With so many options available, it can be a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, we've got you covered! This guide will walk you through all the ways you can catch the preseason action, from traditional television broadcasts to streaming services and even attending games in person. Let’s dive in and make sure you don't miss a single snap!
Why Watch NFL Preseason Games?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to watch, let's quickly discuss why you might want to watch NFL preseason games in the first place. Some fans consider them to be less important than regular season games, but there are several compelling reasons to tune in. For starters, it’s your first chance to see your team in action after a long off-season. This is especially exciting if your team has a new quarterback, a highly-touted rookie, or made some significant roster changes. You get to see how these changes translate onto the field.
The preseason is also a crucial time for players battling for roster spots. These games provide invaluable opportunities for them to showcase their skills and make an impression on the coaching staff. You'll often see intense competition, with players giving it their all to secure a place on the final 53-man roster. This can be some of the most exciting and raw football you'll see all year. Moreover, the preseason allows you to scout out potential fantasy football sleepers. Keep an eye on those players who are performing well and getting significant playing time – they might just be the hidden gems that win you your league!
For die-hard fans, watching the NFL preseason is simply part of the football experience. It’s a chance to soak in the atmosphere, get hyped for the regular season, and enjoy the camaraderie of watching football with friends and family. Plus, it’s a great way to ease into the intensity of the regular season. Think of it as a warm-up for the main event! So, whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned veteran, the preseason offers something for everyone. Now that we’ve covered the “why,” let’s move on to the “how.”
Traditional Television Broadcasts
One of the most straightforward ways to watch NFL preseason games is through traditional television broadcasts. Many games are broadcast on national networks like ESPN, NFL Network, CBS, Fox, and NBC. These games are typically the most high-profile matchups and often feature commentary and analysis from well-known football experts. Check your local listings and national TV schedules to see which games are being broadcast in your area.
Your local channels will often broadcast games involving your hometown team. This is a fantastic way to catch the action without needing any additional subscriptions or streaming services. Keep an eye on the local news and sports websites for schedule announcements. The NFL Network is another great resource for watching NFL preseason games. They typically broadcast a wide range of games throughout the preseason, often showing multiple games each day. If you have cable or satellite, check your channel lineup to see if you have access to the NFL Network.
ESPN is another major player in broadcasting NFL preseason games. They usually air a few high-profile games each week, often featuring nationally recognized teams and players. ESPN’s coverage is known for its in-depth analysis and expert commentary, making it a great option for fans who want a more detailed viewing experience. CBS, Fox, and NBC also broadcast select NFL preseason games, usually on weekends. These broadcasts often feature the same production quality and commentary teams as their regular season coverage, making for a premium viewing experience. To make sure you don't miss any games, create a simple schedule. Grab a calendar or use a digital planner to mark down the dates and times of the games you want to watch. This way, you'll stay organized and ensure you don't miss out on any of the action.
Streaming Services
In today’s world, streaming services have become a dominant force in how we consume content, and NFL preseason games are no exception. Several streaming options allow you to watch games live, on-demand, and on various devices. This flexibility makes it easier than ever to catch your favorite teams in action, no matter where you are. Let's take a look at some of the most popular streaming services for watching NFL preseason games.
NFL+ is the NFL's official streaming service, and it's a fantastic option for fans who want comprehensive coverage of the league. With NFL+, you can watch live local and primetime games on your phone or tablet, as well as live out-of-market preseason games across all devices. This means you can catch all the action, even if you’re not in your team’s local market. NFL+ also offers game replays, so you can watch games you missed or re-watch your favorite moments. The service is available through the NFL app and website, making it easy to access on your preferred device.
fuboTV is another excellent streaming service for NFL preseason games. It offers a wide range of sports channels, including CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, which means you can catch a large selection of NFL preseason games. fuboTV also provides local channels in many markets, so you can watch games broadcast in your area. With a subscription to fuboTV, you can stream games live on your TV, computer, phone, or tablet, giving you the flexibility to watch wherever you are. Hulu + Live TV is a popular streaming service that includes access to several channels that broadcast NFL preseason games, such as CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN. In addition to live sports, Hulu + Live TV offers a wide range of entertainment and news channels, making it a comprehensive streaming option. You can watch games on your TV, computer, phone, or tablet, and the service also includes on-demand content, so you can catch up on your favorite shows and movies.
YouTube TV is another strong contender in the streaming world, offering access to CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. This means you can watch a variety of NFL preseason games, including national broadcasts and local matchups. YouTube TV also includes a cloud DVR, allowing you to record games and watch them later. With YouTube TV, you can stream games on your TV, computer, phone, or tablet, and the service offers a user-friendly interface and reliable streaming quality. Lastly, Sling TV offers a more budget-friendly option for streaming NFL preseason games. Depending on the package you choose, you can access channels like ESPN and NFL Network, which broadcast a selection of NFL preseason games. While Sling TV doesn’t offer as many channels as some other services, it’s a cost-effective way to watch live sports and other content. You can stream games on your TV, computer, phone, or tablet, and Sling TV offers a variety of add-on packages to customize your channel lineup.
NFL Game Pass (NFL+)
We briefly touched on NFL+ earlier, but it’s worth diving a bit deeper into what this service offers, especially if you’re a die-hard fan looking for comprehensive access to NFL content. NFL+, formerly known as NFL Game Pass, is the NFL's official streaming service, and it’s designed to give fans a wide range of viewing options and exclusive content. One of the key features of NFL+ is the ability to watch live out-of-market preseason games. This means that if you’re not in the local market of your favorite team, you can still watch their preseason games live on your devices. This is a major benefit for fans who live outside their team’s primary viewing area and don’t want to miss any of the action.
