The 2025 NFL preseason is in full swing, offering fans their first glimpse of new rookies, quarterback battles, and revamped rosters. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a fantasy football enthusiast, watching these games is essential. With the rise of streaming, finding a live broadcast can be confusing. This guide breaks down all your options for catching every snap, from national broadcasts to out-of-market matchups.
The Official NFL Streaming Service: NFL+
The most direct way to watch all the action is through the NFL's official streaming platform, NFL+. This service provides unprecedented access to the preseason and is a must-have for any serious fan.
In-Market Games: If a preseason game is being broadcast on a local channel in your area, you can stream it live on your mobile device or tablet through the NFL+ app.
Out-of-Market Games: This is where NFL+ truly shines. For any game that is not airing in your local market, NFL+ offers the only way to watch it live.
Pricing: The service has different tiers, but the base NFL+ subscription starts at a competitive monthly price.
National Broadcasts and Streaming Services
Several preseason games are broadcast nationally, making them accessible through a variety of live TV streaming services. If you're a cord-cutter, these platforms are your best bet.
Major Networks: Key preseason matchups are airing on major networks like NBC, CBS, FOX, and ESPN. You can access these channels through a subscription to a service like FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.
Amazon Prime Video: As the exclusive home of Thursday Night Football during the regular season, Amazon Prime Video also holds exclusive streaming rights to at least one preseason game, such as the recent Patriots-Giants matchup.
Paramount+: If a game is airing on a local CBS affiliate, it will also be available for live streaming on Paramount+.
International Streaming Options
For fans outside of the United States, the streaming landscape is simpler, thanks to the league’s partnership with DAZN.
NFL Game Pass International: This service is available exclusively through DAZN in most countries outside the U.S. and offers live streaming of all 335 NFL games per season, including every preseason matchup. DAZN also offers some free viewing options for the preseason, allowing you to sample the service without a full commitment.
The Free, Low-Tech Option
For fans within the U.S. who live in a major metropolitan area, a simple solution remains the most cost-effective. An over-the-air (OTA) antenna can pick up local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, allowing you to watch any preseason game that is broadcast on those local affiliates for free. This is a great way to catch your local team's games without a monthly subscription.
This video from The Athletic provides a valuable perspective on the changing landscape of the NFL, which makes this information on watching games even more timely.