The 2026 NFL Preseason Schedule opens on Thursday, August 6, when the Carolina Panthers face the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. NBC and Peacock carry that 8:00 PM ET kickoff, and the Class of 2026 enshrinement follows two days later.
From there, 48 more exhibition games run across three weekends: August 13 to 15, August 20 to 23, and August 27 to 29. NFL Network airs 19 games live. ESPN, FOX, CBS, and Prime Video each hold one exclusive national window. A further 12 games stream nationally on the ESPN App, which is new for 2026 after ESPN completed its acquisition of NFL Network in February. Every remaining matchup airs on local affiliates in the two competing markets and streams live on NFL+ outside those markets.
Below you will find every game with its date, kickoff time in ET, and TV channel, a streaming guide with current July 2026 prices, and a free printable PDF you can hang on the fridge.
2026 NFL Preseason Schedule Key Dates
| EVENT | DATE | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hall of Fame Game | Thu, Aug 6 | Panthers vs. Cardinals, 8:00 PM ET, NBC and Peacock |
| Class of 2026 Enshrinement | Sat, Aug 8 | Drew Brees, Roger Craig, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri |
| Preseason Week 1 | Thu, Aug 13 to Sat, Aug 15 | 16 games |
| Preseason Week 2 | Thu, Aug 20 to Sun, Aug 23 | 16 games |
| Preseason Week 3 | Thu, Aug 27 to Sat, Aug 29 | 16 games |
| Roster cutdown to 53 players | Sun, Aug 30 | Final cuts league wide |
| Practice squads set | Mon, Aug 31 | Up to 17 players per team |
| Regular season kickoff | Wed, Sep 9 | Patriots at Seahawks, 8:20 PM ET, NBC and Peacock |
Every club plays three games. Carolina and Arizona play four because of the Hall of Fame Game, so the full slate runs to 49 matchups. Week 4 of the old four game format is gone, which leaves teams a full week between the final exhibition and the September opener.
Free Printable 2026 NFL Preseason Schedule PDF
Download the free printable PDF below. It lists all 49 games by week with dates, kickoff times in ET, and the TV channel for each matchup, formatted to fit one page.
Print it for the wall or save it to your phone so you can check matchups without opening five tabs. It pairs well with our 2026 NFL regular season printable schedule once camp battles are settled.
Full 2026 NFL Preseason Schedule by Week
All dates, kickoff times, and networks below match the NFL’s official preseason release. Games marked Local TV air on broadcast affiliates in the home and visiting markets and stream live on NFL+ outside those markets. Games also marked ESPN App stream nationally for ESPN Unlimited subscribers, subject to out of market rules. Times and channels can shift, so check local listings on game day.
Hall of Fame Game (Thursday, August 6)
| GAME | DATE | TIME (ET) | TV CHANNEL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers vs. Cardinals (Canton, OH) | Thu, Aug 6 | 8:00 PM | NBC, Peacock |
Preseason Week 1 (August 13 to 15)
| GAME | DATE | TIME (ET) | TV CHANNEL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lions at Bengals | Thu, Aug 13 | 7:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+ |
| Packers at Steelers | Thu, Aug 13 | 7:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Colts at Patriots | Thu, Aug 13 | 7:30 PM | Local TV, NFL+ |
| Chargers at Texans | Thu, Aug 13 | 8:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+ |
| Cardinals at Raiders | Thu, Aug 13 | 8:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+, ESPN App |
| Titans at 49ers | Thu, Aug 13 | 9:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Broncos at Falcons | Fri, Aug 14 | 7:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+, ESPN App |
| Buccaneers at Jets | Fri, Aug 14 | 7:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Dolphins at Commanders | Fri, Aug 14 | 7:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+ |
| Panthers at Bills | Sat, Aug 15 | 1:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+ |
| Browns at Bears | Sat, Aug 15 | 1:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Vikings at Giants | Sat, Aug 15 | 1:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+, ESPN App |
| Rams at Chiefs | Sat, Aug 15 | 4:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Jaguars at Saints | Sat, Aug 15 | 4:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+, ESPN App |
| Eagles at Ravens | Sat, Aug 15 | 7:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+, ESPN App |
| Cowboys at Seahawks | Sat, Aug 15 | 8:00 PM | NFL Network |
Preseason Week 2 (August 20 to 23)
| GAME | DATE | TIME (ET) | TV CHANNEL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raiders at Texans | Thu, Aug 20 | 8:00 PM | ESPN |
| 49ers at Chargers | Thu, Aug 20 | 10:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Jets at Steelers | Fri, Aug 21 | 7:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Panthers at Jaguars | Fri, Aug 21 | 7:30 PM | Local TV, NFL+, ESPN App |
| Packers at Broncos | Fri, Aug 21 | 9:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Commanders at Lions | Sat, Aug 22 | 12:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+ |
| Bills at Browns | Sat, Aug 22 | 1:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Falcons at Colts | Sat, Aug 22 | 1:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+ |
| Ravens at Vikings | Sat, Aug 22 | 1:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+, ESPN App |
