The NFL preseason is back in full swing, and football fans across the country are buzzing with anticipation as some of the league’s most intriguing storylines take center stage this weekend. With a slate packed with compelling matchups, debut performances, and fresh faces, Saturday, August 9, 2025, is shaping up to be a memorable date for gridiron enthusiasts. Whether you’re tuning in for a first look at top draft picks, checking out how last year’s playoff teams are shaping up, or simply craving the sights and sounds of live football after a long offseason, there’s plenty to keep your eyes glued to the screen.
All eyes are on Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall draft pick, who’s set to make his highly anticipated debut with the Tennessee Titans. Ward, who electrified fans during his senior season at Miami with 4,313 passing yards and 39 touchdowns, is expected to take the field for the first time in Titans blue as they clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action live on local station WFLA in Florida or stream it via NFL+. For those eager to see how Ward’s skills translate to the pro level, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for.
"We’re excited to see what Cam brings to the table," said a Titans spokesperson earlier this week. "He’s worked hard all offseason, and there’s a lot of optimism in the building." Ward’s arrival has injected a fresh sense of hope for Tennessee, as the franchise looks to rebound from a challenging previous campaign. His arm strength, mobility, and poise under pressure were on full display in college, but the NFL preseason will be his first true test against professional defenses.
Meanwhile, Titans fans aren’t the only ones with reasons to watch. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, hosting at home, are eager to gauge their own progress as they look to bounce back in the NFC South. Preseason games may not count toward the standings, but they offer a crucial glimpse into roster depth, play-calling philosophy, and the chemistry between new and returning players. Saturday night’s contest is just the beginning, with both teams eager to evaluate talent and build momentum before the regular season kicks off.
If you’re wondering how to catch the Titans-Buccaneers showdown, NFL+ offers a basic subscription at $6.99 per month (or $40 annually), giving fans access to live out-of-market preseason games, local and primetime regular season matchups on mobile devices, and live audio for every contest. For those seeking the full package, NFL+ Premium ups the ante at $14.99 per month (or $80 annually), adding NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and full and condensed replays across supported devices. Not sure if it’s worth it? NFL+ also features a seven-day free trial, so you can sample the offerings before committing.
Of course, NFL+ isn’t the only game in town when it comes to streaming options. DirecTV, Fubo TV, and YouTube TV all provide robust packages for football fans, each with their own perks and pricing. DirecTV’s Choice tier, for example, is currently on offer for $78 for your first month (after fees), dropping from the usual $108+ price tag. This package includes NFL Network, ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and a slew of regional sports networks, not to mention unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Fubo TV, starting at $85 per month (with a $20 discount for new subscribers), also boasts a full lineup of NFL-friendly channels and unlimited DVR, plus a free trial for those who want to test the waters. And YouTube TV, with its base plan starting at $59.99 per month for the first two months, gives you access to nearly every NFL channel and the coveted NFL Sunday Ticket, though the latter comes at a premium.
Switching gears to the afternoon slate, the Buffalo Bills welcome the New York Giants to Highmark Stadium for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff. The Bills, fresh off a stellar 13-4 regular season, are looking to build on last year’s success and keep their Super Bowl aspirations alive. The Giants, by contrast, are hoping to turn the page after a tough 3-14 campaign in 2024. This preseason opener offers both squads a chance to shake off the rust, test out new schemes, and see which young players might be ready for a bigger role.
Fans in New York and upstate can tune in via a range of local affiliates, including WTEN ABC10, WXXA FOX23 (Albany), WIVB CBS4 (Buffalo), and others, while NFL Network and NFL+ will provide national and streaming coverage. With preseason games often featuring unexpected standouts and dramatic late-game swings, this clash between AFC and NFC foes is sure to deliver its share of surprises.
Later in the evening, the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets square off at historic Lambeau Field, with kickoff slated for 8 p.m. ET. The Jets, who finished last season with a disappointing 5-12 record, are nevertheless riding a wave of preseason momentum—having posted a 3-0 mark last year and a sparkling 12-4-1 record in exhibition games since 2019. Their last trip to Green Bay, back in October 2022, saw running back Breece Hall rack up 116 yards and a touchdown in a convincing 27-10 victory. Can Gang Green recapture that magic, or will the Packers defend their home turf?
The game will be broadcast on NFL Network and streamed on Fubo, which is currently offering a free trial for new users. For Jets fans eager to see how the team’s offseason moves and rookie additions are panning out, this matchup is a must-watch. The preseason schedule for New York continues with games against the Giants on August 16 and the Eagles on August 22, before the regular season kicks off against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 7.
Across the league, the 2025 NFL preseason schedule is loaded with intriguing matchups. From the Colts and Ravens on Thursday night to the Saints and Chargers wrapping up the weekend on Sunday, there’s no shortage of drama, competition, and storylines to follow. Each game offers its own set of questions: Which rookies will shine? Which veterans will secure their roster spots? And which teams will send an early message that they’re ready to contend?
For fans, the options to watch have never been more plentiful. Whether you prefer traditional TV broadcasts, streaming platforms, or a combination of both, there’s a solution to fit every viewing style and budget. And with so many games available both in-market and out-of-market, you don’t have to miss a single snap.
As the first full weekend of the 2025 NFL preseason unfolds, the excitement is palpable. New stars are emerging, familiar faces are returning, and every team is dreaming big. With Cam Ward’s debut, high-profile matchups, and wall-to-wall coverage, football is officially back—and it’s only just getting started.
