NFL Preseason Schedule 2026: Dates, Times, and TV Channels
The NFL preseason is the first step toward the championship, giving fans a glimpse of new rosters, rookies, and team dynamics. Following the NFL preseason schedule 2026 helps you catch every critical snap before the regular season begins.
The complete exhibition slate is officially set, mapping out a full month of summer football action across the country. Teams are actively preparing to finalize their depth charts and evaluate emerging talent.
This guide breaks down everything you need to watch the games. You will find exact dates, confirmed kickoff times, national television channels, and streaming availability for all matchups.
2026 Hall of Fame Game
The preseason always begins in Canton, Ohio, celebrating the newest enshrinees of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This standalone matchup marks the official return of professional football.
For 2026, the Carolina Panthers will face the Arizona Cardinals. The game takes place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium under the national spotlight.
| Date | Matchup | Kickoff time | TV channel or streaming service | Coverage status |
| August 6, 2026 | Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals | 8:00 p.m. ET | NBC / Peacock | National |
Week 1 Preseason Schedule
The first full week of exhibition games runs from Thursday, August 13, through Sunday, August 16. Most starters play limited snaps during this window as coaches evaluate younger depth players.
Local broadcast networks carry the majority of these games. Fans outside local markets can stream out-of-market matchups using the NFL+ platform.
| Date | Matchup | Kickoff time | TV channel or streaming service | Coverage status |
| August 13, 2026 | Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals | 7:00 p.m. ET | Local / NFL+ | Local |
| August 13, 2026 | Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans | 8:00 p.m. ET | Local / NFL+ | Local |
| August 14, 2026 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets | 7:00 p.m. ET | Local / NFL+ | Local |
| August 15, 2026 | Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks | 8:00 p.m. ET | Local / NFL+ | Local |
| August 15, 2026 | Los Angeles Rams at Kansas City Chiefs | 4:00 p.m. ET | Local / NFL+ | Local |
Week 2 Preseason Schedule
Week 2 spans from Thursday, August 20, to Sunday, August 23. This week typically features increased playing time for starting units. Teams use these matchups to solidify their regular-season game plans.
This weekend also includes several high-profile national broadcasts on major networks.
| Date | Matchup | Kickoff time | TV channel or streaming service | Coverage status |
| August 20, 2026 | Las Vegas Raiders at Houston Texans | 8:00 p.m. ET | ESPN | National |
| August 21, 2026 | Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos | 9:00 p.m. ET | Local / NFL+ | Local |
| August 22, 2026 | Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots | 7:00 p.m. ET | Local / NFL+ | Local |
| August 22, 2026 | Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7:30 p.m. ET | Local / NFL+ | Local |
| August 23, 2026 | Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans | 8:00 p.m. ET | FOX | National |
Week 3 Preseason Schedule
The final week of the preseason takes place from Thursday, August 27, through Saturday, August 29. Many teams rest their key starters to avoid injuries right before the regular season kicks off.
This slate serves as the final audition for players on the roster bubble. Roster cutdowns happen immediately following the conclusion of these games.
| Date | Matchup | Kickoff time | TV channel or streaming service | Coverage status |
| August 27, 2026 | New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns | 8:00 p.m. ET | Prime Video | National |
| August 28, 2026 | Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles | 8:00 p.m. ET | CBS | National |
| August 28, 2026 | Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos | 8:00 p.m. ET | Local / NFL+ | Local |
| August 29, 2026 | Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans | 6:00 p.m. ET | Local / NFL+ | Local |
| August 29, 2026 | Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts | 1:00 p.m. ET | Local / NFL+ | Local |
Broadcasting and Streaming Details
National Television Coverage
National preseason games are distributed across NBC, ESPN, FOX, CBS, and Prime Video. These prime-time matchups receive full network production and are available to viewers nationwide. Check local listings to confirm exact channel assignments for your specific television provider.
Local and Out-of-Market Viewing
Most preseason games are regional broadcasts produced independently by individual teams. These matchups air on local affiliate stations within the team’s immediate home media market.
For out-of-market fans, NFL Network frequently airs live and tape-delayed regional games. Additionally, the NFL+ streaming service provides live digital access to all out-of-market preseason games across the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 NFL preseason start?
The preseason kicks off on Thursday, August 6, 2026, with the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. The first full week of competitive matchups begins the following Thursday, August 13.
How many preseason games does each team play?
Most NFL teams play exactly three preseason games. The two teams selected to participate in the Hall of Fame Game play four exhibition matchups to account for the extra week.
Where can I watch out-of-market preseason games?
Out-of-market fans can stream live games using the NFL+ digital subscription service. NFL Network also broadcasts several live and tape-delayed out-of-market games throughout the month of August.
Will starters play in the preseason?
Coaches determine playing time individually, but starters generally see the most action during the second week of the preseason. Many established veterans sit out the final week entirely to remain completely healthy for September.
Do preseason records impact regular season standings?
No, preseason outcomes have absolutely no bearing on the regular season or playoff qualification. Every team resets to a 0-0 record when the regular season officially begins.
When does the 2026 NFL regular season start?
The NFL regular season 2026 officially kicks off on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Editorial Disclaimer: NFL schedules, kickoff times, broadcasters, and streaming availability may change without advanced notice. Regional broadcast networks are subject to local blackouts or programming shifts. We encourage readers to always confirm the latest television and schedule information directly through official NFL, team, and broadcaster platforms.
