We are almost there. The NFL preseason ends this week, giving teams one last chance to see what looks like it will work — and what won’t.
It’s the last week where results really don’t matter—and starters can only play for a short period of time. Starting next week, every game makes a difference in whether or not the team makes the playoffs.
As has been the case in recent weeks, the NFL is stretching out the final days of the preseason, with games being played on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And all 32 league teams will play again.
Here’s a look at who’s playing who and how best to catch the game.
Which NFL teams are playing this week? And which channels are broadcasting the games?
It may be the preseason, but there are still some fierce rivals facing each other, perhaps none more so than the New York Jets and New York Giants. This is how games are formed. (The home team is ranked second.) Remember: Since this is the preseason, many games will not be played nationally. However, the NFL Network will broadcast replays of games that are not broadcast live across the country.
Thursday, August 25
Green Bay Packers vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network
San Francisco 49ers vs. Houston Texans, 8:15 PM ET on Fox
Friday, August 26
Buffalo Bills vs. Carolina Panthers, 7:00 PM ET on CBS
Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:00 PM ET on NFL Network
Los Angeles Chargers vs. New Orleans Saints, 8pm ET on CBS
New England Patriots vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 8:15 PM ET on Fox and CBS
Saturday, August 27
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons, 3:00 PM ET on Fox
Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 6:00 PM ET on ABC
Washington Commanders vs. Baltimore Ravens, 7:00 PM ET on NBC
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Miami Dolphins, 7 p.m. ET on Fox
Arizona Cardinals vs. Tennessee Titans, 7:00 PM ET on ABC, CBS or NBC, depending on market
Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns, 7 p.m. ET on ABC, CBS or Fox, depending on market
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Baltimore Colts, 7:30 PM ET on NBC
Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos, 9pm ET on ABC, CBS or Fox, depending on market
Sunday, August 28
New York Giants vs New York Jets, 1pm ET on CBS
Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 4:30 PM ET on CBS
How can I watch NFL games for free – even if I’m out of market?
The best way to watch any kind of free network programming on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. And watching NFL preseason games is easy, as many are broadcast on broadcast networks, meaning you’ll be able to watch even if you don’t have a cable subscription. To make sure you’re getting the most reliable signal, be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations around your home.
Can I stream NFL games live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
You can. And there are several options.
peacock
NBC’s streaming service will give you access to some games. You can get a seven-day free trial, followed by a monthly fee of $5 or $10. (The free version of Peacock does not include live sports.)
Paramount+
The CBS streaming service will give you access to games broadcast on that network. You can get a one-week free trial, followed by a monthly fee of $5 or $10.
Disney+
Disney’s bundle with Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $13.99 a month for all three together (or $19.99 a month for ad-free Hulu). Including Live TV in the package increases the price to $70 per month ($76 without ads).
Hulu with live TV
The free trial for this service is no longer available. It will cost you $70 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a trial of up to two weeks, you can expect monthly fees of $65.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s lower-tier Sling “Orange” plan will cost you $35 a month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan increases the cost to $50 per month. First you’ll get a free seven-day trial—and right now, the cord-cutting service is cutting your first month’s bill in half.
DirecTV Broadcasting
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this often rebranded streaming service will run you $70 a month and up after the free trial option.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly fees of $70-$100, depending on the channels you choose.
Can I watch NFL preseason games on Amazon?
Not yet, but starting September 15, it will be the exclusive home of Football Night.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the games I want?
Of course it does.
The NFL app
of The NFL app will allow you to stream games that are broadcast locally in your market on Sundays. If you want to watch an “out of market” game, you have two choices.
NFL+
Watch live local and out-of-market games and replays (with premium subscription). There’s a seven-day free trial, after which you’re looking at a $30 per season fee. ($80 per premium.)
NFL Sunday Ticket
DirecTV customers have access to it, but (if you meet the requirements, like living in an apartment complex or some area where you can’t get DirecTV) you can also sign up for an online version, allowing you to watch every NFL game live this season. There’s a one-week trial, then you’re looking at monthly rates of $73.49 per month for a four-month period or $293.36 for the entire season (or $99 for four months or $396).
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