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Your 2026 NFL Preseason Guide: Every Date, Channel & Stream
Your Complete Guide to the 2026 NFL Preseason: Dates, Times & How to Watch
Hey football fans! The NFL preseason is like a "dress rehearsal" before the real games begin. It’s your first chance to see the new rosters, rookies, and backup players in action. Here’s everything you need to know—explained simply.
When Does the 2026 NFL Preseason Start?
The fun kicks off with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game:
- Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Matchup: Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals
- Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio
- TV/Stream: NBC & Peacock
Important Note: Because they play in the Hall of Fame Game, the Panthers and Cardinals get 4 preseason games this year. Every other team plays 3.
2026 NFL Preseason Schedule at a Glance
| Week | Dates | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Hall of Fame Game | Aug 6 | Panthers @ Cardinals (NBC/Peacock) |
| Week 1 | Aug 13–15 | All 32 teams play. No national broadcast games (NFL Network carries 6). |
| Week 2 | Aug 20–23 | Two national games: Raiders @ Texans (ESPN), 49ers @ Chargers (NFL Network). |
| Week 3 | Aug 27–29 | Final week before roster cuts. National games: Patriots @ Browns (Prime Video), Bengals @ Eagles (CBS). |
Nationally Televised Games You Won’t Want to Miss
Preseason Week 2
- Thursday, Aug 20 – Las Vegas Raiders at Houston Texans – 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Thursday, Aug 20 – San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers – 10 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- Sunday, Aug 23 – Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans – 8 p.m. ET (FOX / FOX One)
Preseason Week 3
- Thursday, Aug 27 – New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns – 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
- Friday, Aug 28 – Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles – 8 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Friday, Aug 28 – Washington Commanders at Baltimore Ravens – 6 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- Saturday, Aug 29 – Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts – 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- Saturday, Aug 29 – Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans – 6 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
Reminder: All other games air on local team affiliates (your city’s FOX, CBS, NBC, or ABC station).
How to Watch the NFL Preseason
With Cable / Satellite
- Tune in to NBC, ESPN, FOX, CBS, NFL Network, or your local affiliate.
- Check your local listings for exact channel numbers.
Streaming Options (No Cable Needed)
| Service | What You Get |
|---|---|
| FOX Sports App / FOXSports.com / FOX One | FOX games (like Seahawks @ Titans) – requires TV provider login |
| Peacock | Hall of Fame Game (Panthers @ Cardinals) |
| Prime Video | Patriots @ Browns (Week 3) |
| YouTube TV / Fubo / Hulu + Live TV / Sling TV | Carry ESPN, FOX, CBS, NBC, NFL Network (varies by package) |
| NFL+ | All out-of-market preseason games (subject to blackouts & device limits) |
Totally Free (Over-the-Air)
- Got an antenna? You can watch any game on FOX, NBC, or CBS in your local market for $0.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many preseason games does each team play?
Most teams play 3 games. The Panthers and Cardinals play 4 because they’re in the Hall of Fame Game.
2. Do starters play in the preseason?
It varies. Some coaches rest stars entirely; others play them a series or two, especially in Week 3. Don’t be surprised if your favorite QB sits out!
3. What is NFL+ and do I need it?
NFL+ is the league’s official streaming service. It lets you watch out-of-market preseason games live (and regular season games on mobile). Great if you follow a team outside your area.
4. Can I watch preseason games on my phone for free?
Only if the game is on a local broadcast channel (FOX/CBS/NBC) and you use a local station’s app (some offer free streams). NFL+ requires a subscription.
5. When does the real 2026 NFL season start?
The regular season typically begins the Thursday after Labor Day (around September 10, 2026). Preseason ends Aug 29, then rosters are cut to 53 players.
Quick Summary: Your Preseason Cheat Sheet
- Starts Aug 6 with Panthers vs. Cardinals on NBC/Peacock.
- 3 weeks of games (Aug 13–29), mostly on local TV & NFL Network.
- 5 national windows across ESPN, FOX, CBS, Prime Video, NFL Network.
- Stream free with an antenna for local broadcast games.
- NFL+ = best for out-of-market fans.
- Roster cuts to 53 happen right after Week 3.
Final Thought
Think of the preseason as football’s appetizer—not the main course, but a tasty preview of what’s coming. Whether you’re scouting rookies, checking backup QBs, or just happy to see football back on TV, now you know exactly when, where, and how to watch every snap.
Enjoy the games!
