Jackson Free Press

Sunday, Aug. 4, 10.1 million viewers tuned in to watch the Hall of Fame game between the Miami Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, a game in which most of the Cowboys stars didn't play, NBC reported.

The game easily carried the Peacock network to the win for ratings that night. The game earned a 3.8 rating and was the No. 1 show for the week among adults age 18 to 49, 18 to 34, 25 to 54, and in all key adult-male demographics. The game outdrew July's Major League Baseall All-Star game, which had a rating of 3.2.

This week, the NFL preseason kicks into high gear with every team hitting the field for the first time in 2013.

Football fans can start their weekend viewing tonight as the Atlanta Falcons host the Cincinnati Bengals on ESPN at 7 p.m.

Friday night brings what New Orleans Saints fans have been waiting for, as the Kansas City Chiefs come to the Crescent City.

The Saints have had a mostly uneventful offseason until now. In fact, New Orleans' offseason has been so uneventful that its biggest media story concerned how much Saints quarterback Drew Brees tips on his takeout orders from restaurants. Then, news broke yesterday that the Saints lost defensive end Kenyon Coleman and wide receiver Joe Morgan for the rest of the season due to injuries.

If you're not a Saints fan but still want to watch some football Friday, the NFL Network will air a double header. Starting at 6:30 p.m., you can catch the New England Patriots playing the Philadelphia Eagles.

Drama always surrounds the Patriots, and this game will provide viewers the first opportunity to see new Eagles head coach Chip Kelly try to run his hurry-up offense from Oregon in the pros.

The Dallas Cowboys play the Oakland Raiders after the Patriots-Eagles game.

That's not all football holds this weekend. On Saturday, grab a cold one and switch on the NFL Network at 6:30 p.m. to see the New York Giants against the Pittsburg Steelers.

Finally, your football weekend ends Sunday afternoon with the Indianapolis Colts hosting the Buffalo Bills on the NFL Network. This might not be the best game, but could be great background noise to nap to.

If this is not enough football for you, the NFL Network will also show every preseason game this weekend. Just check the network's listings, and you should be able to find football just about all weekend long.

It has been a long wait since February, but welcome back, football. We have missed you.