Tonight's live stream of the NFL Hall of Fame Game is a preseason matchup of the upstart Houston Texans against the rebuilding Chicago Bears. It is also the first NFL action we have had since the Super Bowl ended back in February. If you're ready to get your football fix, you won't want to miss this NFL live stream.

Last year, the Texans were perhaps the biggest surprise of the 2023-24 NFL season; in 2022, the team was a laughing stock, finishing last in the AFC South and second from last in the league. But with the addition of new head coach DeMeco Ryans and a clever draft, the Texans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud won the AFC South title last season and made the playoffs. This year, the team will kick off the 2024-25 season with a possible appearance in Super Bowl 2025, which will be held in New Orleans.

But the Bears probably won't be "Super Bowl or bust" this year. They weren't hopelessly awful last year, going 7-10, but thanks to winning the first overall pick this year from the Carolina Panthers, they did a little rebuilding in the NFL Draft, drafting future franchise quarterback Caleb Williams. They may have their sights set on making the playoffs this year, but no one considers them a contender.

Disclaimer: Don't expect to see a lot of star power in this preseason game. Preseason games are notorious for featuring backups and players fighting for roster spots, and this game is no different. The Bears have already announced that their starters will be absent (h/t ESPN), and the Texans will no doubt do the same.

And the kickoff is completely different this year. The new rule changes will make this year's kickoffs look remarkably odd to fans, at least at first; you can read about the rule changes announced by the NFL, or wait to watch them within the hour, but either way, there will be more kick returns starting tonight for the rest of the season.

For those wondering about gambling odds, DraftKings has the Texans as 2.5-point favorites with less than an hour to go until they face the Bears. The Bears can also make quite a bit of money straight up, with a $100 bet against the money line earning $124.

Texans vs. Bears Inactives

Texans (predicted): Most starters will be rested, including C.J. Stroud (QB). Veteran backup Case Keenum (QB) is also likely to be rested. Laremy Tunsil (OT), Andrew Beck (FB), Joe Mixon (RB), and Christian Harris (LB) are out due to injury.

Bears All Bears starters were rested.

Here is everything you need to watch the NFL Hall of Fame Game live stream online, including several options that will give you the game for free.

NFL Streaming Tip:

Even if you can't watch the NFL Hall of Fame Game because you are away from home, you can still watch the game. With the best VPNs, you can appear to be surfing the web from your hometown so you can access the same streaming services you already pay for.

Here's how easy it is to stream the NFL from anywhere in the world:

1. Install a VPN of your choice; NordVPN is our favorite.

2. select the location you want to connect to in the VPN app. For example, if you are in the U.K. and want to see U.S. services, select U.K. from the list.

3. sit back and enjoy the action; go to Sling, Fubo, or another website to watch the match.

In the U.S., the NFL Hall of Fame Game will be streamed live on ESPN and ABC, with ESPN using Sling Orange to stream anywhere in the country and ABC using Sling Blue only in select markets.

The game will begin tomorrow, Thursday, August 1, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. ET.

If you want a more comprehensive sports package, you can opt for Fubo. This popular cable TV has all six major channels needed for the NFL season: CBS, ESPN, FOX, NBC, ABC, and the NFL Network. The prices are high, but you get more for your money.

Finally, for those who prefer not to use cable alternatives, the game will be simulcast on ESPN Plus.

With one of our best TV antenna picks, you can watch live - and only if - your local ABC affiliate is showing a live stream of the NFL Hall of Fame game. The NFL Hall of Fame Game should also be broadcast by your local ABC affiliate, so if you have an antenna, you can watch "Texans vs. Bears."

American football fans across the pond will not be able to watch Texans vs. Bears on Sky Sports; Sky is the typical home of over 100 live NFL games per season, but at this point it seems determined to miss this pre-season game

Instead, the Bears will be shown live on the NFL Network.

Instead, UK fans will have to opt for DAZN's NFL Game Pass. This gives access to over 200 regular and postseason games, Super Bowl coverage, NFL Network, NFL RedZone, the 2024 NFL Draft, etc. The NFL Game Pass costs £150.99 per year (paid in four installments of £37.75).

The live stream of Texans vs. Bears will begin at 1:00 am BST on Friday, August 1.

Americans abroad can use their favorite service by logging in via a VPN such as NordVPN.

TSN2 offers a live stream of the NFL Hall of Fame Game to Canadians who still opt for traditional television.

However, to watch the NFL 2024-25 season via streaming, you need DAZN; DAZN's monthly subscription fee is $29.99 CAD, which includes regular season games and the Super Bowl, plus other sports. If you want to save money, an annual subscription for $199.99 CAD will save you a lot of money. To watch as many games as possible, add NFL Game Pass to your existing DAZN subscription.

Australians who wish to watch a live stream of the NFL Hall of Fame Game in Australia can do so on ESPN through Kayo Sports or Foxtel. These services offer two preseason games per week through ESPN, with Texans-Bears being the only game in town this week.

However, Australian residents who want access to as much NFL football as possible should opt for DAZN's NFL Game Pass. This is the most comprehensive NFL streaming package available in Australia, priced at A$279.99 for a full season (paid in 4 installments of A$70) or A$28.99 per week.