The NFL consistently kicks off anticipation long before it’s Super Bowl time. The 2025 NFL preseason ushers in this excitement, offering franchise previews, rookie debuts, and crucial player evaluations. This article dives deep into the overall NFL schedule, decodes the 2025 preseason calendar, and breaks down the TV and streaming options, helping fans plan for every game and never miss a moment.
1. NFL 2025 Regular Season Overview
The regular season will commence on Thursday, September 4, 2025, featuring a kickoff game between the Super Bowl LIX champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, hosting the Dallas Cowboys.
It runs through January 4, 2026, with playoffs starting on January 10 and culminating in Super Bowl LX scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
While this article focuses on the preseason, knowing the regular season timeline frames the transition and context for fans gearing up.
2. 2025 NFL Preseason Schedule
a. Hall of Fame Game / Week 0
The NFL preseason officially opens with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, July 31, 2025, featuring the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers.
b. Preseason Structure
This is followed by three full weeks of preseason action in August, with a league-wide bye during Labor Day weekend.
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Week 1: August 7–10
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Week 2: August 14–18
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Week 3: August 21–23
c. Key Matchups & Highlights
Week 1 (Aug 7–10):
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Aug 7 (Thu): Colts vs. Ravens (7 p.m. ET), Bengals vs. Eagles (7:30 p.m.), Raiders vs. Seahawks (10 p.m.).
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Aug 8 (Fri): Browns vs. Panthers (7 p.m.), Lions vs. Falcons (7 p.m.), Commanders vs. Patriots (7:30 p.m.).
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Aug 9 (Sat): Giants vs. Bills (1 p.m.), Texans vs. Vikings (4 p.m.), Steelers vs. Jaguars, Cowboys vs. Rams (both 7 p.m.), Titans vs. Buccaneers (7:30 p.m.), Chiefs vs. Cardinals (8 p.m.), Jets vs. Packers (8 p.m.), Broncos vs. 49ers (8:30 p.m.).
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Aug 10 (Sun): Dolphins vs. Bears (1 p.m.), Saints vs. Chargers (4 p.m.).
Week 2 (Aug 14–18):
Notable games include Titans vs. Falcons, Chiefs @ Seahawks, Browns @ Eagles, Packers @ Colts, and more, with several airing on national networks like NFL Network, CBS, and ESPN.
Week 3 (Aug 21–23):
Highlights include the Steelers @ Panthers, Patriots @ Giants (Prime Video), Eagles @ Jets, Vikings @ Titans (CBS), and numerous additional matchups across the weekend.
3. 2025 Preseason TV & Streaming Schedule
a. National Coverage
NFL Network will broadcast 21 preseason games, starting the weekend of August 7.
Other national outlets airing select games include NBC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video.
b. Streaming Platforms
NFL+ offers live streaming of out-of-market preseason games and replays within-market. It’s available with both standard and Premium tiers.
A unique Monday Night Football preseason game — Commanders vs. Bengals — airs on ESPN Monday, August 18 at 8 p.m. ET.
Amazon Prime Video streams one game: Patriots vs. Giants on Thursday, August 21 at 8 p.m. ET.
c. Local & OTA Coverage
Most games not nationally televised air on local affiliates. Fans can use an antenna to receive ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC over the air for free.
d. International Viewing
DAZN provides access to all preseason games globally (excluding the U.S., Canada, and China) using NFL Game Pass until the regular season begins. VPN options can enable access where region-locked.
4. Why Preseason Matters
Though often called “meaningless games,” preseason matchups are vital for:
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Evaluating roster depth, especially for rookies, backups, and aspiring starters.
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Testing new rules, such as modified kickoffs, Hawk-Eye virtual measurements, and expanded replay assistance — all introduced in 2025.
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Media spotlight moments, like the Cleveland Browns showcasing rookie QB Shedeur Sanders, demonstrating how preseason can captivate fans beyond the scores.
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Building fan excitement, providing early glimpses of performance, strategy, and storylines as the regular season nears.
5. Full Reference Table
| Phase | Dates | Highlight | TV/Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | Jul 31 | Hall of Fame Game: Chargers @ Lions | NBC / Peacock |
| Week 1 | Aug 7–10 | Full slate of games (e.g., Colts @ Ravens) | NFL Network, local affiliates, NFL+ |
| Week 2 | Aug 14–18 | Key matchups & stream options | NFL Network, ESPN, CBS, NFL+ |
| Week 3 | Aug 21–23 | Featured games (e.g., Patriots @ Giants) | Prime Video, NFL Network, CBS, NFL+ |
| Regular | Starts Sep 4 | Kickoff: Eagles vs. Cowboys | NBC + network packages |
| International | Preseason | All games globally via DAZN | DAZN (VPN may be needed in select regions) |
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL preseason is your golden ticket to dive back into football action with a packed schedule, both on TV and streaming platforms. From the Hall of Fame Game on July 31 to the climactic preseason finale on August 23, every kickoff brings roster intrigue, rule experimentation, and budding storylines. Whether you stream via NFL+, Prime Video, or DAZN, or tune in through local networks or national outlets, there’s no excuse to miss the gridiron drama.
All eyes turn to the regular season on September 4, but if you want to catch the first plays, the preseason is where you start. Plan your viewing, set your reminders — and get ready for football’s thrilling return.
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