Football is officially back! Following the opening Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, all 32 teams take the field for NFL Preseason Week 1. Whether you’re tracking rookie debuts, position battles, or newly appointed head coaches, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Week 1 preseason slate.
Here is the complete game breakdown, broadcast details, and top matchups to keep your eye on.
How to Watch & Stream NFL Preseason Games
Most NFL Preseason Week 1 games are broadcast locally in each team’s primary market. However, national coverage and out-of-market games will be widely available across multiple networks:
- NFL Network: Airing 19 live preseason games nationally throughout August.
- ESPN & ESPN App: Live coverage of select out-of-market games.
- NFL+: Streams all local and out-of-market preseason games live on mobile and tablet devices.
- FuboTV / YouTube TV / Hulu + Live TV: Provide access to local affiliate channels (CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC) and NFL Network.
Top Preseason Week 1 Matchups to Watch
1. Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- When: Thursday, Aug 13 | 7:00 PM ET
- TV: NFL Network
- Why Watch: A high-profile matchup featuring prime-time broadcast coverage and critical roster cuts evaluation on both sides.
2. Tennessee Titans vs. San Francisco 49ers
- When: Thursday, Aug 13 | 9:00 PM ET
- TV: NFL Network
- Why Watch: Highlighting new coaching dynamics and tactical schemes as teams test their depth charts early in August.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Jets
- When: Friday, Aug 14 | 7:00 PM ET
- TV: NFL Network
- Why Watch: A battle of emerging young quarterbacks vying for permanent starting roster spots.
Full NFL Preseason Week 1 Schedule (2026)
(Note: All times listed in Eastern Time / ET. Subject to local flex adjustments)
Thursday, August 13
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Network / Stream |
| Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers | 7:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots | 7:30 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans | 8:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Arizona Cardinals at Las Vegas Raiders | 8:00 PM | ESPN App |
| Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers | 9:00 PM | NFL Network |
Friday, August 14
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Network / Stream |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets | 7:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons | 7:00 PM | ESPN App |
| Miami Dolphins at Washington Commanders | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
Saturday, August 15
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Network / Stream |
| Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills | 1:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants | 1:00 PM | ESPN App |
| Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears | 1:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Los Angeles Rams at Kansas City Chiefs | 4:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints | 4:00 PM | ESPN App |
| Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens | 7:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
| Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks | 8:00 PM | Local / NFL+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What day does NFL Preseason Week 1 start?
NFL Preseason Week 1 officially kicks off on Thursday, August 13.
How many games are played in NFL Preseason Week 1?
All 32 NFL teams play during Week 1 across a total of 16 games spanning Thursday through Saturday.
Can I watch out-of-market preseason games for free?
Out-of-market games can be streamed live on NFL Network and the ESPN App via standard cable packages or free trials on streaming services like FuboTV or YouTube TV.