| Saints at Rams | Sat, Aug 22 | 4:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+, ESPN App |
| Giants at Dolphins | Sat, Aug 22 | 4:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Bears at Bengals | Sat, Aug 22 | 7:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+ |
| Eagles at Patriots | Sat, Aug 22 | 7:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Chiefs at Buccaneers | Sat, Aug 22 | 7:30 PM | Local TV, NFL+, ESPN App |
| Cowboys at Cardinals | Sat, Aug 22 | 10:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Seahawks at Titans | Sun, Aug 23 | 8:00 PM | FOX |
Preseason Week 3 (August 27 to 29)
| GAME | DATE | TIME (ET) | TV CHANNEL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steelers at Bills | Thu, Aug 27 | 7:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Patriots at Browns | Thu, Aug 27 | 8:00 PM | Prime Video |
| 49ers at Raiders | Thu, Aug 27 | 8:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+, ESPN App |
| Rams at Chargers | Thu, Aug 27 | 10:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Commanders at Ravens | Fri, Aug 28 | 6:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Texans at Panthers | Fri, Aug 28 | 7:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+ |
| Falcons at Dolphins | Fri, Aug 28 | 7:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+ |
| Buccaneers at Jaguars | Fri, Aug 28 | 7:30 PM | Local TV, NFL+ |
| Giants at Jets | Fri, Aug 28 | 7:30 PM | Local TV, NFL+ |
| Saints at Cowboys | Fri, Aug 28 | 8:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+, ESPN App |
| Cardinals at Packers | Fri, Aug 28 | 8:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+ |
| Seahawks at Chiefs | Fri, Aug 28 | 8:00 PM | Local TV, NFL+, ESPN App |
| Bengals at Eagles | Fri, Aug 28 | 8:00 PM | CBS |
| Vikings at Broncos | Fri, Aug 28 | 9:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Lions at Colts | Sat, Aug 29 | 1:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Bears at Titans | Sat, Aug 29 | 6:00 PM | NFL Network |
Nationally Televised Preseason Games
| NETWORK | GAME | DATE AND TIME (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| NBC and Peacock | Panthers vs. Cardinals (Hall of Fame Game) | Thu, Aug 6, 8:00 PM |
| ESPN | Raiders at Texans | Thu, Aug 20, 8:00 PM |
| FOX | Seahawks at Titans | Sun, Aug 23, 8:00 PM |
| Prime Video | Patriots at Browns | Thu, Aug 27, 8:00 PM |
| CBS | Bengals at Eagles | Fri, Aug 28, 8:00 PM |
| NFL Network | 19 live games (6 in Week 1, 7 in Week 2, 6 in Week 3) | Aug 13 to Aug 29 |
| ESPN App | 12 extra games for ESPN Unlimited subscribers | Aug 13 to Aug 28 |
The 12 Games Streaming on the ESPN App
ESPN completed its purchase of NFL Network and the linear rights to NFL RedZone in February 2026, giving the league a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN. One practical result: ESPN more than doubled its preseason streaming slate, from five games in 2025 to 12 this year. These games still air on local affiliates in the two competing markets, but they now also stream nationally in the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited subscribers, subject to out of market restrictions.
- Week 1: Cardinals at Raiders (Aug 13, 8:00 PM), Broncos at Falcons (Aug 14, 7:00 PM), Vikings at Giants (Aug 15, 1:00 PM), Jaguars at Saints (Aug 15, 4:00 PM), Eagles at Ravens (Aug 15, 7:00 PM)
- Week 2: Panthers at Jaguars (Aug 21, 7:30 PM), Ravens at Vikings (Aug 22, 1:00 PM), Saints at Rams (Aug 22, 4:00 PM), Chiefs at Buccaneers (Aug 22, 7:30 PM)
- Week 3: 49ers at Raiders (Aug 27, 8:00 PM), Seahawks at Chiefs (Aug 28, 8:00 PM), Saints at Cowboys (Aug 28, 8:00 PM)
How to Watch the 2026 NFL Preseason Without Cable
You do not need a cable box for any of these games. Prices below are current US base rates as of July 2026 and exclude taxes and promotional discounts.
| SERVICE | PRICE | NFL NETWORK | LOCAL NBC / FOX / CBS | ESPN | OUT OF MARKET GAMES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL+ | $6.99/mo or $49.99/yr | Yes | No | No | Yes, every one, on phone, tablet and TV |
| NFL+ Premium | $14.99/mo or $99.99/season | Yes | No | No | Yes, plus replays and All 22 film |
| ESPN Unlimited | $29.99/mo or $299.99/yr | Yes | No | Yes | The 12 ESPN App games |
| YouTube TV | $82.99/mo base, $64.99 Sports plan | Yes | Yes on base plan | Yes | Via NFL Network windows |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99/mo with ads | Yes | Yes | Yes | Via NFL Network windows |
| Fubo | From $88.99/mo | Yes on Pro and above | Yes, NBC returned in June 2026 | Yes | Via NFL Network windows |
| Sling TV Blue | $45.99/mo | Yes | Select markets only | No, ESPN is on Sling Orange | Via NFL Network windows |
| DirecTV Stream | $89.99/mo Entertainment, $94.99 Choice | Choice and above | Yes | Yes | Via NFL Network windows |
| Peacock Premium | $10.99/mo | No | NBC games only | No | Hall of Fame Game only |
| Prime Video | Included with Amazon Prime | No | No | No | Patriots at Browns only |
| TV antenna | Free after hardware | No | Yes, in market | No | No |
Two notes worth knowing. Fubo and Disney’s Hulu + Live TV completed a business combination, but both are still sold as separate services with separate pricing, and Fubo’s NBC blackout ended on June 10, 2026. And your own team’s local preseason broadcast is not on NFL+; for in market games, use your local affiliate, an antenna, or your club’s website and app.
