The NFL preseason is a thrilling time for football fans, offering a first look at rookies, new team dynamics, and players fighting for roster spots. With the 2025 NFL preseason in full swing, running from early August through August 25, fans are eager to catch every snap, whether it’s a local broadcast or an out-of-market matchup. This comprehensive guide details where and how to watch every NFL preseason game live, covering streaming services, TV channels, and free options to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
Understanding the NFL Preseason
The NFL preseason typically spans three weeks, with each of the 32 teams playing three games. These exhibition games, held before the regular season begins in September, allow coaches to evaluate talent, test strategies, and give fans a glimpse of what’s to come. In 2025, the preseason kicked off with the Hall of Fame Game on August 1, featuring the Chicago Bears versus the Houston Texans. The remaining games are spread across local and national networks, with streaming platforms filling the gaps for out-of-market viewers.
Watching every game live requires a mix of traditional TV, streaming services, and sometimes creative solutions like VPNs for international fans. Below, we break down the best ways to access all 2025 NFL preseason games, from local broadcasts to premium streaming options.
TV Channels Broadcasting NFL Preseason Games
National Broadcasts
Several networks air NFL preseason games nationally, making them accessible to a wide audience. The primary channels include:
- NFL Network: The NFL Network is the go-to channel for preseason coverage, broadcasting 21 live games in 2025, including a doubleheader on August 7 featuring the Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks. NFL Network is available through most cable and satellite providers, as well as live TV streaming services.
- ESPN: ESPN airs select preseason games, including high-profile matchups like the Hall of Fame Game. It’s widely available through cable, satellite, and streaming platforms.
- NBC, CBS, and FOX: These networks broadcast select games, particularly those involving local teams or nationally significant matchups. For example, NBC may air games like the Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots on August 15.
- Amazon Prime Video: One exclusive preseason game streams on Amazon Prime Video, kicking off its Thursday Night Football coverage for the 2025-2026 season.
Local Broadcasts
For in-market fans, local affiliate stations (ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC) often broadcast games involving nearby teams. For instance, Detroit Lions fans might catch their team’s games on local FOX affiliates, while New York Giants fans may see their games on local CBS stations. Check your team’s official website or local TV listings for specific channels, as these vary by market. An over-the-air (OTA) antenna is a cost-effective way to access these local broadcasts without a subscription.
Streaming Services for NFL Preseason Games
Streaming is the most flexible way to watch NFL preseason games, especially for out-of-market fans or those without cable. Here are the top streaming services offering live coverage:
NFL+
NFL+ is the NFL’s official streaming service, designed to bring fans closer to the action. It’s the only platform that streams every out-of-market preseason game live, making it a must-have for diehard fans. Key features include:
- Live Out-of-Market Preseason Games: Watch every preseason game not televised in your local market on your phone, tablet, or supported device.
- Live Local and Primetime Games: For regular season and postseason, NFL+ offers live local and primetime games on mobile devices.
- Live Game Audio: Access audio broadcasts for every game, ideal for fans on the go.
- Pricing: NFL+ starts at $6.99/month or $49.99/year, with a Premium tier at $14.99/month or $99.99/year that includes NFL RedZone and full/condensed game replays.
NFL+ is available through the NFL app or NFL.com, but live game streaming is limited to phones and tablets for the base plan. Premium subscribers can access replays on additional devices like smart TVs. Note that local games (available on TV in your market) may be subject to blackouts on NFL+.
Live TV Streaming Services
For fans seeking a cable-like experience without the contract, live TV streaming services carry the channels broadcasting NFL preseason games (NFL Network, ESPN, CBS, FOX, NBC). Here are the best options:
- Hulu + Live TV ($76.99/month): Includes ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, covering nearly all preseason games. It also offers a three-day free trial, unlimited DVR, and bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+. This is a top choice for comprehensive NFL coverage.
- YouTube TV ($72.99/month): Offers ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, with unlimited cloud DVR and streaming on multiple devices. YouTube TV is also the home of NFL Sunday Ticket, though it’s less relevant for preseason games.
- FuboTV ($79.99/month): A sports-centric service with NFL Network, ESPN, CBS, FOX, NBC, and additional sports channels like FS1 and Big Ten Network. Fubo offers unlimited DVR and streaming on up to 10 devices. It’s ideal for fans who also follow college football or other sports.
- DIRECTV STREAM ($84.99/month for Choice plan): Includes NFL Network, ESPN, CBS, FOX, NBC, and regional sports networks like Bally Sports. The Choice plan or higher is required for NFL Network, and it offers unlimited DVR.
- Sling TV ($30/month for Orange + Blue, first month discounted): A budget-friendly option with NFL Network, ESPN, and local channels (FOX and NBC in select markets). It’s less comprehensive but affordable for fans prioritizing NFL Network.
