NFL Preseason Games Today: Channel Guide and Broadcast Information
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Quick Answer
- NFL preseason games air on national networks like CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, plus local affiliates for the teams playing.
- Channel assignments change depending on the specific game, kickoff time, and where you’re located.
- Your best bet for exact channel info is the official NFL schedule or your local TV guide.
Who This is For
- Die-hard football fans who can’t wait for the regular season to kick off. Seriously, the itch is real.
- Anyone trying to track down a specific preseason game and needs to know where it’s broadcasting. No more guessing games.
What to Check First
- Official NFL Broadcast Schedule: This is your golden ticket. Always start here for the most accurate info. I mean, it’s the NFL, they know what’s what.
- Major Sports Network Websites: Check CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network directly. They usually list their game assignments loud and clear.
- Your Local TV Provider’s Guide: Cable, satellite, or streaming – your provider’s guide will tell you precisely what channel number to tune into in your area. Don’t skip this step, it’s crucial.
- Participating Team Websites: Sometimes, the teams themselves will post broadcast details for their preseason matchups. It’s a good backup if the main sources are being stubborn.
Finding What Channel Are the NFL Preseason Games On Today
Here’s how to lock down the broadcast details for today‘s preseason action. It’s not rocket science, but a little focus goes a long way. We’re talking about getting your eyeballs on the gridiron, so let’s do it right.
- Action: Head over to the official NFL website.
What to look for: The “Schedule” or “Game Center” section. This is where the official word is, folks. It’s the source of truth.
Mistake: Don’t trust random fan forums or unofficial sites. They can be outdated and send you on a wild goose chase. I learned that lesson the hard way trying to find a playoff game once, ended up watching reruns of a fishing show. Not ideal.
- Action: Find the “Preseason” filter or tab.
What to look for: A clear list of today’s games with the networks broadcasting them. Make sure you’re not accidentally looking at the regular season or some obscure college game.
Mistake: Failing to filter specifically for preseason games or the current date. You might end up looking at the regular season schedule by accident and get all hyped for a game that’s months away.
- Action: Pinpoint the game you want to watch.
What to look for: The team names, the scheduled kickoff time, and the network listed next to it. This is your intel.
Mistake: Assuming every preseason game is on the same channel. They’re spread out across different networks and local affiliates, so you gotta check each one individually. It’s like a treasure hunt, but with more touchdowns.
- Action: Cross-reference with your TV provider.
What to look for: The channel number your provider assigns to the network identified on the NFL schedule. This is the final confirmation.
Mistake: Just knowing the network name (e.g., CBS) isn’t enough. Your local CBS affiliate might be on channel 9, but someone else’s could be on 12. It’s all about your zip code and your service.
- Action: Consider streaming options.
What to look for: Check if the game is available on NFL+, the network’s streaming app, or your cable provider’s streaming service. Sometimes this is the easiest way to catch the action.
Mistake: Forgetting that many games are now available digitally. You might be digging through channel guides when a simple login could get you the game.
Where to Find NFL Preseason Games Broadcast Information
Getting your hands on the right broadcast information is key to enjoying the NFL preseason without a hitch. It’s all about knowing where to look and what to expect. This isn’t just about finding a channel; it’s about finding your channel for the game you want to see.
- Action: Navigate to the official NFL website or app.
What to look for: The “Schedule” section, usually prominently displayed. Within the schedule, there should be a clear filter or option to view “Preseason” games. This is the most authoritative source for game times and broadcast networks.
Mistake: Relying on social media posts or outdated articles found through a quick search engine query. Broadcast schedules, especially for preseason, can be subject to change, and unofficial sources might not update in real-time. Always go to the source.
- Action: Identify the specific game you’re interested in.
What to look for: Once you’ve found today’s preseason matchups, click on the game you want to watch. The details should clearly list the participating teams, the kickoff time (usually in Eastern Time, so be ready to convert if you’re elsewhere), and the network broadcasting the game.
Mistake: Assuming that all games are broadcast nationally. While many are, a significant number of preseason games are designated for local broadcast on the flagship stations of the participating teams. If you only check national listings, you might miss your local team’s game entirely.
- Action: Check the websites of the major national networks.
What to look for: If the NFL schedule lists a game on CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, or NFL Network, it’s a good idea to visit those networks’ sports pages. They often have dedicated sections for NFL game schedules that confirm their broadcast assignments. This is a great way to double-check and get a feel for the overall NFL broadcast landscape.
Mistake: Only checking one network’s website. Preseason games are distributed across multiple networks, so you’ll need to be flexible and check all the potential broadcasters to get a complete picture.
- Action: Consult your local TV provider’s channel guide.
