The NFL preseason is officially underway, giving fans their first taste of football action ahead of the regular season. While the games may not carry the same stakes as regular-season matchups, they are crucial for teams to evaluate rookies, test playbooks, and fine-tune strategies. But one question pops up often: Is there overtime in NFL preseason games? And just as important for fans — what channel is the game on tonight?
Is There Overtime in NFL Preseason Games?
The short answer is no — there is no overtime in NFL preseason games.
In the past, preseason games followed the same overtime rules as the regular season. However, in 2021, the NFL decided to remove overtime from the preseason entirely. The change was made to minimize unnecessary player fatigue and reduce the risk of injuries in games that do not affect playoff standings.
If the score is tied at the end of the fourth quarter, the game simply ends in a tie. This ensures players can focus on performance without the added wear and tear of extra minutes on the field.
Why the change matters:
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Protects starters and key players from injury.
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Allows coaches to control player workloads.
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Speeds up the preseason schedule.
What Channel Is the NFL Game On Tonight?
Where you can watch tonight’s NFL preseason game depends on the matchup and the broadcasting rights. The NFL partners with multiple networks to air preseason games, and local markets often have their own broadcast agreements.
National Broadcasters for NFL Preseason 2025:
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NFL Network – Airs multiple preseason games live and provides replays.
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ESPN – Selected nationally televised matchups.
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CBS, FOX, NBC – Each broadcasts specific high-profile preseason games.
If tonight’s game is nationally televised, it will likely be on NFL Network, ESPN, or a major network. Otherwise, you might find it on your local sports channel affiliated with the team.
How to Stream Tonight’s NFL Game
For fans who prefer streaming, several platforms carry preseason games live:
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NFL+ – The official NFL streaming service, offering live local and primetime games on mobile and tablet.
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Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, FuboTV – All offer packages with channels broadcasting preseason games.
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Team Websites & Apps – Some NFL teams stream preseason games locally.
Why the Preseason Still Matters
Even though overtime doesn’t exist in preseason, these games still hold value for fans and teams alike:
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Rookie Evaluation: Coaches see how draft picks handle live game situations.
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Depth Chart Battles: Players fight for starting roles and roster spots.
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Playbook Testing: Teams try new plays without the pressure of the regular season.
Key Takeaways
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No overtime in NFL preseason — games end in a tie if scores are level after four quarters.
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Game channels vary — check NFL Network, ESPN, CBS, FOX, NBC, or local team broadcasts.
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Streaming options are available through NFL+, Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling, and FuboTV.
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