Chiefs vs. Saints 2013: How to watch online, game time, TV schedule and more

The Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints are both hoping to make their ways back into the playoffs after sweeping offseason changes. Here’s how to watch Friday’s preseason opener.

by Louis Bien

Aug 9, 2013, 6:30 PM UTC

Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

The 2013 NFL preseason is officially in swing. On Friday evening, the Kansas City Chiefs will visit the New Orleans Saints in what may actually be one of the more intriguing matchups of preseason Week 1. Both teams missed the playoffs last year -- the Chiefs in spectacular 2-14 fashion -- but both made significant changes in the offseason that could propel them back into the postseason.

More: Chiefs blog Arrowhead Pride Saints blog Canal Street Chronicles

For the Saints, the biggest shakeups occurred among the coaching staff. Head coach Sean Payton returns from his one-year Bountygate suspension to help bring a talented offense back up to its pre-2012 standards. Meanwhile, new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has been tasked with rebuilding what was a historically bad defense last season. With better organization on offense and a much-needed spark on defense, the Saints figure to improve.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, opened up the pocketbook for new players in the offseason. Alex Smith is expected to rejuvenate the offense behind protection from Branden Albert and No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher at the two offensive tackle spots. On defense, cornerbacks Sean Smith and Dunta Robinson are expected to see plenty of playing time for a secondary that struggled last season outside of ace cover corner Brandon Flowers.