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The 2025 NFL season is just around the corner, which means it’s time to warm up with some preseason action. As always, we’ll get a glimpse at every team’s final tune-up before heading into the regular season.
At a Glance: How to Watch NFL Preseason Games
- Stream: DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, NFL+
- TV channel: NFL Network, CBS, ESPN, FOX, NBC
- Dates: July. 31-Aug. 23
Coverage of this year’s NFL preseason will be spread out across a few channels and streaming services, making it tricky to watch — especially if you don’t have cable. Ahead, we’ve put together a quick guide on how to watch preseason NFL games, including ways to watch online without cable.
How to Watch NFL Preseason Games Online
Most NFL preseason games will air on NFL Network with simulcasts on NFL+. However, five games will air nationally across CBS, ESPN, FOX, NBC, and Prime Video. The best way to keep up with preseason action is to get a live TV streaming service that carries all the channels above. Here are some of our favorite ways to watch NFL preseason games online.
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DirecTV
➤ $69.99/month
➤ Five-day free trial
➤ Up to 185+ channels
The best cable alternative for preseason NFL streams is DirecTV, which carries NFL Network, CBS, ESPN, FOX, and NBC in a few of its packages. The cheapest option is the MySports Genre Pack, which costs $69.99 a month after a five-day free trial. This package carries a total of 20+ key sports channels and includes a free subscription to ESPN+.
Fubo
➤ $84.99/month
➤ $30 off first month
➤ Up to 300+ channels
Another one of the best live TV streaming services with NFL Network, CBS, ESPN, FOX, and NBC is Fubo. This one starts at $84.99 a month and offers massive channel lineups, ranging from 150 to 300+, depending on which package you choose and local availability.
Sling
➤ $45.99/month+
➤ Half off first month
➤ Up to 46 channels
Sling is also worth considering for anyone looking to watch preseason NFL games online. NFL Network, ESPN, FOX, and NBC are included in the Sling Blue package, which $50.99 a month. However, right now new subscribers can get 50% off their first month.
NFL+
➤ $6.99/month+
➤ Half off annual plan
➤ Stream NFL Network & out-of-market games
NFL+ will carry simulcasts of most preseason NFL games. You’ll miss out on a few games, but NFL+ costs much less than the above options. Pay monthly starting at $6.99 a month or yearly at $49.99. Even better: NFL+ is running a deal that gets you 20% off the annual plan, bringing the price down to just $39.99.
NFL Preseason Dates, Schedule
The 2025 NFL Preseason technically started on July 31 with the Hall of Fame Game. The Bulk of preseason action begins on Thursday, Aug. 7, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 23.