The 2026 NFL preseason kicks off on Thursday, August 6, with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, and wraps up on August 29, giving all 32 teams their final tune-up before the regular season opener on September 9. The exhibition slate runs three weeks for 30 teams, while the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers each get a fourth game thanks to their Hall of Fame Game appearance.
This preseason carries more intrigue than most. Ten teams hired new head coaches this offseason, the largest coaching carousel in over a decade, and the 2026 NFL Draft produced a fascinating quarterback class headlined by No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza landing in Las Vegas.
Throw in legitimate QB battles in Atlanta, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Arizona, and you’ve got exhibition games that actually matter. Preseason action will air across NBC, ESPN, CBS, FOX, Prime Video, NFL Network, and NFL+, so fans won’t miss a snap regardless of platform.
NFL Preseason 2026 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start Date | Thursday, August 6, 2026 |
| End Date | Friday, August 29, 2026 |
| Total Teams | 32 |
| Total Games | 49 (includes Hall of Fame Game) |
| Hall of Fame Game | Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers (Aug. 6) |
| Broadcast Partners | NBC, ESPN, CBS, FOX, NFL Network, Prime Video |
| Live Streaming | Peacock, NFL+, ESPN+, Paramount+, Fubo |
The structure mirrors recent years, a standalone Thursday night showcase in Canton followed by three full preseason weekends. Most teams will rest their starters by Week 3, making the middle weekend the sweet spot for evaluating projected depth charts.
Hall of Fame Game 2026
| Match | Date | Time (ET) | Venue | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers | Thursday, Aug. 6 | 8:00 PM | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, OH | NBC / Peacock |
The matchup isn’t random. Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals) and Luke Kuechly (Panthers) headline the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, joined by Drew Brees, Roger Craig, and Adam Vinatieri. The enshrinement ceremony follows two days later on August 8.
Key Storylines
This game doubles as the debut for new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur, who takes over a franchise coming off a brutal 3-14 season. Arizona’s quarterback situation is wide open, they moved on from Kyler Murray this offseason and now have Gardner Minshew, Jacoby Brissett, and third-round rookie Carson Beck competing for snaps. Every preseason rep matters in that room.
Carolina enters in a much different headspace. Bryce Young’s development into a legitimate NFL starter over the past two seasons has stabilized the franchise, and head coach Dave Canales returns with real continuity for the first time in years. The Panthers’ fourth preseason game is a luxury, extra evaluation time for roster-bubble players fighting for the final 53.
For the Cardinals, it’s also a homecoming of sorts. Arizona participated in the very first Hall of Fame Game back in 1962. The Panthers haven’t played in the exhibition since their expansion debut in 1995, when they beat the Jaguars 20-14 in their first-ever franchise game.
NFL Preseason 2026 Full Schedule
The first full week of preseason action runs from August 13–17, with 16 games spread across five days.
Week 1 Schedule
| Match | Date | Time (ET) | TV/Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit Lions | Wed, Aug. 13 | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers | Wed, Aug. 13 | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts | Wed, Aug. 13 | 7:30 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers | Wed, Aug. 13 | 8:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins | Thu, Aug. 14 | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Atlanta Falcons vs. Denver Broncos | Thu, Aug. 14 | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| New York Jets vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Thu, Aug. 14 | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Buffalo Bills vs. Carolina Panthers | Fri, Aug. 15 | 1:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants | Fri, Aug. 15 | 1:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| New Orleans Saints vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | Fri, Aug. 15 | 4:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams | Fri, Aug. 15 | 4:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia Eagles | Fri, Aug. 15 | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Seattle Seahawks vs. Dallas Cowboys | Fri, Aug. 15 | 8:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Cleveland Browns vs. Chicago Bears | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Las Vegas Raiders vs. Arizona Cardinals | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| San Francisco 49ers vs. Tennessee Titans | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Week 1 features several compelling matchups right out of the gate. The Bengals hosting the Lions on opening Wednesday is a sneaky-good game between two playoff-caliber rosters, and Ravens-Eagles on Friday night pits two of the AFC and NFC’s most talented teams in a preseason preview of what could be a Super Bowl matchup.
