The preseason is comparable to the Pro Bowl in the sense that fans don’t have a great deal of interest in watching a relatively meaningless football game. While the Pro Bowl is made up of the best talent from around the league, however, preseason games generally feature at least two quarters of guys who will stand on the sidelines all season or not make the final 53-man roster at all.

It takes a certain kind of appreciation for the game of football to truly invest yourself into the preseason. Many don’t care to pay much attention or even watch at all. I, however, think the preseason is great and I’ll give you five reasons why.

Cheap tickets

I’ve found myself at a handful of preseason games over the past couple seasons and I don’t think I’ve spent more than $20 on a ticket. PSL holders often get rid of their preseason tickets at a heavily discounted rate or sometimes, even free.

For college students like me who may not have the funds in their bank account to show up at the stadium on any given Sunday or maybe for families who may not be able to afford a set of tickets to see the Ravens play the Steelers, preseason games are a great opportunity to see the team in person without breaking the bank.

Local Broadcasters

I don’t think there’s ever been a duo of CBS broadcasters I, or any other Ravens fan, was thrilled to hear in the booth during the regular season. National broadcasters don’t know the team as well as our local guys do. Gerry Sandusky, Stan White, and Qadry Ismail are great at what they do and they know Baltimore Ravens football. Doesn’t that beat hearing Cris Colinsworth slobber over Ben Roethlisberger for four quarters?

Can’t make it to the stadium? Watch the preseason games on a local network and enjoy the voices that the regular season radio audience may take for granted.

Fantasy Sleepers

There seems to be a no-name breakout star every season. That player generally makes a strong impression during the preseason. If you see a guy perform particularly well during a preseason game, snag him in the final rounds of your fantasy draft and see what he can do.

You just might find the next Buck Allen or Devonta Freeman.

Fringe Guys Fighting

Those bubble guys who may or may not make the team have so much to play for. All they care about is making a good impression on their coaches. The numbers on the scoreboard don’t matter; it’s all about individual performance when it comes to guys fighting to make an NFL roster.

Whether it’s an undrafted rookie looking to find his niche or a washed up veteran trying to prove he’s still got game, so many guys out on the field during preseason are putting everything on the line.

It’s Football

There are 365 days in a calendar year. On only 20 of those days, the Baltimore Ravens play a football game, and then come the playoffs. Take advantage of any opportunity to watch Ravens football because once February rolls around, you’re going to miss it.