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Tonight’s NFL Preseason Games: Channel Guide

ByThe Golfer

← Golf Lifestyle & Culture | Golf Media & Entertainment


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Quick Answer

  • Broadcast channels for tonight’s NFL preseason games depend heavily on the specific teams playing and whether the game is a local or national broadcast.
  • Your best bet for local team games is to check your local network affiliate channels or your cable/satellite provider’s listings.
  • National preseason broadcasts are typically found on the NFL Network or major sports networks like ESPN, CBS, or FOX.

Who This Is For

  • You, if you’re itching to see your favorite team hit the field for some preseason action before the real games start.
  • Anyone looking to get a head start on the upcoming NFL season by tuning into national preseason matchups and scouting talent.

What Channel Are the NFL Preseason Games On Tonight?

This is the million-dollar question for any NFL fan looking to catch some action before Week 1. The truth is, there’s no single answer that covers every game. It’s a bit of a scavenger hunt, but a fun one if you know where to look.

  • Verify the specific game you want to watch. This is the absolute first step. You can’t find the channel if you don’t know which game you’re after. Are the Dolphins playing the Falcons, or is it a battle between the Commanders and the Ravens? Knowing the teams is your starting point.
  • Check the official NFL website or app for broadcast schedules. The NFL itself is the ultimate authority. Their website (NFL.com) and official app usually have a detailed schedule that includes broadcast information for every preseason game. This is your most reliable source, hands down.
  • Consult your local TV listings or cable/satellite provider guide. For games involving your local teams, these are often broadcast on regional sports networks or local affiliates. Your TV guide will tell you exactly what’s airing on those channels in your specific area.

Step-by-Step Plan to Find What Channel Are the NFL Preseason Games On Tonight

Alright, let’s break down how to nail down the channel for any preseason game you want to catch. It’s not rocket science, but it does require a little bit of digging.

1. Identify the teams playing tonight.

  • What to look for: The specific matchups you are interested in. Are the Packers playing the Seahawks, or is it a divisional matchup like the Eagles vs. the Steelers? Knowing the teams is your starting point for all further research.
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming all games are on one channel. This is a classic error. Preseason broadcasts are fragmented, with some being local and others national. Don’t waste time searching a single channel if you don’t know the broadcast type.

2. Visit the official NFL website or app.

  • What to look for: Navigate to the “Schedule” or “Games” section. The NFL usually has a dedicated filter for “Preseason” games, which is crucial. Look for the date you’re interested in.
  • Mistake to avoid: Relying on unofficial or outdated fan sites, forums, or social media posts. While often helpful, these sources can have errors or be slow to update. The official NFL source is always the most accurate.

3. Filter the schedule for “Preseason” games.

  • What to look for: Tonight’s date and the specific matchups you identified in step one. The schedule should clearly list the broadcast network or channel for each game.
  • Mistake to avoid: Missing the preseason filter and looking at the regular season schedule. This is an easy mistake to make if you’re not paying close attention. You’ll be looking for games that aren’t even happening yet.

4. Check the broadcast information listed for each game.

  • What to look for: The channel name (e.g., CBS, FOX, ESPN, NFL Network, or a specific regional sports network like NBC Sports Chicago or NESN). Pay close attention to whether it’s marked as “Local Broadcast” or “National Broadcast.”
  • Mistake to avoid: Not noticing if it’s designated as a local-only broadcast. If a game is only being shown locally in the team’s market, you won’t find it on national channels outside that region, even if the channel itself is nationally available.

5. Consult your local TV listings or streaming guide.

  • What to look for: If the NFL schedule indicates a local broadcast, use your cable, satellite, or live TV streaming service’s guide to find the specific channel airing the game in your area. This might be a major network affiliate (CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC) or a regional sports network.
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming a national channel will be available on your basic cable package if it’s a regional broadcast. Some regional sports networks require a specific sports tier or a higher-priced package. Always verify your subscription.

6. If it’s a national game, check NFL Network or major sports channels.

  • What to look for: NFL Network is a common home for many preseason games, especially those featuring multiple teams or interesting matchups. However, ESPN, CBS, or FOX might also pick up national broadcasts.
  • Mistake to avoid: Thinking NFL Network carries all preseason games. They don’t. It’s easy to fall into this trap because they are so heavily involved in NFL content. Always double-check the specific game’s listing on the NFL schedule.

7. Consider streaming options.

  • What to look for: If you don’t have cable, many live TV streaming services (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV) carry the local and national channels that broadcast NFL games. Some games might also be available directly through the NFL app or website with a subscription (like NFL+ for out-of-market games).
  • Mistake to avoid: Waiting until kickoff to figure out your streaming plan. Sign up and test the service beforehand to ensure it works and has the channels you need. Technical glitches at game time are the worst.

How to Find What Channel Are the NFL Preseason Games On Tonight: Practical Tips

Figuring out where to watch tonight’s NFL preseason action doesn’t have to be a headache. With a few smart moves, you’ll be set up to catch all the gridiron action.

