The long wait for football fans is finally over as the NFL preseason officially kicks off. The San Francisco 49ers are ready to return to action for their 2026 preseason campaign, hosting the Tennessee Titans for an exciting Week 1 clash. Preseason matchups are a thrilling time for football enthusiasts. They offer the first glimpse of highly-rated rookies, showcase intense position battles for the final roster spots, and allow coaching staffs to test new schemes under real game conditions. If you want to witness the return of live football from Santa Clara, here is your comprehensive guide covering game time, TV channels, streaming options, and key storylines.
📅 Game Time and Location
Make sure to plan your evening around this primetime kickoff. The Titans will travel west to face the 49ers under the lights in California.
- Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026
- Time: 06:00 PM Pacific Time (PT) / 09:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
Even in the preseason, Levi’s Stadium boasts an electric atmosphere. Expect the faithful red and gold fanbase to turn out in full force to welcome their team back to the gridiron.
📺 TV Channel and Local Broadcast Info
Unlike many preseason games that are strictly limited to local regional networks, this high-profile matchup features both national and local broadcast coverage.
- National TV: This game will be broadcast live nationwide on NFL Network. If you live outside the local markets, this is your primary destination to watch the game.
- Local TV (Bay Area Markets): Fans in the local San Francisco and San Jose markets can watch the game on KPIX-TV (CBS 5), which serves as the flagship station for the 49ers.
- Local TV (Tennessee Markets): Local affiliate stations in the Nashville region will carry the Titans’ regional broadcast feed.
📱 Live Streaming Options
If you do not have traditional cable television or want to watch the game on the go, there are several reliable digital streaming platforms available to catch every play.
1. NFL+ (Official App)
The absolute best way to stream this game on your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV is NFL+. This official subscription service provides live access to local and primetime preseason games. You can download the official NFL app on iOS or Android, or stream via connected devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV.
2. Live TV Streaming Services
Because the game airs on NFL Network and local CBS affiliates, you can access the game using digital streaming providers that include these networks in their subscription packages:
- FuboTV: A sports-centric streaming service that carries both NFL Network and local CBS affiliates, offering a free trial period for new subscribers.
- YouTube TV: Provides excellent cloud DVR features and comprehensive coverage for both NFL Network and local game broadcasts.
- Hulu + Live TV: Combines a massive on-demand streaming catalog with live access to NFL Network and local TV channels.
- Paramount+: Local Bay Area fans can stream the live KPIX-CBS broadcast feed via the Paramount+ Premium tier.
🧱 What to Watch: San Francisco 49ers
For the San Francisco 49ers, Preseason Week 1 is all about building structural depth and evaluating young talent rather than worrying about the final score on the scoreboard.
- Rookie Wide Receivers: With shifts in the receiving corps, all eyes will be on San Francisco’s young wideouts. Preseason is their proving ground to build chemistry with the quarterbacks and secure targets.
- Defensive Line Rotation: The 49ers are famous for their aggressive defensive front. Watch how the coaching staff rotates edge rushers and interior linemen to find the best complementary pieces for the regular season.
- Backup Quarterback Play: While frontline starters usually play minimal snaps—if any—in the opening preseason game, the battle for the primary backup quarterback position will occupy the majority of the game tape.
⚔️ What to Watch: Tennessee Titans
The visiting Tennessee Titans travel to Santa Clara looking to establish a new competitive identity and test their young roster against top-tier NFC talent.
- Offensive Execution: The Titans want to see crisp execution from their offensive line under game conditions. Watch how the young blockers handle San Francisco’s notorious pass rush.
- Secondary Battles: Tennessee has infused its defense with young, fast talent. Look for how the coaching staff utilizes rookie defensive backs in situational pass-rushing downs against the 49ers’ complex passing schemes.
- Special Teams Auditions: Many roster spots are won or lost on special teams. Pay close attention to the gunners on punt coverage and the kickoff return units to see who stands out to the coaching staff.
💡 Quick Tips for Game Day
To ensure a smooth viewing experience on Thursday night, keep these quick tips in mind:
- Verify Your Local Channel: Check your local digital TV guide ahead of time, as regional network assignments can vary depending on your specific city.
- Update Streaming Apps: Open your NFL+ or live TV streaming app 15 minutes before the 06:00 PM PT kickoff to process any mandatory software updates.
- Keep a Roster Handy: Preseason rosters feature up to 90 players with frequent number changes. Having a digital roster open on your phone will help you identify the deeper depth-chart players making big plays.
Get ready for an exciting night of football action as the road to the regular season begins!