Week 2 Schedule
| Match | Date | Time (ET) | TV/Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Texans vs. Las Vegas Raiders | Wed, Aug. 20 | 8:00 PM | ESPN |
| Los Angeles Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers | Wed, Aug. 20 | 10:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets | Thu, Aug. 21 | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers | Thu, Aug. 21 | 8:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Carolina Panthers | Thu, Aug. 21 | 7:30 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns | Fri, Aug. 22 | 1:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Minnesota Vikings vs. Baltimore Ravens | Fri, Aug. 22 | 1:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Indianapolis Colts vs. Atlanta Falcons | Fri, Aug. 22 | 1:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Detroit Lions vs. Washington Commanders | Fri, Aug. 22 | 12:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Miami Dolphins vs. New York Giants | Fri, Aug. 22 | 4:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints | Fri, Aug. 22 | 4:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Cincinnati Bengals vs. Chicago Bears | Fri, Aug. 22 | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles | Fri, Aug. 22 | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs | Fri, Aug. 22 | 7:30 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Tennessee Titans vs. Seattle Seahawks | Sat, Aug. 23 | 8:00 PM | FOX |
| Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals | TBD | TBD | TBD |
The Week 2 headliner is the nationally televised Texans at Raiders on ESPN, fans’ first prime-time look at Fernando Mendoza in a Las Vegas uniform. The Titans-Seahawks clash on FOX Saturday night also gets the national treatment.
Week 3 Schedule
| Match | Date | Time (ET) | TV/Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Browns vs. New England Patriots | Wed, Aug. 27 | 8:00 PM | Prime Video |
| Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills | Wed, Aug. 27 | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams | Wed, Aug. 27 | 10:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Miami Dolphins vs. Atlanta Falcons | Thu, Aug. 28 | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Baltimore Ravens vs. Washington Commanders | Thu, Aug. 28 | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Carolina Panthers vs. Houston Texans | Thu, Aug. 28 | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Denver Broncos vs. Minnesota Vikings | Thu, Aug. 28 | 8:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Kansas City Chiefs vs. Seattle Seahawks | Thu, Aug. 28 | 8:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles | Thu, Aug. 28 | 8:00 PM | CBS |
| New York Jets vs. New York Giants | Thu, Aug. 28 | 7:30 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Thu, Aug. 28 | 7:30 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Indianapolis Colts vs. Detroit Lions | Fri, Aug. 29 | 1:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Las Vegas Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Week 3 is traditionally the “dress rehearsal” for roster cuts, and two nationally televised games anchor the finale. The Browns-Patriots matchup streams exclusively on Prime Video, featuring Cleveland’s ongoing QB battle, while Bengals-Eagles airs on CBS in a potential AFC-NFC heavyweight preview. The Chiefs-Seahawks game could also provide a Patrick Mahomes sighting, if he’s cleared to return from his injury, or a first look at Justin Fields running Andy Reid’s offense.
Biggest NFL Preseason Games to Watch
From Fernando Mendoza’s prime-time debut to quarterback battles that could reshape entire rosters, these are the preseason matchups worth clearing your schedule for.
Houston Texans vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Week 2, ESPN)
This is the game circled on every NFL calendar. The Las Vegas Raiders spent nearly $300 million in free agency, hired head coach Klint Kubiak, and drafted Fernando Mendoza first overall. This Week 2 ESPN showcase is Mendoza’s first prime-time appearance as a professional.
Here’s the thing, Mendoza likely won’t start the regular season. The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins to a $20 million deal specifically to let their franchise quarterback develop behind a veteran. But preseason is different. Expect Mendoza to get extended run against Houston’s second unit, and every throw will be dissected. The Texans, meanwhile, are a legitimate Super Bowl contender and will use this game to fine-tune their already loaded roster.
Cleveland Browns vs. New England Patriots (Week 3, Prime Video)
Two teams with genuine quarterback competitions facing off on a national streaming platform in the final preseason game? That’s must-watch television. Cleveland’s battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders has been the talk of the AFC North all offseason, Sanders flashed real talent as a rookie last year but couldn’t lock down the job. I think this game could be the tiebreaker for head coach Todd Monken.