  • Mistake: Only checking one source.
  • Why it matters: Relying solely on your cable guide might miss a game being streamed nationally on the NFL app, or vice versa. You might think a game isn’t being broadcast because your guide doesn’t show it, when in reality, it’s on a different platform or channel.
  • Fix: Cross-reference information. Start with the official NFL schedule, then check your TV provider’s guide or streaming service lineup. This ensures you’re getting the most accurate and complete picture. It’s like checking multiple weather apps before a hike – better to be prepared.
  • Mistake: Forgetting about local vs. national broadcasts.
  • Why it matters: This is a big one. Local games are often exclusive to regional sports networks (RSNs) or specific affiliates within a team’s home market. If you’re outside that market and only looking at national listings, you’ll miss it. Conversely, national games might be blacked out locally.
  • Fix: Always verify if a game is designated as a local or national broadcast on the NFL schedule. If it’s local, you need to check your RSNs or local affiliates. If it’s national, look to NFL Network or the major sports channels. This distinction saves you from endless channel surfing.
  • Mistake: Assuming NFL Network carries all preseason games.
  • Why it matters: NFL Network is a major player in preseason coverage, broadcasting many games. However, they don’t have the rights to every single one. Some games are exclusively on local networks, and others might be on ESPN or even broadcast by CBS or FOX as part of their national schedule.
  • Fix: Check the specific game’s broadcast details on the official NFL schedule. It’s the only way to be absolutely sure which channel has the rights for that particular matchup. Don’t just assume it’s on the NFL Network.
  • Mistake: Not checking the time zone.
  • Why it matters: Preseason games can be scheduled at various times, and listings might default to Eastern Time. If you’re in Central, Mountain, or Pacific time, you could easily miss the kickoff if you’re not paying attention to the time zone conversion.
  • Fix: Always confirm the game time in your local time zone. The NFL schedule usually displays this clearly, but it’s worth double-checking, especially if you’re setting reminders. A quick mental conversion or checking a clock app can save you from missing the start.
  • Mistake: Waiting until the last minute to set up streaming.
  • Why it matters: If you’re planning to watch via a live TV streaming service and haven’t subscribed or tested it, you might run into issues right before kickoff. Account setup, app downloads, or even just getting familiar with the interface can take time.
  • Fix: If you’re going the streaming route, subscribe to your service of choice and test it out a day or two before the game. Make sure you can access the channels you need and that the app is working smoothly on your device.

FAQ

  • What is the best way to find out what channel are the NFL preseason games on tonight?

The most reliable method is to check the official NFL website (NFL.com) or the NFL mobile app. They maintain the most up-to-date and accurate broadcast schedules, including channel information for both local and national broadcasts. Always start there.

  • Are all NFL preseason games broadcast nationally?

No, absolutely not. The vast majority of NFL preseason games are broadcast locally by the teams’ flagship television stations or regional sports networks within their respective markets. Only a select number of games are chosen for national broadcast, typically on the NFL Network, ESPN, CBS, or FOX.

  • How can I watch NFL preseason games if I don’t have cable?

If you’ve cut the cord, you have several options. Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (check channel packages), and FuboTV often carry the local network affiliates (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) and national sports channels (ESPN, NFL Network) that broadcast these games. Some games might also be available for streaming directly through the NFL app or website, often requiring a subscription like NFL+.

  • Do preseason games air on the same channels as regular season games?

Sometimes, yes, but not always. If a preseason game is part of a national broadcast slate (e.g., on CBS or FOX), it will likely air on the same channel you’d watch a regular season game on. However, local preseason broadcasts can differ significantly from regular season broadcasts, sometimes appearing on different regional sports networks or secondary affiliates. It’s crucial to check the specific schedule for each game.

  • Can I watch preseason games on demand if I miss the live broadcast?

Yes, in many cases. Most live TV streaming services offer on-demand viewing for a period after the game airs. Additionally, the NFL app and website often make replays of preseason games available shortly after they conclude, sometimes even offering condensed versions. Check your specific service or the NFL’s offerings for availability.

  • What if a game is blacked out in my area?

Blackouts usually apply to games broadcast on local over-the-air networks (like CBS, FOX, NBC) if the local NFL team’s stadium isn’t sold out for a regular season game. This is less common for preseason games, but if you encounter a blackout on a streaming service for a local broadcast, it typically means you need to be within the official broadcast territory for that team. For national games, blackouts are rare unless there’s a specific network dispute.

  • Are there any costs associated with watching preseason games online?

Watching preseason games online can involve costs depending on your method. If you use a live TV streaming service, you’ll pay a monthly subscription fee for the service. If you opt for NFL+, there’s an annual subscription cost. Local broadcasts on over-the-air channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) can be accessed for free with a digital antenna, provided you’re within range of the broadcast towers.

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