Each service offers a free trial (typically 3-7 days), allowing you to watch a week of preseason games for free if timed correctly. Cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
Free Streaming Options
Watching NFL preseason games for free is challenging but possible with strategic use of free trials and OTA antennas:
- Free Trials: Services like Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and DIRECTV STREAM offer free trials ranging from 3 to 7 days. By signing up for different trials each week of the preseason (August 7-25), you can potentially watch all games without paying. For example, use Hulu + Live TV for Week 1, FuboTV for Week 2, and DIRECTV STREAM for Week 3.
- OTA Antenna: An OTA antenna picks up local broadcasts on ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC for free. The Mohu Leaf 50, with a 60-mile range, is recommended for urban areas, while rural fans may need a stronger antenna. Check your local listings to confirm which games are available.
- NFL+ Free Trial: While NFL+ no longer offers a free trial in 2025, it did in previous years. Check NFL.com/plus for any last-minute promotions, as a one-month subscription at $6.99 is still cost-effective for all out-of-market games.
Be cautious with unofficial streaming sites like NFL WebCast, which claim to offer free streams without sign-up. These sites often violate NFL streaming regulations, may carry malware risks, and provide inconsistent quality. Stick to legitimate services for a reliable experience.
International Viewing Options
For fans outside the U.S., accessing NFL preseason games can be trickier due to regional restrictions. However, solutions exist:
- DAZN: Available in many countries, DAZN streams NFL games, including preseason matchups. Check DAZN’s NFL offerings for your region, as availability varies.
- VPN Services: Using a VPN like ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access allows international fans to access U.S.-based streaming services (e.g., NFL+, Hulu + Live TV) by masking their location. ExpressVPN offers a 49% discount on annual plans, while Private Internet Access starts at $2/month. Connect to a U.S. server to stream as if you’re in the U.S.
- NFL+ International: In select markets, NFL+ is not available, and fans are directed to DAZN or other regional providers. Visit NFL.com/plus for details on international access.
Always ensure your VPN complies with the streaming service’s terms of use to avoid account issues.
NFL Preseason Schedule and Key Matchups
The 2025 NFL preseason schedule is packed with exciting games. Here’s a snapshot of Week 1, with times in ET, based on NFL Network’s coverage:
- Thursday, August 7:
- Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens, 7 p.m., NFL Network
- Las Vegas Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks, 10 p.m., NFL Network
- Friday, August 8:
- Cleveland Browns vs. Carolina Panthers, 7 p.m., NFL Network
- Saturday, August 9:
- New York Giants vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m., NFL Network
- Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings, 4 p.m., NFL Network
- New York Jets vs. Green Bay Packers, 8 p.m., NFL Network
- Sunday, August 10:
- Miami Dolphins vs. Chicago Bears, 1 p.m., NFL Network
- New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 4 p.m., NFL Network
Weeks 2 and 3 continue with similar coverage, with NFL Network airing seven games in Week 2 and additional matchups in Week 3. Local broadcasts fill in for non-NFL Network games. Visit NFL.com for the full schedule and channel listings.
Key storylines to watch include rookie debuts like Shedeur Sanders (Browns) and Cam Ward (Titans), as well as veterans like Russell Wilson with the Giants and Justin Fields with the Jets. These games offer a first look at how new faces fit into their teams.
Tips for Watching NFL Preseason Games
To maximize your viewing experience, consider these tips:
- Check Local Listings: Use your zip code on sites like NFL.com or Hulu.com to confirm which channels air local games in your area.
- Combine Services: Pair an OTA antenna for local games with NFL+ for out-of-market games to cover all bases without breaking the bank.
- Use DVR: Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV offer unlimited DVR, allowing you to record games for later viewing. This is perfect for fans with busy schedules.
- Test Your Setup: Before the season starts, test your antenna or streaming service to ensure smooth playback. For streaming, a stable internet connection (at least 25 Mbps for HD) is crucial.
- Stay Updated: Follow @NFL on X for real-time updates on game times, channels, and streaming options.
Why Watch the NFL Preseason?
The preseason isn’t just about exhibition games; it’s a chance to see emerging stars, new team strategies, and roster battles. For example, the 2025 preseason highlights include:
- Rookie Performances: Watch top draft picks like Travis Hunter (Jaguars) and Jaxson Dart (Giants) make their NFL debuts.
- Team Chemistry: See how teams like the San Francisco 49ers, with 11 new draft picks, integrate fresh talent.
- Player Comebacks: Veterans like Nick Chubb, now with the Texans, aim to prove themselves after injuries.
These games set the stage for the regular season, offering insights into which teams might dominate in 2025.
Conclusion
Watching every NFL preseason game live in 2025 is easier than ever with a combination of TV channels, streaming services, and free options. NFL Network leads with 21 live games, while local affiliates cover in-market matchups. NFL+ is the best choice for out-of-market games, starting at $6.99/month, and live TV streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and FuboTV offer comprehensive coverage with free trials. International fans can use DAZN or VPNs to access U.S. streams. By planning ahead and leveraging free trials or an OTA antenna, you can catch every snap without missing a beat.
For the latest schedule and channel updates, visit NFL.com or follow @NFL on X. Get ready for an exciting preseason, and let the countdown to the regular season begin!