On New England’s side, the Patriots are building something interesting under a retooled coaching staff. The Week 3 finale will be crucial for bubble players on both rosters fighting to survive final cuts.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Seattle Seahawks (Week 3)
The intrigue here centers on one question: Will Patrick Mahomes play? The Chiefs’ superstar quarterback has been working his way back from injury, and head coach Andy Reid has been cagey about a timeline. If Mahomes sits, fans get their first extended look at Justin Fields running the Chiefs’ offense, a fascinating subplot in its own right. Seattle’s Week 3 visit to Kansas City could end up being the most-watched “local” broadcast of the preseason.
Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles (Week 3, CBS)
Two franchises with legitimate championship aspirations squaring off in the preseason finale on CBS. Neither team will play starters for long, but the Bengals-Eagles matchup matters for depth evaluation. Cincinnati traded away its first-round pick in the 2026 draft, so every mid-round rookie needs to prove he belongs. Philly’s deep roster means their backups could start for half the league, that’s the quality gap fans will see on display.
Rookie Watch
| Rookie | Team | Position | Why Fans Should Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fernando Mendoza | Las Vegas Raiders | QB | No. 1 overall pick, Heisman winner, led Indiana to a national title |
| David Bailey | New York Jets | EDGE | No. 2 pick, Texas Tech’s premier pass rusher, immediate impact expected |
| Jeremiyah Love | Arizona Cardinals | RB | No. 3 pick, Notre Dame’s explosive back, the draft’s best athlete |
| Carnell Tate | Tennessee Titans | WR | No. 4 pick, Ohio State wideout, dynamic playmaker |
| Ty Simpson | Los Angeles Rams | QB | Surprise first-round pick at No. 13, learning behind MVP Stafford |
| Drew Allar | Pittsburgh Steelers | QB | Third-round pick from Penn State, behind Rodgers in QB room |
| Carson Beck | Arizona Cardinals | QB | Third-round pick, former Georgia starter, competing for playing time |
Rookie Storylines
The Fernando Mendoza debut is the headliner, full stop. The Heisman Trophy winner completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns in his final college season, then posted an 8:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the College Football Playoff while leading Indiana to an undefeated national championship. He’s the most decorated No. 1 pick since Cam Ward went first overall in 2025. Preseason gives Raiders fans their first real look at the franchise’s future, even if Kirk Cousins gets the Week 1 nod.
Four Ohio State players went in the top 11 picks, including Arvell Reese (Giants, No. 5), Sonny Styles (Commanders, No. 7), and Caleb Downs (Cowboys, No. 11). That Buckeyes pipeline will be on full display across preseason games in the NFC East alone.
I’ve got my eye on Ty Simpson in Los Angeles. The Rams’ surprise first-round selection won’t play meaningful snaps behind reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, but preseason is his proving ground. Simpson had just 15 college starts at Alabama, every rep matters for his development. If the Rams rest Stafford in Week 3, that game becomes Simpson’s audition tape.
NFL QB Battles to Watch
| Team | Quarterbacks | Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Raiders | Kirk Cousins vs. Fernando Mendoza | Cousins signed as bridge QB; Mendoza expected to take over mid-season |
| Atlanta Falcons | Tua Tagovailoa vs. Michael Penix Jr. | Tua signed on a one-year deal; Penix recovering from torn ACL |
| Cleveland Browns | Deshaun Watson vs. Shedeur Sanders | Second-year Sanders challenging Watson for the starting job |
| Arizona Cardinals | Gardner Minshew vs. Jacoby Brissett vs. Carson Beck | Three-way competition after cutting Kyler Murray |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Aaron Rodgers vs. Drew Allar vs. Will Howard | Rodgers returning for Year 22; Allar and Howard are the future |
Key QB Competitions
The Atlanta Falcons might have the most fascinating quarterback room in football. New head coach Kevin Stefanski signed Tua Tagovailoa after his release from Miami, but Michael Penix Jr., the team’s 2024 first-round pick, is working his way back from a torn ACL suffered last November. Penix has said his goal is to be ready for Week 1, but if his recovery timeline slips even slightly, Tua gets the job by default. Preseason will tell us everything about where Penix stands physically.
In Cleveland, the Browns’ quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders is the one that could actually be decided during exhibition games. Sanders showed flashes as a rookie in 2025 but couldn’t wrestle the job away from Watson. New head coach Todd Monken inherits a loaded young roster and needs to make a call, preseason performance will likely tip the scales.
