Watching preseason NFL games is a great way for football fans to get their fix before the regular season kicks off. It's an opportunity to see rookies in action, observe how new team members are gelling, and get a sneak peek at potential strategies and play styles for the upcoming season. However, knowing how to watch preseason NFL games can sometimes be a bit tricky, as the broadcast landscape differs from the regular season. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the different ways you can catch the preseason action, ensuring you don't miss a single snap.
Understanding NFL Preseason
Before diving into how to watch preseason NFL games, it's important to understand what the preseason is all about. The NFL preseason consists of three games for each team, providing a crucial testing ground for players and coaches alike. This period allows teams to evaluate their rosters, experiment with different lineups, and fine-tune their game plans before the intensity of the regular season begins. For fans, it's a chance to see potential breakout stars emerge and get an early look at their favorite team's prospects. Often, these games feature a mix of starters, backups, and rookies all vying for a spot on the final roster. It’s not uncommon to see starters play for only a quarter or two, with the majority of the game dedicated to evaluating depth players and potential future stars. Understanding this dynamic is key to appreciating the preseason for what it is: a developmental and evaluative period, rather than a showcase of polished, regular-season football. The focus is on assessing talent and building team cohesion, which makes watching preseason games a unique and insightful experience for dedicated fans who want to stay ahead of the curve.
Why Watch Preseason Games?
There are several compelling reasons why to watch preseason NFL games. Firstly, it offers a first look at rookies and newly acquired players. This is the prime time to see if those highly touted draft picks or free-agent signings will live up to the hype. Observing how they perform against live competition provides valuable insight that highlight reels and training camp reports simply can't match. Secondly, preseason games allow you to gauge team chemistry and strategy. While the games don't count in the standings, they offer a glimpse into how coaches plan to utilize their personnel and what kind of offensive and defensive schemes they intend to implement. Seeing these strategies unfold in real-time can give you a significant advantage in understanding your team’s direction for the upcoming season. Thirdly, preseason games can be surprisingly entertaining. Although the stakes aren't as high as in the regular season, the intensity and passion of the players are still palpable. Players are fighting for their careers, making each snap a high-stakes audition. This often leads to exciting plays, unexpected performances, and memorable moments. Finally, watching preseason games enhances your overall football knowledge and appreciation. By paying attention to the nuances of the game, you gain a deeper understanding of player roles, strategic decisions, and the overall flow of professional football. This can make you a more informed and engaged fan throughout the regular season. Understanding the intricacies of the game through preseason observations adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the sport.
Traditional TV Broadcasts: Your Local Channels
One of the most straightforward ways to watch preseason NFL games is through traditional TV broadcasts, particularly your local channels. Many preseason games are aired on local networks affiliated with major broadcast companies such as CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC. These local broadcasts often feature the games of the teams in your specific market, making it a convenient option for fans who want to support their home team. The broadcast schedules for these games are typically released well in advance, so you can plan your viewing accordingly. Check your local listings or the team's official website to find out which games will be broadcast in your area. It’s important to note that not all preseason games are nationally televised, which is why local broadcasts play a crucial role in making these games accessible to fans. These broadcasts usually include pre-game and post-game analysis, providing additional insights and commentary on the game. Additionally, local broadcasts often have a more community-focused feel, with local announcers and segments that highlight community involvement and team initiatives. This personal touch can enhance the viewing experience, especially for fans who feel a strong connection to their local team. Tuning into local channels remains a reliable method for catching preseason NFL action and staying connected to your team.
How to Find Local Broadcast Schedules
To effectively find local broadcast schedules for preseason NFL games, start by checking your local TV listings. These listings are typically available in your newspaper, on your cable provider's website or channel guide, and through various online TV guide services. Pay close attention to the sports section or search specifically for NFL games to quickly identify the broadcast times and channels. Another excellent resource is your favorite NFL team's official website. Teams often post their preseason broadcast schedules on their websites, making it easy for fans to find information specific to their team. Social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, are also valuable tools for staying updated on broadcast schedules. Teams and local TV stations frequently announce game broadcasts on their social media accounts. Additionally, websites dedicated to sports broadcasting, such as ESPN and NFL.com, provide comprehensive TV schedules that include preseason games. These sites often allow you to filter by team, date, and channel, making it simple to find the games you're interested in. Don't overlook the resources offered by your cable or satellite provider. Many providers have mobile apps or online guides that let you set reminders for upcoming games, ensuring you don’t miss any of the action. By utilizing these various methods, you can create a comprehensive strategy for locating and tracking local broadcast schedules, ensuring you’re always in the know about when and where to watch preseason NFL games. Combining these resources will help you stay informed and ready for game day.
