The Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears are set to kick off their 2026 NFL preseason with a head-to-head matchup Saturday afternoon at Soldier Field. The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET (noon CT) with TV coverage on NFL Network and streaming on-demand. NFL Network games will also stream on ESPN Unlimited ($29.99).
How to watch Bears vs. Browns on TV and stream without cable:
When: Saturday, Aug. 15 at 1 p.m. ET (noon CT)Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Ill.TV channel: NFL NetworkStreaming on: FuboTV (free trial) | DirecTV (free trial) | SlingTV (low intro rate) | ESPN Unlimited ($29.99/mo.)
Bears vs. Browns: The matchup
All outcomes seem to be on the table for the Bears in the third season of quarterback Caleb Williams’ rising stardom after the team went 11-6 and played into the Divisional Round of the NFC Playoffs. Williams showed composure and a flair for big moments in throwing for 3,942 yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions, along with 388 yards on the ground. Chicago also brings back a 1,000-yard rusher in D’Andre Swift and a possible breakout wide receiver in former first-round pick Rome Odunze, who averaged a team-high 15.0 yards per catch and logged 661 yards in 12 games.
The Browns could start as many as three rookies in key positions on their offense, which will be led by either Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson in coach Todd Monken’s first season on the sideline. Cleveland invested first-round picks in left tackle Spencer Fano and wide receiver Denzel Boston, a second-rounder on wideout Denzel Boston and a third-rounder on tackle Austin Barber. Cleveland also dealt superstar edge rusher Miles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for a young, rising replacement in Jared Verse to lead a talented defense.
Bears vs. Browns: Know your live streams
FuboTV (free trial): FuboTV offers the most extensive package of live sports with rates competitive with DirecTV. The FuboTV Pro ($48.99 first month), Elite ($53.99) and Deluxe ($73.99) all come with first-month discounts. Monthly rates rise to $73.99, $83.99 and $103.99 after the first-month discount.
DirecTV (free trial): DirecTV offers a 5-day free trial and a total of $30 off over the first three full months for the Choice Package, which includes 125-plus channels and access to ESPN Unlimited, a $29.99 standalone value featuring all ESPN channels and ESPN+.
SlingTV (low intro rate): First full month of streaming runs as low as $29.99 with current offer for 50% off Sling’s Orange & Blue Plan. Day passes are also available for 24 hours ($4.99), as well as three-day ($9.99) and seven-day access ($14.99).
ESPN Unlimited ($29.99 bundle): ESPN has a new, standalone package that includes ABC broadcasts, all of ESPN’s sports channels, and access to ESPN+. For a limited time, ESPN can be bundled with Disney Plus and Hulu for $29.99 per month. This package is included free in select FuboTV and DirecTV plans, along with other TV providers.