2026 NFL Preseason Schedule

The 2026 NFL preseason begins with the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, August 6, and continues through three preseason weeks before the regular season kicks off in September. Here’s the complete preseason schedule in Eastern Time.

NFL Hall of Fame Game (Week HOF)

Thursday, August 6: Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals (Canton, Ohio) – 8:00 PM ET – NBC/Peacock

NFL Preseason Week 1

Thursday, August 13: Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals – 7:00 PM ET (Local)
Thursday, August 13: Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers – 7:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Thursday, August 13: Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – 7:30 PM ET (Local)
Thursday, August 13: Arizona Cardinals at Las Vegas Raiders – 8:00 PM ET (ESPN App)
Thursday, August 13: Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans – 8:00 PM ET (Local)
Thursday, August 13: Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers – 9:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Friday, August 14: Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons – 7:00 PM ET (ESPN App)
Friday, August 14: Miami Dolphins at Washington Commanders – 7:00 PM ET (Local)
Friday, August 14: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets – 7:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Saturday, August 15: Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills – 1:00 PM ET (Local)
Saturday, August 15: Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears – 1:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Saturday, August 15: Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants – 1:00 PM ET (ESPN App)
Saturday, August 15: Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints – 4:00 PM ET (ESPN App)
Saturday, August 15: Los Angeles Rams at Kansas City Chiefs – 4:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Saturday, August 15: Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens – 7:00 PM ET (ESPN App)
Saturday, August 15: Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks – 8:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)

NFL Preseason Week 2

Thursday, August 20: Las Vegas Raiders at Houston Texans – 8:00 PM ET (ESPN)
Thursday, August 20: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers – 10:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Friday, August 21: New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers – 7:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Friday, August 21: Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars – 7:30 PM ET (ESPN App)
Friday, August 21: Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos – 9:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Saturday, August 22: Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions – 12:00 PM ET (Local)
Saturday, August 22: Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts – 1:00 PM ET (Local)
Saturday, August 22: Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings – 1:00 PM ET (ESPN App)
Saturday, August 22: Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns – 1:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Saturday, August 22: New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams – 4:00 PM ET (ESPN App)
Saturday, August 22: New York Giants at Miami Dolphins – 4:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Saturday, August 22: Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals – 7:00 PM ET (Local)
Saturday, August 22: Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots – 7:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Saturday, August 22: Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 7:30 PM ET (ESPN App)
Saturday, August 22: Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals – 10:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Sunday, August 23: Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans – 8:00 PM ET (FOX)

NFL Preseason Week 3

Thursday, August 27: Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills – 7:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Thursday, August 27: New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns – 8:00 PM ET (Prime Video)
Thursday, August 27: San Francisco 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders – 8:00 PM ET (ESPN App)
Thursday, August 27: Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers – 10:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Friday, August 28: Washington Commanders at Baltimore Ravens – 6:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Friday, August 28: Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins – 7:00 PM ET (Local)
Friday, August 28: Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers – 7:00 PM ET (Local)
Friday, August 28: New York Giants at New York Jets – 7:30 PM ET (Local)
Friday, August 28: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars – 7:30 PM ET (Local)
Friday, August 28: Arizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers – 8:00 PM ET (Local)
Friday, August 28: Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles – 8:00 PM ET (CBS/Paramount+)
Friday, August 28: New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys – 8:00 PM ET (ESPN App)
Friday, August 28: Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs – 8:00 PM ET (ESPN App)
Friday, August 28: Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos – 9:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Saturday, August 29: Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts – 1:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)
Saturday, August 29: Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans – 6:00 PM ET (NFL Network/Local)

NFL Preseason 2026 FAQ

When does the 2026 NFL preseason start?

The 2026 NFL preseason begins with the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, August 6, 2026, featuring the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals in Canton, Ohio.

How many preseason games does each NFL team play?

Most NFL teams play three preseason games. The Panthers and Cardinals each play four games because they participate in the Hall of Fame Game.

When does the 2026 NFL regular season begin?

The 2026 NFL regular season is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

Where can I watch NFL preseason games?

NFL preseason games are broadcast on NFL Network, NBC, FOX, CBS, Prime Video, local television stations, ESPN, ESPN App, Peacock, and Paramount+, depending on the matchup.

Can I stream NFL preseason games?

Yes. Many preseason games are available through NFL+, Peacock, Paramount+, Prime Video, the ESPN App, and participating live TV streaming services that carry the game’s network.

Are preseason games included with NFL+?

Yes. NFL+ lets fans stream live local and primetime preseason games on supported mobile devices, while NFL Network broadcasts many preseason matchups nationally.

Do preseason games count in the NFL standings?

No. Preseason games are exhibition contests and do not count toward the regular-season standings or playoff race.

Why is the Hall of Fame Game played before the rest of the preseason?

The Hall of Fame Game celebrates the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend in Canton, Ohio, and traditionally serves as the opening game of the NFL preseason.

When does the NFL preseason end?

The 2026 NFL preseason concludes on Saturday, August 29, 2026, giving teams time to finalize their 53-man rosters before the regular season begins.

Why do NFL teams play preseason games?

Preseason games allow coaches to evaluate rookies and backups, test new strategies, and prepare players for the regular season while reducing the workload of established starters.