NFL Network: A Dedicated Football Channel
For hardcore football fans, the NFL Network is an indispensable resource for how to watch preseason NFL games. As the league's official television network, NFL Network provides extensive coverage of the NFL, including live preseason games, replays, and in-depth analysis. The network typically broadcasts a significant number of preseason games live, often featuring matchups from around the league. This makes it a great option for fans who want to watch games beyond their local market. In addition to live games, NFL Network offers a variety of programming related to the preseason, such as training camp reports, player interviews, and expert commentary. This comprehensive coverage gives fans a deeper understanding of the teams and players heading into the regular season. The NFL Network also airs condensed replays of preseason games, allowing fans to catch up on the action if they missed the live broadcast. Furthermore, the network's studio shows, such as NFL Total Access and NFL GameDay, often provide detailed breakdowns and analysis of preseason performances, helping fans stay informed about the latest developments. To access NFL Network, you typically need a cable or satellite subscription that includes the channel in its lineup. However, some streaming services also offer NFL Network as part of their package. Checking with your provider is the best way to confirm whether you have access to the network. For dedicated NFL enthusiasts, NFL Network is an essential tool for staying connected to the league year-round, especially during the preseason.
Accessing NFL Network
Accessing NFL Network is primarily achieved through traditional cable and satellite providers. Most major cable and satellite packages include NFL Network in their sports or premium tiers. To determine if you already have access, check your current cable or satellite TV package details or contact your provider directly. They can confirm whether NFL Network is included in your plan and, if not, what it would cost to add it. Another avenue for accessing NFL Network is through various streaming services that offer live TV packages. Services like Sling TV, fuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV often include NFL Network in their channel lineups, providing a convenient option for cord-cutters. Each service has different pricing and package options, so it’s wise to compare their offerings to find the best fit for your needs. Some streaming services also offer free trial periods, allowing you to test the service and ensure it meets your expectations before committing to a subscription. In addition to live broadcasts, many of these streaming services provide on-demand content, including replays and highlights, enhancing your viewing experience. The NFL also offers its own streaming service, NFL+, which includes access to live preseason games and NFL Network content. This service is particularly appealing to fans who primarily watch games on mobile devices or tablets. Before subscribing to any service, be sure to verify that NFL Network is included in the package and that the service is compatible with your devices. Accessing NFL Network through these various platforms ensures you won't miss any preseason action and can stay connected to the league throughout the year.
NFL+: Streaming Games on Your Devices
NFL+ is the NFL's official streaming service, providing a direct way for fans to watch preseason NFL games and other league content on their devices. This subscription-based service offers live streams of all out-of-market preseason games, making it an excellent option for fans who want to follow teams and players beyond their local area. With NFL+, you can watch games on your smartphones, tablets, and connected TVs, offering flexibility and convenience. In addition to live games, NFL+ includes live local and primetime regular season and postseason games on mobile devices, as well as on-demand replays and highlights. This makes it a comprehensive solution for fans who want to stay connected to the NFL throughout the year. The service also features access to NFL Network live, giving subscribers even more content to enjoy, such as pre-game analysis, player interviews, and in-depth commentary. One of the standout features of NFL+ is its ability to provide live game audio, allowing fans to listen to the play-by-play commentary while on the go. This is particularly useful for fans who are traveling or unable to watch the game visually. Subscribing to NFL+ is typically straightforward, with various subscription tiers available to suit different needs and budgets. The NFL+ app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices, making it easily accessible to a wide range of users. Before subscribing, it's advisable to check the specific content offerings and device compatibility to ensure the service meets your viewing requirements. For many NFL fans, NFL+ provides a valuable and convenient way to watch preseason games and stay connected to the league.
NFL+ Features and Benefits
The NFL+ features and benefits cater to a wide range of football fans, offering a compelling package of content and accessibility. One of the primary benefits is live access to all out-of-market preseason games. This allows fans to follow their favorite teams and players, even if they're not locally broadcasted. The ability to watch these games live on various devices, including smartphones and tablets, adds a layer of convenience that traditional broadcast methods can't match. Beyond preseason games, NFL+ provides access to live local and primetime regular season games on mobile devices, ensuring fans can stay connected to the action wherever they are. This feature is particularly valuable for fans who commute or travel frequently. NFL+ also offers on-demand replays of games, allowing fans to catch up on any action they may have missed live. This feature is especially useful for those with busy schedules who can't always watch games in real-time. In addition to game replays, the service provides access to game highlights, giving fans a quick and efficient way to stay updated on the most important moments. Subscribers also benefit from live audio broadcasts of games, providing an alternative way to follow the action when visual access is limited. NFL Network is another key component of the NFL+ package, offering a wealth of football-related programming, including analysis, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. The service offers different subscription tiers, allowing users to choose a plan that best fits their needs and budget. Overall, NFL+ provides a comprehensive and flexible way for fans to engage with the NFL, offering a blend of live games, on-demand content, and additional features that enhance the viewing experience. These features make it an attractive option for both casual and hardcore football enthusiasts.
Live Streaming Services: Cutting the Cord
Live streaming services have become increasingly popular for fans looking to watch preseason NFL games without a traditional cable subscription. These services, often referred to as
