The NFL preseason is the perfect time to get a glimpse of what’s to come in the regular season. Fans can assess the rookies, evaluate new team formations, and get a sense of how the top players are shaping up. This article will guide you on how to watch the NFL preseason, break down the schedule, and provide key takeaways on the top players who are making headlines.
How to Watch the NFL Preseason
Catching all the preseason action is easier than ever with multiple options available for fans to tune in. Whether you prefer traditional TV broadcasts, streaming online, or even listening via radio, there are several ways to stay updated.
TV Broadcasts
The NFL preseason games are widely available across various networks. Channels like NBC, CBS, FOX, and ESPN will carry a majority of the games. Local affiliates often broadcast their home team’s games, making it easier for fans to follow their favorite teams. For example, games like the Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots are often broadcast locally in their respective markets.
Streaming Options
For those who prefer to stream games, NFL Game Pass is an excellent option. It offers live streaming of all preseason games, plus replays of regular season games, all in one package. Additionally, services like ESPN+, Peacock, and Hulu with Live TV also carry NFL games, giving cord-cutters multiple options to choose from.
Radio and Mobile Apps
If you’re on the go, many radio stations affiliated with the teams broadcast the games live. Apps like TuneIn Radio and the official NFL mobile app also provide live audio streams of the games, ensuring you never miss a play, even if you’re away from a TV.
NFL Preseason Schedule Overview
The NFL preseason schedule is designed to give every team an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies, evaluate their rosters, and prepare for the grind of the regular season. The preseason typically consists of four weeks of games, with each team playing a mix of home and away matchups.
Week 1 Highlights
The first week of the preseason is often the most anticipated, as it marks the return of football. One of the key matchups includes the Carolina Panthers taking on the New England Patriots. This game is particularly intriguing as both teams are testing out new lineups and strategies.
Another notable game is between the New York Giants and the Detroit Lions. Both teams have been in rebuild mode, and their preseason opener will offer fans a first look at how their offseason changes have impacted the team’s dynamics.
Following Weeks
Weeks 2 and 3 of the preseason are where teams typically start to settle into their regular season rhythms. Starters see more playing time, and the focus shifts to polishing the game plan for Week 1 of the regular season. Week 4 is generally reserved for the final roster decisions, with teams making tough cuts to get down to the 53-man roster.
Top Players and Rookies to Watch
The preseason is a critical time for both seasoned veterans and fresh rookies. Coaches and fans alike are eager to see how the top players and new additions perform under game conditions. Here are some of the key players to keep an eye on during the 2024 NFL preseason.
Rookie Watch
- Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is the player to watch for the Panthers. His preseason performance will be under the microscope as fans and analysts alike look to see how quickly he can adapt to the speed of the NFL game.
- C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans Another top rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, will be leading the charge for the Texans. Stroud’s ability to command the offense and make quick decisions will be key factors that the coaching staff will be assessing during the preseason.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks Smith-Njigba has been hailed as one of the top wide receiver prospects in recent years. His ability to create separation and his route-running skills make him a player to watch as he integrates into the Seahawks’ offensive scheme.
Veterans and Key Players
- Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets The preseason will offer a first look at Aaron Rodgers in a Jets uniform. While veterans like Rodgers don’t typically play much in the preseason, any snaps he takes will be closely analyzed as fans anticipate how he will fit into the Jets’ offense.
- Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers McCaffrey’s health is always a talking point, and the preseason will provide an indication of how the 49ers plan to utilize him. Whether he plays sparingly or not, his presence on the sidelines will be closely monitored.
- Jalen Ramsey, CB, Miami Dolphins Ramsey’s impact on the Dolphins’ secondary will be a key storyline to follow. His integration into the Dolphins’ defense and how he matches up against top receivers in preseason games will give fans a preview of his influence in the regular season.
Key Takeaways from Preseason Week 1
Week 1 of the NFL preseason often delivers surprises, and this year is no different. Here are some early takeaways:
- Rookie Standouts: Both Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud showed flashes of brilliance in their preseason debuts. While it’s still early, both quarterbacks displayed poise and control, exciting fans and coaches alike.
- Veteran Adjustments: Aaron Rodgers’ brief appearance with the Jets demonstrated that he is quickly acclimating to his new team. His leadership was evident even in limited action, setting a positive tone for the rest of the preseason.
- Injury Concerns: Unfortunately, preseason games also come with the risk of injuries. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers will be hoping to avoid any significant setbacks, particularly with key players like Christian McCaffrey.
Conclusion
The NFL preseason is more than just a warm-up for the regular season; it’s a crucial period for teams to evaluate talent, build chemistry, and set the stage for the months ahead. Whether you’re tuning in to see how top rookies perform or to gauge the progress of your favorite veterans, the preseason offers plenty of excitement and insights.
As you plan your viewing schedule, remember to take advantage of the various options available for watching games, from TV broadcasts to streaming services. And keep an eye on the standout players—both rookies and veterans—who could shape the outcome of the upcoming NFL season.