Best Streaming Pick for Your Situation
- Cheapest good coverage: an antenna for your local and national games plus NFL+ at $6.99 for everything out of market. NFL+ now streams to smart TVs and consoles, not just phones, so this is the value pick.
- You follow a team in another state: NFL+ alone covers every out of market game live.
- You want NFL Network plus the 12 app exclusives: ESPN Unlimited at $29.99 is the only service carrying both.
- You want one bill for everything on the living room TV: YouTube TV at $82.99 carries NFL Network, ESPN, and all four local affiliates.
- You only want the Hall of Fame Game: Peacock Premium at $10.99, or a free antenna if you get NBC.
No single subscription covers all 49 games. The ESPN and Prime Video exclusives sit outside NFL+, so most fans end up pairing an antenna with one streaming service.
What to Watch For This Preseason
Starters usually play a series or two in Week 1, a little more in Week 2, and often sit out Week 3 entirely. The real story is the back of the roster. Clubs must trim to 53 players by Sunday, August 30, then build practice squads of up to 17 the next day, so every rookie snap in late August is an audition.
Two matchups double as early season previews. Seattle opens the regular season at home against New England on Wednesday, September 9, a rematch of Super Bowl LX, and the Rams and 49ers meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 10 in the league’s first regular season game in Australia. Both clubs use August to sort depth before that long trip.
FAQs About the 2026 NFL Preseason
When does the 2026 NFL preseason start?
It starts Thursday, August 6, with the Hall of Fame Game between the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals in Canton, Ohio, at 8:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock. Preseason Week 1 follows on Thursday, August 13.
How many preseason games does each NFL team play in 2026?
Three. Carolina and Arizona play four because they appear in the Hall of Fame Game. That makes 49 games in total, 16 in each of the three weeks plus the Hall of Fame Game.
When does the 2026 NFL preseason end?
The final games are Saturday, August 29: Lions at Colts at 1:00 PM ET and Bears at Titans at 6:00 PM ET, both on NFL Network.
Which 2026 preseason games are on national TV?
Five hold exclusive national windows: NBC has the Hall of Fame Game on August 6, ESPN has Raiders at Texans on August 20, FOX has Seahawks at Titans on August 23, Prime Video has Patriots at Browns on August 27, and CBS has Bengals at Eagles on August 28. NFL Network adds 19 live games and the ESPN App streams 12 more.
How can I watch the NFL preseason without cable?
NFL+ at $6.99 a month streams every out of market preseason game live, now on smart TVs and consoles as well as phones and tablets. YouTube TV ($82.99), Hulu + Live TV ($89.99), Fubo (from $88.99), Sling TV Blue ($45.99), and DirecTV Stream (from $89.99) carry NFL Network and local affiliates. A TV antenna picks up in market and national games on NBC, FOX, and CBS for free.
How much does NFL+ cost in 2026, and does it show every game?
NFL+ is $6.99 a month or $49.99 a year, and NFL+ Premium is $14.99 a month or $99.99 a season. It streams every out of market preseason game plus NFL Network, but it does not carry your own team’s local broadcast or the ESPN and Prime Video exclusives.
Which games stream on the ESPN App in 2026?
Twelve, up from five in 2025, available to ESPN Unlimited subscribers ($29.99 a month) and subject to out of market restrictions. They include Cardinals at Raiders on August 13, Eagles at Ravens on August 15, Chiefs at Buccaneers on August 22, and Seahawks at Chiefs on August 28. ESPN also completed its acquisition of NFL Network in February 2026.
Which game is exclusive to streaming in 2026?
Patriots at Browns on Thursday, August 27, at 8:00 PM ET streams only on Prime Video, and it is included with an Amazon Prime membership.
When are NFL roster cuts in 2026?
Clubs must reduce to 53 players by Sunday, August 30. Practice squads of up to 17 players can be established starting Monday, August 31.
Is there a free printable 2026 NFL preseason schedule PDF?
Yes. The free PDF on this page lists all 49 games with dates, kickoff times in ET, and TV channels on a single printable page.
The 2026 NFL Preseason Schedule runs from August 6 through August 29 and gives you 49 chances to see rookies, quarterback competitions, and roster battles before the games count. Save the free printable PDF above, pair an antenna with NFL+ or a live TV service, and you will not miss a kickoff.
For the season ahead, grab our 2026 NFL schedule printable and the full list of NFL teams by division.