NFL Preseason Schedule 2026: Live Updates, Week 1 Matchups, And How To Watch
The wait is over for football fans. The 2026 NFL preseason schedule is officially underway, delivering a jam-packed weekend of live gridiron action. With rookies fighting for starting positions and coaching staffs implementing new schemes, these three weeks of exhibition games are vital for shaping the final 53-man rosters.
Below is the national television and key matchup schedule for the opening week of the preseason, running from August 13 through August 16, 2026.
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV Channel / Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Aug 13 | New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers | 7:00 PM | Local Affiliate / NFL Network |
| Thursday, Aug 13 | Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens | 7:30 PM | Local Affiliate / NFL+ |
| Friday, Aug 14 | Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins | 7:00 PM | Local Affiliate / NFL Network |
| Friday, Aug 14 | Las Vegas Raiders at Minnesota Vikings | 8:00 PM | Local Affiliate / NFL Network |
| Saturday, Aug 15 | Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears | 1:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Saturday, Aug 15 | Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars | 7:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Sunday, Aug 16 | Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams | 4:25 PM | NFL Network |
Rookies, Roster Cuts, and First-Look Game Strategies
The three-game preseason format puts immense pressure on coaching staffs to evaluate depth quickly. With limited live-contact sessions during summer training camps, these exhibition matchups serve as the primary evaluation tool for reserve players and undrafted free agents.
Tonight's slate features critical evaluations for quarterback battles and depth chart hierarchies. While established franchise starters typically play only a series or sit out entirely during Week 1, premium rookies from the 2026 draft class will receive significant snaps. Coaches are prioritizing situational awareness, clean pre-snap execution, and special teams performance to determine who survives the upcoming roster cuts.
How to Stream and Watch the 2026 Preseason Live
Navigating the broadcast landscape for the NFL preseason requires understanding local blackout rules and national broadcast rights. NFL Network remains the primary home for live national broadcasts, carrying 28 live games throughout the three-week stretch.
- NFL+ Subscription: Fans can stream every out-of-market preseason game live on mobile devices and tablets via the official NFL+ app.
- Live TV Streaming Services: Platforms such as YouTube TV, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV offer packages containing NFL Network and local network affiliates (CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC).
- Local Broadcasts: If a game features your local home-market team, it will be broadcast on a local affiliate station, even if it is also scheduled to air nationally on NFL Network.
2025 NFL Free Printable Pocket Schedule Grid: Every Team's Schedule and ...
Road to the 2026 Regular Season Kickoff
The window for players to make their case is incredibly short. Following the conclusion of Preseason Week 3 on Sunday, August 27, 2026, all 32 franchises face the league's toughest logistical hurdle: roster cutdown day.
Every team must trim its active roster from 90 players down to the mandatory 53-man limit by Tuesday, August 25, 2026. This massive wave of releases will flood the waiver wire with veterans and young prospects looking for a second chance. Once the dust settles, the focus shifts entirely to the 2026 NFL Regular Season, which officially kicks off on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
