The San Francisco 49ers host the Los Angeles Chargers to conclude their preseason schedules on Thursday night.
The game is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. ET. If you don’t have cable or can’t get to a TV, here’s a rundown of all your live stream options, which vary depending on if the game is televised in your market or not:
If The Game is Televised in Your Market
First, check to see what local channel the game is on in your area–it will be either ABC, CBS, CW, Fox or NBC. Then, if you sign up for one of the following cable-free, live-TV streaming services, you’ll be able to watch a live stream of your desired channel.
For example, for fans in San Francisco, San Diego or Sacramento, where the game is broadcast on CBS, Amazon Prime is going to be your easiest option. If you’re in Los Angeles, where the game is on ABC, Hulu with Live TV will get you a live stream of the game.
Here’s a rundown of all the streaming services, what they include, and how to sign up and watch (note that local channels are available live in select markets):
Local channels included: CBS
If you have Amazon Prime or want to start a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime, you can watch all CBS content (both live and on-demand) via the CBS Amazon Channel, which also comes with a 7-day free trial.
Once you’re signed up for both Amazon Prime and the CBS channel, you can then watch a live stream of your local CBS channel on your computer via the Amazon website, or you can watch on your phone, tablet or streaming device via the Amazon Video app.
Local channels included: ABC, CBS, CW, Fox, NBC
In addition to its massive Netflix-like library of on-demand movies and TV shows, Hulu also offers a bundle of 50-plus live TV channels, which includes ABC, CBS, CW, Fox and NBC. You can sign up for “Hulu with Live TV” right here, and you can then watch a live stream of any of those channels on your computer via the Hulu website, or on your phone, tablet or streaming device via the Hulu app.
If you can’t watch the game live, “Hulu with Live TV” also comes with 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage (with the ability to upgrade to “Enhanced Cloud DVR,” which gives you 200 hours of DVR space and the ability to fast forward through commercials).
Local channels included: CBS, CW, Fox, NBC
A streaming service that is largely tailored towards sports fans, FuboTV includes CBS, CW, Fox and NBC. You can sign up for a free 7-day trial right here, and you can then watch a live stream of those channels on your computer via the FuboTV website, or on your phone, tablet or streaming device via the FuboTV app.
If you can’t watch the game live, FuboTV also comes with 30 hours of Cloud DVR (with the ability to upgrade to 500 hours), as well as a “72-Hour Lookback” feature, which allows you to watch games and shows up to three days after they air even if you forgot to record them. The main FuboTV channel package also comes with NFL Network, which will air a replay of every preseason game.
Local channels included: Fox, NBC
Fox and NBC are both included in the “Sling Blue” channel package. You can sign up for a free 7-day trial, and you can then watch a live stream of either channel on your computer via the Sling website, or on your phone, tablet or streaming device via the Sling TV app.
If you can’t watch live, you can get 50 hours of cloud DVR storage as an additional add-on. “Sling Blue” also comes with the NFL Network, which will air a replay of every preseason game, so you can also watch that way if you miss it live.
If The Game is Not Televised in Your Market
You can watch every out-of-market preseason NFL game online via NFL Game Pass, which costs $99.99 for the season (or four installments of $29.99). Once signed up, you can watch games on your computer via the Game Pass website, or on your phone, tablet or streaming device via the NFL app.
Preview
The 49ers got some good news this week as tight end George Kittle, who separated his shoulder in their preseason opener, returned to practice Tuesday. The 24-year old was temporarily derailed, but seems to be fully healthy as he’s looking to make an impact this season in his second season.
George Kittle (shoulder) was back at practice today. He did some individual work but wasn’t running routes. #49ers
Running back Alfred Morris had a solid effort rushing for 84 yards on 17 carries last week, but Jerick McKinnon returned to practice himself and is taking part in conditioning drills. McKinnon has been nursing a calf injury, and head coach Kyle Shanahan and the coaching staff have not rushed McKinnon back just yet.
Last #49ers practice report until regular season
TE Kittle (shoulder) OT Gilliam (concussion) are back
RBs McKinnon & Breida looking healed in individual conditioning
QB Garoppolo goes over route concept with WR Goodwin (just small things that cool to see still)
LT Staley rests
McKinnon is expected to be a bellcow type of player for Shanahan this season, similar to how he utilized Devonta Freeman next to Matt Ryan when he was offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons before taking the San Francisco job last offseason.
The Chargers enter this season as the consensus team who missed the playoffs last season, but is likely to make the playoffs this season. Many experts have Los Angeles improving, winning nine or more games and capturing the AFC West division championship.
In order to do that, the defense needs to remain dominant, and it certainly has the workhorses to do it.
According to head coach Anthony Lynn, defensive lineman Joey Bosa (foot) will “absolutely” be ready to play Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Coach Lynn says he believes Joey Bosa will “absolutely” be ready Week 1 vs. the Chiefs. Says he thinks he could have played if today was a regular season game.
In addition to Bosa, the Chargers have Melvin Ingram on the other side in their 403 defense, and a formidable secondary.
Casey Heyward, Desmond King, Trevor Williams, and 2018 first-round draft pick Derwin James gives Los Angeles some of the best defensive backs in the league. Losing Jason Verrett in July to a torn Achilles wasn’t ideal, but the Chargers have the overall depth to survive the large blow.
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Chargers vs 49ers Preseason Live Stream: How to Watch Without Cable