Allen Robinson
The Chicago Bears will look to continue building rapport as they head into their third preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Saturday.
The game is scheduled to start at 9:05 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 one, some, or all of those channels, depending on the service.
For example, for fans in Chicago, where the game is on Fox, Hulu with Live TV or FuboTV are your best options. If you’re in Rockford or Colorado Springs, where the game is on CBS, Amazon Prime is the best option.
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: 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: 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: 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.
Game Preview
First-year head coach Matt Nagy will look to see strides from several key players on offense, including offseason free agent signing Allen Robinson, who is aiming to shore up the wide receiver position for the Bears this season.
“Each and every day I’ve been able to come out here and compete at a high level and not have any setbacks.”
Keep your eyes peeled for @AllenRobinson Saturday. 😏
📰: t.co/cLXJfYuDwz
Included with Robinson will be the performance of running back Jordan Howard, named to ESPN’s “Perfect 53-Man Roster” this past week. There are rumblings about Howard’s fantasy stock, primarily because of the effectiveness of backup Tarik Cohen in the passing game.
Linebacker Roquan Smith, drafted No. 8 overall out of Georgia, remained the only draft pick unsigned until this week. The Bears and Smith came to an agreement on a four-year contract Monday, worth $18 million in guaranteed money. The reasoning for Smith’s ongoing holdout during training camp was contract wording relating to being suspended for an on-field rules violation. Smith greatly improves a Chicago defense, which needed him desperately.
The Broncos have issues of their own, primarily at the quarterback position.
Case eenum is entrenched as the starter, but 2016 first-round pick Paxton Lynch is playing his way off the team. After going 6-for-11 with just 24 yards and an interception in a loss against the Minnesota Vikings last week, Lynch dropped to No. 3 on the depth chart. Chad Kelly moved up after going 14/21, compiling 177 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
Denver believes they have a “bellcow” type of player at the running back spot in rookie Royce Freeman. Freeman, drafted in the third round (No. 71 overall), is likely to see the bulk of first-team reps after running for 38 yards on four carries with a touchdown vs. Minnesota.
ESPN’s Jeff Legwold reports Freeman will get the most opportunities to score as well:
“Now, that might not mean 250 carries, but he’s going to get work and already blocks well enough to play on third down and in some of the open formations. And he’ll get red zone chances, too.”