What to look for: This is where you translate the network name into a concrete channel number. Whether you use a cable box, satellite receiver, or a streaming TV service, access its electronic program guide (EPG) for today’s listings. Search for the network identified on the NFL schedule.
Mistake: Not accounting for regional variations in channel assignments. For instance, your local CBS affiliate might be on channel 9, while someone in a different state might have CBS on channel 12. The same applies to FOX, NBC, and even local sports networks that might carry preseason games. Your provider’s guide is the ultimate arbiter for your specific location.
- Action: Explore streaming services and apps.
What to look for: Increasingly, NFL preseason games are available through digital platforms. This can include NFL+, the official streaming service of the NFL, which often carries out-of-market preseason games. Many national networks also offer their games through their own apps (e.g., ESPN app, CBS Sports app) if you have a TV provider login. Some streaming bundles might also include the necessary channels.
Mistake: Overlooking digital viewing options. In today’s media landscape, many people prefer streaming for its convenience. If you’re comfortable with apps and online logins, this could be your easiest route to watching the game, especially if you’re away from your primary TV.
Common Mistakes: NFL Preseason Broadcasts
- Mistake: Thinking all games are nationally televised.
Why it matters: You might miss the game if it’s only being shown on a local channel in the teams’ home markets. This is a big one for fans of specific teams who don’t live in those regions.
Fix: Always check for both national and local broadcast information. The official NFL schedule is your best friend here, as it usually indicates if a game is a local broadcast.
- Mistake: Not verifying the channel with your specific TV provider.
Why it matters: Channel numbers vary wildly depending on your cable, satellite, or streaming service and your geographic location. What’s channel 7 for one person could be channel 20 for another.
Fix: Pull up your provider’s actual channel guide for today. This is non-negotiable. It’s like checking the map before you start a hike – you gotta know where you’re going.
- Mistake: Relying on outdated schedules found through a quick search.
Why it matters: Broadcast details can sometimes change last minute, especially for preseason games where schedules might be adjusted due to practice changes or other unforeseen circumstances.
Fix: Always double-check the official NFL schedule or your current TV listings right before kickoff. A quick check minutes before kickoff can save you a lot of frustration.
- Mistake: Forgetting about streaming options.
Why it matters: Many games are now available through streaming services or the network’s own apps, which might be easier than finding a specific channel, especially if you’re traveling or don’t have traditional cable.
Fix: Check if the game is available on NFL+, a team’s app, or your streaming provider’s sports package. It’s a modern solution for modern viewing habits.
- Mistake: Not considering time zone differences.
Why it matters: Game times are usually listed in Eastern Time (ET). If you’re in the Pacific, Mountain, or Central time zone, you need to adjust the kickoff time accordingly.
Fix: Always convert the listed game time to your local time zone. A 7 PM ET kickoff is 4 PM PT, for example.
- Mistake: Assuming preseason games are broadcast in high definition without checking.
Why it matters: While most major networks broadcast in HD, some local affiliates or secondary channels might still be in standard definition, which can impact the viewing experience.
Fix: Check your TV provider’s guide to see if the channel is listed as HD. Most modern services will indicate this.
FAQ: NFL Preseason Broadcasts
- Where can I find the official NFL preseason schedule?
You can find it on the official NFL website under the “Schedule” or “Game Center” section. It’s the most reliable place for accurate game times and broadcast information.
- Are all NFL preseason games broadcast on TV?
Most are, but not all. Some might only be available via streaming or local radio. The official schedule will clarify broadcast details for each specific game. It’s always best to check the official listing.
- What are the main networks that show NFL preseason games?
You’ll typically see games on CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, along with local affiliate stations for the participating teams. These are the usual suspects.
- Can I watch NFL preseason games online?
Yes, many games are streamed online through services like NFL+, your TV provider’s streaming app, or the networks’ own platforms. Check the specific game’s broadcast information for digital viewing options. It’s a great way to catch a game on the go.
- Do I need a specific cable package to watch?
It depends on the network broadcasting the game. National games might be on channels available in most basic packages, but some games might require a sports tier or specific network subscription. Always check your package details.
- What if my local team’s game isn’t on a national channel?
Look for your local CBS, FOX, or NBC affiliate. These stations often carry the preseason games of their regional NFL teams. This is a common practice and a great way for local fans to stay connected.
- How do I know if a game is blacked out in my area?
Broadcast rights can lead to blackouts, especially if a game is also being broadcast locally and your provider doesn’t have the rights for your specific region. Your TV provider’s guide or the NFL’s official schedule should indicate any blackout restrictions for a particular game.
- Are NFL preseason games available on radio?
Yes, many NFL preseason games are broadcast on local radio stations. You can usually find this information on the official NFL website or the participating teams’ websites. It’s a good option if you can’t get to a TV.
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