The NFL preseason is upon us, and with it comes the excitement of watching your favorite teams take to the field. This year, the schedule is packed with action, and there are plenty of options for fans to catch all the games. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, here's a comprehensive guide to ensure you don't miss a single play.
NFL Preseason Schedule
The preseason kicks off with six Thursday night games, and the action continues on Friday and Saturday with 10 more games. Here's a breakdown of the schedule:
Thursday Night Games
- August 13: Six games, with three available on ESPN Unlimited and NFL Network.
- Green Bay Packers @ Pittsburgh Steelers (7:00 p.m. ET on NFL Network and ESPN Unlimited)
- Arizona Cardinals @ Las Vegas Raiders (8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN Unlimited)
- Tennessee Titans @ San Francisco 49ers (9:00 p.m. ET on NFL Network and ESPN Unlimited)
Friday Night Games
- New York Jets vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7:00 p.m. ET on NFL Network)
- Denver Broncos @ Atlanta Falcons (7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN Unlimited)
Saturday Night Games
- Detroit Lions @ Cincinnati Bengals (7:00 p.m. ET on NFL+)
- Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots (7:30 p.m. ET on NFL+)
- Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston Texans (8:00 p.m. ET on NFL+)
Where to Watch
ESPN Unlimited
ESPN Unlimited subscribers can stream the Packers/Steelers, Cardinals/Raiders, and Titans/49ers games. However, these games won't be airing on ESPN itself.
NFL Network
NFL Network is available through various cable providers, including Dish, Fios, Optimum, Xfinity, and more. It's also included with Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Fubo TV, YouTube TV, and NFL+. NFL RedZone is available through DIRECTV's MySports Genre Pack and Premier Streaming TV package.
NFL+
NFL+ offers live out-of-market preseason games on your TV, PC, phone, or tablet. You can purchase NFL+ as a standalone service for $6.99/month or $39.99/year. The NFL notes that live preseason games are subject to local blackouts and certain games are restricted to mobile devices.
ESPN+ Bundle
You can bundle ESPN Unlimited and NFL+ Premium for $39.99/month or $45.99/month, which includes Disney+ and Hulu. This plan also provides access to NFL RedZone.
Personal Commentary
As an expert analyst, I find the NFL preseason to be a fascinating time for fans. It's a chance to see teams experiment with their lineups, and it often provides a glimpse into the future of the league. The games might not be as intense as the regular season, but they offer valuable insights into player development and team strategy.
One thing that stands out is the variety of viewing options available. From traditional cable packages to streaming services like NFL+ and ESPN Unlimited, fans can choose how and where they want to watch the games. This accessibility is a testament to the NFL's commitment to reaching its audience.
In my opinion, the preseason is an essential part of the football calendar. It sets the stage for the regular season and allows fans to get excited for the upcoming months of action. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer, the NFL preseason is a must-watch, offering a unique perspective on the sport.
