You can watch NFL preseason games through a mix of league services, live TV streamers, and local channels, depending on the matchup and your market.

Main ways to watch

  • NFL Network carries a large chunk of preseason games nationwide, especially when there’s no local network broadcast.
  • NFL+ streams out‑of‑market preseason games and also gives you local and prime‑time regular/postseason games on mobile; it’s a low‑cost way to follow multiple teams.
  • Local broadcast networks (FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC) often air your local team’s preseason games in your home market, sometimes via regional sports or affiliate deals.

Streaming without cable

If you don’t have cable, several live TV streaming services carry the channels that show preseason games.

  • Hulu + Live TV: includes major sports networks and local affiliates that air preseason matchups.
  • YouTube TV: similar coverage, with NFL Network and local stations for many preseason games.
  • DIRECTV via streaming: promoted heavily for NFL preseason/season coverage with flexible plans and free trials in some offers.
  • Other options like Sling or fubo (where available) can provide NFL Network plus local channels, but lineups depend on your region.

In fan forum discussions, people often recommend picking a live TV streamer that has both NFL Network and your local broadcast stations so you don’t miss either national or local preseason games.

What to check before kickoff

  • Your team’s official site/schedule: They usually list exactly which channel or streaming option carries each preseason game in your area.
  • Blackout and market rules: Out‑of‑market fans typically rely on NFL+ or national NFL Network games, while in‑market fans may have games only on local TV.
  • Timing for 2026 preseason: The 2026 preseason is expected to start with the Hall of Fame Game around late July, with most games again on NFL Network plus the big broadcast networks.

Quick checklist (practical example)

  1. Decide if you want to follow just your team or as many games as possible.
  1. If you want every game you can get, grab a service with NFL Network (Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV streaming, etc.) and add NFL+ for out‑of‑market matchups.
  1. If you mainly care about your local team, confirm which local channel airs their preseason games and make sure your antenna or streaming bundle includes it.

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Find out where to watch preseason NFL games, including NFL Network, NFL+, live TV streaming services, and local channels, plus tips for cord‑cutters and the latest preseason viewing info.

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