How to watch Cleveland Browns NFL preseason game today for free

Cleveland Browns quarterbacks Deshaun Watson (L) and Shedeur Sanders prepare to battle the Chicago Bears in the NFL preseason opener today. Find out how to watch for free.John Kuntz, cleveland.comIf you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.By Robert Fenbers, cleveland.comcleveland.com Express DeskCHICAGO -- Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders should have plenty of opportunities to showcase their skills as the Cleveland Browns visit the Chicago Bears in the NFL preseason opener today – Saturday, Aug. 15 – at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. This game is available to watch on multiple streaming platforms.This game will broadcast live on WEWS Channel 5 (Cleveland), FOX32 (Chicago) and NFL Network at 1 p.m. Eastern. (12 p.m. Central). If you don’t have cable, you can still catch the preseason action at no cost by utilizing multiple streaming options, including FuboTV ($25 off first month) and DIRECTV ($35 off first month), which both offer a free trial. Sling TV offers NFL Network with Sling Blue (over 40 channels) for $45.99 per month, or you can elect for Sling Select for $19.99, which also offers nearly two dozen channels, including local channels in select markets. Here are five storylines to watch for today’s game:1. Quarterback Deshaun Watson returns from injury, grabs first startEmbattled quarterback Deshaun Watson will start for the first time since his 2024 season-ending Achilles injury, leading a rotation that includes Sheduer Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. 2. Rookie Spencer Fano claims starting tackle spot, takes spotlight in the trenchesRookie tackle Spencer Fano won the starting job through a gritty training camp performance, shifting veteran Dawand Jones to a backup role.3. All eyes on rookie receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston Rookie receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston look to cement their progress after a sensational camp leading up to the preseason opener. 4. Defense looks to sustain reputation after Myles Garrett tradeFollowing the trade of generational talent Myles Garrett, the Browns will debut new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg’s revamped defense featuring Jared Verse and Carson Schwesinger. The unit aims to translate their high volume of training camp interceptions into game-day success under new head coach Todd Monken. 5. Chicago rests starters as backup Tyson Bagent takes familiar role in preseasonThe Bears have elected to sit star quarterback Caleb Williams and other starters, handing the offense to preseason standout Tyson Bagent for the opener. He holds a 6-0-1 record in such games. Here are more details on how to watch the Cleveland Browns vs. Chicago Bears NFL preseason game with various TV and streaming options:What: NFL preseason: Cleveland Browns vs. Chicago Bears When: Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026Time: 1 p.m. Eastern (12 p.m. Central)Where: Soldier Field | Chicago, Ill. Channels: WEWS Channel 5 (Cleveland), FOX32 (Chicago) and NFL NetworkBest streaming options: FuboTV (free trial and $25 off first month), DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off first month) and Sling TVWhere to watch Browns vs. Bears NFL preseason free live stream today Fever vs. Wings WNBA FREE STREAM today (8/14/26): Where to watch Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers Where to watch Steelers vs. Packers NFL preseason FREE STREAM today How to watch Fever vs. Liberty WNBA game for free todayDonald Trump’s Patriot Games 2026: Where to watch for free todayRobert Fenbers, who has been a freelance journalist since 2015, is the sports commerce reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Robert focuses on local and national sporting event ticket sales and how...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.