The most surprising thing about tonight’s Jets preseason game? Two major sports outlets can’t agree on when or where you should actually watch it. One report says the game starts at 6 p.m. CT on NFL Network, while another claims it kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on CBS. This mix-up leaves fans confused about the actual time and channel, but the solution for watching without a cable bill remains the same. You can still stream the action for free using specific trial offers, even if the broadcast details are a bit messy.
Conflicting Schedules Create Fan Confusion
The New York Jets head to Pittsburgh for a matchup against the Steelers, but the details on the screen vary wildly depending on where you look. AL.com Sports states the game begins at 6 p.m. CT on the NFL Network. However, the NY Post Sports lists the time as 7 p.m. ET and the channel as CBS for the New York area. These aren’t minor differences in time zones; they point to two different broadcast plans for the same event. Fans in New York need to know which guide to trust before they sit down to watch.
Despite the confusion, the location is clear.
The game takes place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This is the home field for the Steelers, making it a tough road trip for the Jets. The date is set for August 21, which gives fans just enough time to sort out their streaming options. The conflicting reports make it hard to set a DVR, but live streaming services can often adapt to these last-minute changes better than traditional cable boxes.
Streaming Options for Free Viewing
If you don’t have a cable subscription, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to catch the game for free. Both AL.com Sports and NY Post Sports point to DIRECTV as the top choice for watching sports live without paying upfront. Before securing a $30 discount on your initial month, you may utilize a five-day free trial. This deal lets you watch the game and keep the service if you decide to stay, or cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
FuboTV also offers a free trial that fans can use to watch the matchup. For those who prefer a lower monthly cost, Sling provides an affordable subscription option, though it may not include the specific channel broadcasting the game in all areas. The key is to sign up for the trial before the game starts so you have access when the kickoff comes. For free live sports viewing, DIRECTV remains our top pick, featuring the Choice plan which boasts over 125 channels. This plan ensures you get NBC and other major networks if the broadcast switches.
Who Actually Plays Tonight
The biggest news for Jets fans is that quarterback Geno Smith will start the game tonight. The Post’s Brian Costello received confirmation from a source that Geno Smith, the Jets QB1, is set to start tonight’s game. Demonstrating his readiness for the field, Smith spent the entire week practicing with the team prior to tonight’s matchup. This is a rare sight for fans who usually see backup quarterbacks in preseason action, but Smith is getting the green light.
On the other side, Aaron Rodgers won’t play tonight. Mike McCarthy, the head coach, verified that Aaron Rodgers will be unable to play tonight. Consequently, the Steelers will rely on Will Howard and Drew Allar as their available quarterback options. The Steelers beat the Packers 28-9 in preseason Week 1, so they have momentum. Meanwhile, Jets running back Breece Hall suffered a groin strain that’ll keep him out of preseason, but per reports, he’ll be ready to go for Week 1 against Tennessee.
