You can watch NFL preseason games through a mix of TV channels, league apps, and live TV streaming services that carry those channels.

Main ways to watch

  • NFL Network: Carries the bulk of nationally available preseason games each year; many out‑of‑market matchups end up here.
  • Broadcast channels: Select games (often one per major week plus the Hall of Fame Game) air on ABC/ESPN, FOX, CBS, and NBC over the air and via cable/satellite.
  • Amazon Prime Video: In recent preseasons, at least one nationally televised preseason game has streamed on Prime Video alongside its regular Thursday package.
  • NFL+ (league app): The NFL’s own subscription service offers live preseason coverage, including simulcasts of many NFL Network games and access on mobile and connected devices.

Streaming without cable

If you don’t have cable, you can still get all or most preseason games by choosing a live TV streaming bundle that includes NFL Network plus the major broadcast networks.

Common options (lineups and trials change, but these are typical):

  • Fubo: Includes NFL Network, CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN in most markets, and is frequently recommended as a single solution for most preseason broadcasts.
  • Other big bundles (like DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV) often carry the same core channels that show preseason games; all usually offer limited free trials so you can test them during August.

Local vs out‑of‑market games

  • If you only care about your local team , you can often catch a few games on local broadcast affiliates (FOX, CBS, NBC, or ABC/ESPN when they simulcast).
  • To follow every team or out‑of‑market games , you’ll typically need NFL Network access (via cable or a streaming bundle) plus NFL+ for mobile/connected‑device streaming.

Quick checklist (2025-style preseason)

When preseason rolls around (late July through August), expect something like:

  1. Turn on NFL Network for most national preseason games.
  1. Use your local CBS/FOX/NBC/ABC/ESPN channels for the handful of nationally televised or local simulcast games.
  1. Use NFL+ if you want league‑run streaming with preseason coverage on phones, tablets, and TVs.
  1. Choose a live TV streaming service (e.g., Fubo or similar) if you’re a cord‑cutter and want all the relevant channels in one place.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.