The 2026 preseason football schedule is underway, giving NFL teams an important opportunity to evaluate quarterbacks, rookies, free-agent additions and players competing for roster spots. The preseason began with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 6 and continues through late August.
2026 Preseason Football Schedule
The NFL preseason features three primary weeks following the Hall of Fame Game. Preseason Week 1 runs from August 13-16, Week 2 is scheduled for August 20-23, and Week 3 takes place from August 27-29.
Unlike regular-season games, preseason results do not count toward the NFL standings. Instead, coaches use these games to evaluate players, test different combinations and make decisions about their final rosters.
Preseason Week 1
Week 1 begins Thursday, August 13, with several notable matchups, including the Detroit Lions against the Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts against the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans against the San Francisco 49ers.
The weekend continues with games involving teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs.
Kickoff times and broadcast information can change, so fans should check the latest official NFL listings before each game.
Preseason Week 2
Preseason Week 2 begins August 20 and features another full slate of NFL games. One of the highlighted matchups is Las Vegas at Houston on August 20, while Seattle visits Tennessee on August 23.
By the second preseason week, coaching staffs generally have a better understanding of their depth charts. This makes the games especially important for players competing for starting positions or roster places.
Preseason Week 3
The final preseason week is scheduled for August 27-29. Notable matchups include Pittsburgh at Buffalo, New England at Cleveland, San Francisco at Las Vegas, Washington at Baltimore, Seattle at Kansas City and Cincinnati at Philadelphia.
Preseason Week 3 can be particularly significant for players on the roster bubble. With final roster decisions approaching, strong performances can help players earn a place on the 53-man roster.
What to Watch in the Preseason
The most important preseason storylines are not necessarily reflected on the scoreboard. Quarterback competitions, rookie development, offensive-line combinations and defensive depth are among the biggest areas to monitor.
Teams also determine how much playing time their starters should receive. Atlanta, for example, announced that Tua Tagovailoa would start its preseason opener against Denver, with coach Kevin Stefanski indicating that the veteran quarterback was expected to play around 10 snaps.
Joint practices are another major part of the preseason. The NFL announced that 28 teams would participate in joint practices during the 2026 preseason, creating additional opportunities for players to compete against opposing teams before preseason games.
How to Follow the 2026 Preseason Football Schedule
Fans can follow the complete 2026 preseason football schedule through the official NFL schedule and team pages. NFL+ also offers live access to available preseason games and on-demand content through its subscription service.
Television and streaming coverage varies by matchup, so viewers should check local listings and official team announcements for the latest broadcast information.
When Does the 2026 NFL Regular Season Begin?
The preseason serves as the final preparation period before the NFL regular season begins in September. Once the preseason concludes, teams will finalize their rosters and turn their attention toward regular-season competition.
For fans searching for the preseason football schedule, the key dates are August 13-16 for Week 1, August 20-23 for Week 2 and August 27-29 for Week 3. The Hall of Fame Game on August 6 officially opened the 2026 preseason.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 preseason football schedule offers fans an early look at new players, roster battles and potential breakout stars. Although preseason results do not affect the regular-season standings, every game provides valuable evaluation opportunities.
As the final preseason games approach, the focus will increasingly shift toward regular-season preparation. For players competing for roster spots, those final opportunities could be crucial in determining their NFL future.
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