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The long wait is over! Six months after the New England Patriots last stood on a football field for a competitive game — their victory in Super Bowl 53, in case you remember — the team is back: tonight, the Patriots will face the Detroit Lions on the road for both teams’ preseason opener. But while it is good to have football back and to take another step towards the real product come September, you should expect ‘football light’ today.
After all, quarterback Tom Brady is one of numerous starting-level players not expected to suit or at least see the field tonight. As a result, though, we will get a chance to watch New England’s depth and position battles up close. And with that in mind, let’s find out how to actually follow tonight’s game:
Game Information: Patriots (0-0) at Lions (0-0)
Date: Thursday, August 8, 2019
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Ford Field, Detroit MI
SB Nation affiliate: Pride of Detroit
The Patriots provide an in-depth breakdown on their website.
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Television
Network: Patriots Preseason Network
Broadcast team: Bob Socci (play-by-play), Scott Zolak (color commentary), Rob Ninkovich (sideline), Steve Burton (sideline)
The Patriots Preseason Network is available in all New England states as well as Alaska and Hawaii:
- Boston MA: WBZ-TV (Channel 4)
- Springfield MA: WWLP-TV (Channel 22)
- New Haven CT: WTNH-TV (Channel 8)
- Portland ME: WMTW-TV (Channel 8)
- Bangor ME: WVII-TV (Channel 7)
- Manchester NH: WMUR-TV (Channel 9)
- Providence RI: WPRI-TV (Channel 12)
- Burlington VT: WCAX-TV (Channel 3)
For additional stations, please check out the broadcast information on patriots.com.
Radio
Station: 98.5 FM The Sports Hub
Broadcast team: Dan Roche (play-by-play) and Matt Chatham (color commentary)
98.5 FM is available through the following stations:
- Boston MA: WBZ 98.5 FM
- Springfield MA: WAQY 102.1 FM
- Worcester MA: WWFX 100.1 FM
- Milford MA: WMRC 101.3 FM / 1490 AM
- Portland ME: WBLM 102.9 FM
- Bangor ME: WEZQ 92.9 FM
- Hartford CT: WTIC 1080 AM
- Concord NH: WNNH 99.1 FM
- Burlington VT: WCPV 101.3 FM
- Providence RI: WPRO 630 AM
For additional stations, please check out the broadcast information on patriots.com.
Online streaming
Local live streaming: Fans from the local market area can watch the game live on patriots.com/preseason or in the Patriots App.
International live streaming: The Patriots provide streams in three nations abroad:
- United Kingdom: patriots.com/preseasonlive-uk
- Germany: patriots.com/preseasonlive-germany
- Mexico: patriots.com/preseasonlive-mexico
You can also stream the game by using NFL Game Pass (international viewers only).
Odds
Line: Patriots -1
Over/Under: 35
For more betting information, please visit SB Nations’ Betting Section.
Pats Pulpit coverage
Social media: Pats Pulpit will deliver updates and analysis. Besides regularly checking the website, please make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Podcasts: The Pats Pulpit podcasts will have extensive breakdowns after the game. Subscribe here to stay up to date:
Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/ApplePatsPulpit
Google Podcasts: bit.ly/GooglePatsPulpit
Spotify: bit.ly/SpotifyPatsPulpit
Stitcher: bit.ly/StitcherPatsPulpit
FanPulse: Last year, SB Nation introduced FanPulse, a survey of knowledgable fans that will reflect how they view their teams’ developments. If you are interested in participating, please click here!