Summer is officially winding down, which means football season is finally here. Before the regular-season kickoff, NFL Preseason gives fans their first look at rookie draft picks, key starter snaps, high-stakes position battles, and fantasy football sleepers.
However, figure out how to watch NFL preseason games can feel like navigating a maze. Broadcast rights are split across local networks, national cable channels, and streaming services, with local blackout rules adding to the confusion.
Whether you’re a cord-cutter, an out-of-market diehard fan, or just looking to watch your local team for free, this ultimate guide covers every way to stream live NFL preseason action.
1. Understanding Preseason Broadcast Rules: In-Market vs. Out-of-Market
Before signing up for any streaming platform, it helps to understand how the NFL handles preseason broadcasting rights:
- In-Market (Local) Games: If a game features your local team, it will air on an over-the-air local broadcast channel (CBS, FOX, NBC, or ABC affiliate).
- Out-of-Market Games: If you live outside your favorite team’s local TV market, you cannot watch their local station feed on standard TV. You’ll need an out-of-market option like NFL+ or NFL Network.
- National Broadcast Games: Select high-profile preseason games air nationally across major networks like NBC, ESPN, CBS, FOX, and Prime Video.
Important Blackout Note: National networks and NFL Network often black out live coverage in the local markets of the two teams playing, directing local fans to tune into their home TV stations instead.
2. Best Streaming Services for NFL Preseason
If you’ve cut the cord, several top live TV streaming platforms allow you to watch live games on smart TVs, mobile devices, and streaming sticks:
1. NFL+ (The Budget-Friendly Option for Out-of-Market Fans)
- Best For: Fans living outside their favorite team’s broadcast area.
- Features: Delivers live out-of-market preseason games on supported devices. Local games can also be accessed via team mobile platforms.
- Value: One of the lowest-cost ways to watch out-of-market games during August.
2. Live TV Streaming Platforms (YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV)
- Best For: Complete coverage of local affiliates (CBS, FOX, NBC) + national channels (ESPN, NFL Network).
- Features:
- YouTube TV: Features local broadcast affiliates, ESPN, and NFL Network. Includes unlimited Cloud DVR so you can record late-night or simultaneous games.
- Fubo: Excellent sports-first package offering local channels, NFL Network, and sports add-on packages.
- Hulu + Live TV: Bundles live local broadcast channels, ESPN, and NFL Network with Disney+ and Hulu on-demand.
3. Standalone Apps (ESPN, Peacock, Paramount+, Prime Video)
- ESPN App: Provides access to national games airing on ESPN along with select expanded out-of-market preseason streams.
- Paramount+: Live-streams your local CBS station’s preseason coverage.
- Peacock: Streams national NBC preseason games.
- Amazon Prime Video: Home to exclusive national preseason broadcasts.
3. How to Watch Local NFL Preseason Games for Free
You don’t always need a paid subscription to watch preseason football. Here are two reliable free methods:
- Over-The-Air (OTA) HD Antenna:
- Plug a basic digital HD antenna into your TV.
- Scan for local channels to pick up high-definition broadcasts on local CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC stations at zero monthly cost.
- Streaming Free Trials:
- Many live TV services (such as YouTube TV or Fubo) offer free trial periods ranging from 5 to 10 days.
- Timing a free trial strategically can cover a multi-game weekend of preseason football for free.
4. NFL Preseason Streaming Options Comparison
Here is a quick breakdown of popular options for watching preseason games:
| Streaming Service | Local Channels (CBS/FOX/NBC) | NFL Network | ESPN | Out-of-Market Preseason | Free Trial Available? |
| NFL+ | Mobile/App only | Included | ❌ | Yes (Live) | Select promos |
| YouTube TV | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Replays only (via NFLN) | Yes |
| Fubo | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Replays only (via NFLN) | Yes |
| Hulu + Live TV | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Replays only (via NFLN) | Varies |
| OTA HD Antenna | ✅ (Local only) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | 100% Free |
5. Pro Tips for NFL Fans & Fantasy Football Draft Prep
- Set Up Game Replays: NFL Network replays all 48 preseason games throughout August. If you miss a live game due to regional blackouts, check the NFL Network broadcast schedule for late-night or next-day replays.
- Monitor Snap Counts: Preseason streaming isn’t just for fun—it’s critical for fantasy football research. Pay close attention to starter playing time in Weeks 1 and 2 to spot target share patterns and target sleeper picks.
- Double-Check Your Zip Code: Always verify local broadcast maps on NFL.com or localized sports schedule tools to know whether your team’s game is classified as in-market or out-of-market.
Final Summary
Watching NFL preseason games comes down to location:
- For local games, use an HD Antenna or a live TV service like YouTube TV / Fubo.
- For out-of-market games, NFL+ remains the most direct streaming solution.