And then there’s the Raiders situation, which is less of a competition and more of a carefully managed succession plan. Vegas paid Cousins $20 million to hold the fort while Mendoza learns Klint Kubiak’s system. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Raiders’ best-case scenario is Mendoza sitting, watching, and learning until Cousins’ play or the team’s record forces a change. Most projections have Mendoza starting after the bye week. But preseason snaps? Those are Mendoza’s to dominate.
TV Channels & Live Streaming Details
| Platform | Coverage | Access |
|---|---|---|
| NBC / Peacock | Hall of Fame Game (Aug. 6) | Cable / Peacock streaming |
| ESPN | Select nationally televised preseason games | Cable / ESPN+ / Fubo |
| CBS / Paramount+ | Select nationally televised games (Bengals-Eagles, Week 3) | Cable / Paramount+ streaming |
| FOX | Select nationally televised games (Titans-Seahawks, Week 2) | Cable / Fubo |
| Prime Video | Browns-Patriots, Week 3 | Amazon Prime subscription |
| NFL Network | Extensive preseason coverage and select games | Cable / Fubo / Sling |
| NFL+ | All out-of-market preseason games (mobile/tablet) | $7/month subscription |
| Fubo | ABC, ESPN, CBS, FOX, NBC, NFL Network access | Fubo subscription |
Streaming Notes
ESPN and NFL Network, now under the same Disney umbrella following ESPN’s acquisition of NFL Network, will provide the bulk of preseason broadcast coverage. The full preseason broadcast schedule is still being finalized, but confirmed national windows include the Hall of Fame Game on NBC, Texans-Raiders on ESPN (Week 2), Titans-Seahawks on FOX (Week 2), Browns-Patriots on Prime Video (Week 3), and Bengals-Eagles on CBS (Week 3).
For cord-cutters, NFL+ remains the best budget option at $7/month, it streams every out-of-market preseason game on mobile and tablet devices. If you want the big-screen experience, Fubo carries all major broadcast networks plus NFL Network and offers a free trial. International fans can access preseason coverage through DAZN in select markets and NFL Game Pass International.
One thing to keep in mind: local preseason games are typically blacked out on NFL+ if you’re in-market, so check your local listings. Most games will air on regional affiliates of ABC, NBC, CBS, or FOX.
Predictions for NFL Preseason 2026
| Category | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Breakout Rookie | Fernando Mendoza, QB, Las Vegas Raiders |
| Most Exciting Team to Watch | Las Vegas Raiders (new coach, new QB, $300M in free agency) |
| Surprise Player | Shedeur Sanders, QB, Cleveland Browns |
| Biggest Storyline | Will any rookie QB start Week 1 for the first time since 2022? |
| Best Preseason Game | Browns vs. Patriots (Week 3, Prime Video) |
| Coach Under the Microscope | Mike LaFleur, Arizona Cardinals |
In my view, the Raiders are the preseason’s main attraction and it’s not particularly close. A franchise that went through a disastrous one-and-done with Pete Carroll last season has completely torn it down and rebuilt, new coach, new quarterback, nearly $300 million in new players. The preseason is where all those pieces start fitting together for the first time. Every snap Mendoza takes will feel like a referendum on the franchise’s future direction.
The Shedeur Sanders prediction might surprise some people, but I’ve watched this kid closely. He has real arm talent and poise under pressure. If he outplays Watson in three preseason games, Monken will have a hard time justifying the veteran as QB1. That Cleveland quarterback room is a powder keg waiting for a spark.
Also Read
Conclusion – Ten New Coaches, a No. 1 Pick’s Debut, and the Most Intriguing Preseason in Years
The 2026 NFL preseason isn’t just a warm-up act, it’s a proving ground for nearly a third of the league’s head coaches and one of the most fascinating rookie quarterback classes in years. Fernando Mendoza’s debut in Las Vegas, the three-way QB battle in Arizona, and genuine starter competitions in Atlanta, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh mean these exhibition games carry real weight.
That’s five teams entering August without a locked-in answer at the most important position in sports. Preseason performance will directly shape Week 1 lineups.
Circle two games: Texans-Raiders on ESPN (Week 2) and Browns-Patriots on Prime Video (Week 3). Those matchups alone could define the quarterback landscape for the entire season. The regular season kicks off September 9 — but the real story starts in Canton on August 6.
