NFL Preseason: How many games are there| Schedule Tonight

NFL Preseason: How Many Games Are There | Schedule Tonight

The NFL preseason is more than just a warm-up; it’s a critical period where rosters are trimmed, rookies make their mark, and fans get their first taste of football action after months of offseason silence. For many, the NFL preseason schedule tonight is a chance to catch emerging stars and analyze team chemistry ahead of the regular season.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• How many games are in the NFL preseason
• Tonight’s NFL preseason schedule
• What to expect from each game
• Key players to watch
• Broadcast details and streaming options

Let’s dive into all the action leading up to the 2025 NFL regular season.

How Many Games Are in the NFL Preseason?

The NFL made a significant change to the preseason structure starting in 2021. Instead of the traditional four preseason games per team, the league moved to three preseason games for each franchise, with a few exceptions.

Preseason Format Overview:

• Total Games per Team: 3
• Exception: Teams that play in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game get an extra (fourth) preseason game.
• Weeks: The preseason spans three full weeks, with games typically played on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and occasionally Sundays or Mondays.

In total, the league features 49 preseason games:

• 48 games across Weeks 1–3
• 1 Hall of Fame Game

NFL Preseason Schedule Tonight (August 1, 2025)

If you’re wondering what NFL preseason games are on tonight, you’re in the right place. As the excitement builds, fans are eagerly tuning in to catch early glimpses of their teams in action. Here’s the complete breakdown of the NFL preseason games tonight:

NFL Preseason Games Tonight – August 1, 2025

What to Watch for in Tonight’s NFL Preseason Games

Each matchup carries unique storylines. Here’s what fans should keep an eye on.

Chicago Bears vs. Houston Texans

This game features two teams loaded with young talent. All eyes are on:

• Caleb Williams (Bears): The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is expected to take his first NFL snaps.
• C.J. Stroud (Texans): Coming off a stellar rookie campaign, Stroud’s chemistry with Tank Dell and Nico Collins will be in focus.
• Defensive rookies like Jared Verse (Bears) and Kamari Lassiter (Texans) are also under the spotlight.

Carolina Panthers vs. New York Giants

Two teams in rebuilding phases clash in this low-stakes but high-opportunity game:

• Bryce Young will continue to grow under a new offensive coordinator.
• The Giants will test rookie WR Malik Nabers, a key piece for their future passing attack.
• Defensive depth will be tested for both sides, with roster spots up for grabs.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks

• Who wins the QB battle in Vegas? Aidan O’Connell vs. Gardner Minshew.
• Seattle debuts their first-round draft pick, edge rusher Bralen Trice.
• Zach Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh will get carries for Seattle’s backfield depth.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Arizona Cardinals

• Don’t expect Patrick Mahomes to play more than a drive, but Blaine Gabbert and Chris Oladokun will battle for backup roles.
• Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona’s dynamic rookie, may see a few snaps.
• Chiefs rookies like Xavier Worthy and Kingsley Suamataia aim to impress.

Preseason Games Format and Rules

The NFL preseason operates slightly differently than regular-season games. Here’s what fans should know:

• Shorter Playtime for Starters: Most first-string players play one or two series, especially in Weeks 1 and 2.
• Different Game Management: Coaches often prioritize evaluating depth players over winning.
• No Overtime: Preseason games that are tied at the end of regulation stay tied.
• Roster Cuts: Teams must trim rosters from 90 to 53 players by the end of the preseason.

NFL Preseason Week-by-Week Breakdown

Here’s how the entire 2025 preseason plays out:

Week 0: Hall of Fame Game

• Date: July 27, 2025
• Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys
• Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, OH

Week 1 (July 31 – August 4)

• 16 games spread across 5 days
• Heavy rotation of 2nd and 3rd stringers
• Teams debut rookies, test new playbooks

Week 2 (August 7 – August 11)

• More reps for starting units
• Increased focus on positional battles

Week 3 (August 14 – August 18)

• Often called the “dress rehearsal” week
• Starters may play entire first half
• Last chance for fringe players to make the roster

Key Players to Watch This Preseason

While starters may see limited action, several players can shape their futures in these games.

Rookies and Breakout Candidates

• Caleb Williams (QB, Bears) – Can he live up to the hype?
• Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Cardinals) – Potential WR1 from Day 1.
• Drake Maye (QB, Patriots) – Could steal the starting job with a strong showing.
• Keon Coleman (WR, Bills) – Brings a physical presence to Buffalo’s offense.
• Dallas Turner (EDGE, Vikings) – Explosive pass-rusher with elite speed.

Players Fighting for Roster Spots

• Malik Cunningham (QB/WR, Ravens) – His versatility may earn him a role.
• Travis Dye (RB, Commanders) – Impressing in training camp.
• Matt Landers (WR, Panthers) – Dark horse to crack the final 53.

How to Watch the NFL Preseason Tonight

Preseason games are broadcast across multiple networks and platforms. Here’s how to catch tonight’s action:

TV Broadcast Options:

• NFL Network: National coverage of select games
• ESPN & ESPN2: Limited primetime games
• CBS, FOX, NBC: Regional coverage depending on local market
• Amazon Prime Video: Now offering select preseason streams

Streaming Platforms:

• NFL+ (formerly NFL Game Pass): Offers live local & national games
• Hulu + Live TV
• YouTube TV
• FuboTV
• Sling TV

Note: Blackout restrictions may apply depending on your location.

Why the NFL Preseason Matters

Despite being labeled “meaningless” by some fans, the NFL preseason serves several crucial purposes:

Player Evaluation

• Coaches use live reps to determine starters, backups, and practice squad options.

Injury Recovery & Conditioning

• Veterans return from injury and regain game shape without regular season pressure.

Scheme Implementation

• Teams test offensive and defensive schemes under semi-live conditions.

Scouting the Depth

• Preseason tape is essential not only for the team but for players potentially joining other franchises after cuts.

Fan Tips for Enjoying the NFL Preseason

If you’re planning to tune into the NFL preseason tonight, here are some suggestions:

1. Focus on Matchups, Not Scores: Watch positional battles, new schemes, and player development.
2. Track Young Talent: Rookies often get more playtime than veterans.
3. Check Depth Charts: They’re often fluid in preseason and give insight into who is climbing the ranks.
4. Follow Local Coverage: Beat reporters often have the best inside info during preseason.

Conclusion

The NFL preseason is back, and tonight’s games offer a glimpse into the league’s future stars and team dynamics. With rookies aiming to prove themselves and veterans preparing for Week 1, these matchups are far from meaningless.

Whether you’re a fantasy football enthusiast, a die-hard fan, or just a curious viewer, the NFL preseason schedule tonight provides something worth watching. Don’t miss the action as the 2025 season heats up, one snap at a time.

FAQs

How long is the NFL preseason?

The preseason spans three weeks, with three games per team, except for those in the Hall of Fame Game.

Do NFL preseason games count?

No, preseason games do not affect regular season standings.

Are starters playing tonight?

Most teams will let starters play a few series in Week 1. More extended playtime is expected in Week 3.

Where can I watch the NFL preseason games for free?

Try free trials of services like FuboTV, YouTube TV, or NFL+.

Is there fantasy football value in preseason games?

Yes, especially for identifying sleepers, breakout rookies, or backup RBs and WRs who may rise due to injuries.