In addition to live games, NFL+ offers game replays, so you can watch games you missed or re-watch your favorite moments. This is a great feature for fans who have busy schedules or want to analyze specific plays and performances. NFL+ provides access to game replays shortly after the live broadcast, so you can catch up on the action at your convenience. Another valuable feature of NFL+ is access to NFL Films archives and exclusive content. This includes documentaries, classic games, and behind-the-scenes footage that you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re a football history buff or just love getting an inside look at the NFL, this content can be a major draw. NFL+ also offers live audio broadcasts of all NFL games, so you can listen to the commentary while you’re on the go. This is a great option for fans who are traveling or want to keep up with the game while they’re doing other things. The audio broadcasts include both home and away team commentary, giving you a comprehensive listening experience. The service is accessible through the NFL app and website, making it easy to stream games and other content on your preferred device. Whether you’re using a phone, tablet, computer, or TV, you can access NFL+ and enjoy a seamless viewing experience. With its wide range of features and content, NFL+ is a valuable resource for any NFL fan looking to stay connected to the game.
Attending Games in Person
For the ultimate NFL preseason experience, nothing beats attending a game in person. The energy of the crowd, the roar of the stadium, and the excitement of seeing the players up close make for an unforgettable experience. If you have the opportunity to attend an NFL preseason game, it’s definitely worth considering. One of the biggest advantages of attending preseason games is the cost. Tickets for preseason games are typically much cheaper than regular season games, making it a more affordable way to experience the thrill of NFL football. This can be a great option for families or fans who are on a budget but still want to see a game in person.
Attending preseason games also gives you a chance to see the stadium and the game-day atmosphere without the intense pressure and high prices of the regular season. You can explore the stadium, check out the concessions, and soak in the excitement without breaking the bank. This can be a great way to introduce new fans to the sport or simply enjoy a more relaxed game-day experience. Getting tickets for NFL preseason games is usually easier than for regular season games. Since demand is lower, you have a better chance of securing tickets, even at the last minute. You can purchase tickets through the team’s official website, ticket resale sites like StubHub and Ticketmaster, or even at the stadium box office.
Preseason games provide a unique opportunity to see rookies and players battling for roster spots. You’ll get to watch these players up close and personal, seeing their skills and determination firsthand. This can be particularly exciting if your team has drafted some promising rookies or has several players competing for a limited number of roster spots. Attending a game in person allows you to soak in the atmosphere of the stadium and connect with other fans. The energy of the crowd, the tailgating before the game, and the shared excitement of watching football together create a memorable experience. Whether you’re cheering with friends, family, or fellow fans, attending a game in person is a great way to build community and celebrate your love of the sport. Plan your trip to the stadium well in advance. Check the game time, plan your route, and consider parking options. Arriving early will give you time to find your seats, grab some food, and soak in the atmosphere before kickoff. For fans who want the full NFL experience, attending a preseason game in person is an excellent option. The lower cost, easier ticket availability, and unique viewing experience make it a worthwhile way to enjoy the sport. So, consider grabbing some tickets and heading to the stadium for an unforgettable day of football!
Other Options to Consider
Beyond traditional television, streaming services, and attending games in person, there are a few other options you might want to consider for watching NFL preseason games. These alternatives can provide additional flexibility and access to games, depending on your specific needs and preferences. NFL RedZone is a popular option for fans who want to see every touchdown from every game on Sunday afternoons during the regular season, but it’s also worth considering for preseason coverage. While NFL RedZone doesn’t typically broadcast full preseason games, it often shows highlights and key plays from live games, giving you a quick way to stay up-to-date on the action. If you’re short on time but still want to catch the most exciting moments, NFL RedZone can be a great option.
Radio broadcasts are another often-overlooked way to follow NFL preseason games. Many local radio stations broadcast games live, providing play-by-play commentary and analysis. Listening to the radio is a fantastic option if you’re on the go, driving, or doing other activities where you can’t watch TV. You can tune in to the local radio station for your team or use the NFL's official app or website to find radio broadcasts of games from around the league. Social media can also be a valuable resource for staying informed about NFL preseason games. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are often used by teams, players, and media outlets to share updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content. Following your favorite teams and NFL personalities on social media can give you access to real-time information and insights during preseason games. Many sports websites and apps provide live scores, play-by-play updates, and in-game highlights for NFL preseason games. These resources can be particularly useful if you’re unable to watch the games live but still want to follow the action. Websites like ESPN, NFL.com, and your favorite sports news outlets will often have live game trackers and updates. Staying informed about how to watch NFL preseason games will enhance your enjoyment of this exciting time of year. With the variety of options available, you can choose the methods that best fit your lifestyle and preferences. Happy watching, and let’s get ready for some football!
Conclusion
So, guys, there you have it! A comprehensive guide on how to watch NFL preseason games. Whether you prefer the traditional route of television broadcasts, the flexibility of streaming services, or the immersive experience of attending a game in person, there are plenty of ways to catch the action. Remember to check your local listings, explore streaming options like NFL+, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV, and consider attending a game if you can. Don’t forget about other options like NFL RedZone, radio broadcasts, and social media for staying updated. The NFL preseason is a fantastic opportunity to get your football fix, scout out new talent, and get hyped for the regular season. By knowing all your viewing options, you’ll never miss a moment of the excitement. Now, grab your snacks, settle in, and enjoy the games!"
