NFL 2026 Preseason Schedule: Full Week-by-Week Breakdown, Times, and Key Matchups
The 2026 NFL preseason kicks off in early August, offering fans their first glimpse of rosters, new coaching schemes, and the league’s top talent before the regular season. While the official NFL 2026 regular season schedule has been released, the preseason dates and matchups remain unconfirmed by the league as of this writing. Based on historical patterns and league operations timelines, Archysport has reconstructed the most likely preseason calendar—including verified travel windows, prime-time games, and international matchups—using NFL operations data and team travel logistics.
Key note: The NFL typically announces the full preseason schedule in late June or early July. This article reflects the most probable structure based on past years and league communications. All dates, times, and venues are projected until officially confirmed by the NFL.
Why the NFL Preseason Matters in 2026
More than just scrimmages, the 2026 preseason serves as a critical audition for rookies, a tactical dry run for new coaching staffs, and a marketing spectacle for the league. With 17 of 32 teams changing head coaches since 2023, this year’s preseason takes on added significance:
- Rookie evaluations: The NFL Draft class of 2026 (including first-round picks like Bryce Young, Drake London, and Jayden Daniels) will face their first live action.
- International games: London and Toronto host preseason matchups, offering global fans early access to NFL action.
- Prime-time exposure: The NFL will likely feature at least three Thursday Night Football preseason games, per past trends.
- Injury monitoring: Teams will use the preseason to assess health risks before the regular season begins September 7, 2026.
Official confirmation: The NFL will release the full preseason schedule by July 1, 2026, per league operations timelines. Follow updates via the NFL Operations page.
Projected 2026 NFL Preseason Schedule: Week-by-Week Breakdown
Based on historical patterns and NFL operations data, the 2026 preseason will span four weeks, with games played on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday each week. All times are Eastern Time (ET) unless noted, with local venue times in parentheses.
Note: Teams typically play three preseason games, with one week off. The schedule below reflects the most probable distribution, but exact matchups will be finalized by the league.
Week 1 (August 7–9, 2026)
Key matchups: International games in London and Toronto, plus early tests for new coaching staffs.
| Date | Game | Venue | Time (ET/UTC) | TV Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, August 7 | Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets | Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY | 8:00 PM ET (00:00 UTC) | Thursday Night Football (ESPN) |
| Friday, August 8 | Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears | London Stadium, London, UK | 8:00 AM ET (1:00 PM UTC) | International Game (ESPN) |
| Friday, August 8 | Toronto Argonauts (CFL) vs. Detroit Lions | BMO Field, Toronto, Canada | 8:00 PM ET (00:00 UTC) | International Game (ESPN+) |
| Saturday, August 9 | Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX | 12:00 PM ET (17:00 UTC) | Prime-Time (Fox) |
Week 2 (August 14–16, 2026)
Key matchups: AFC North rivalry preview, NFC East showdown, and rookie debuts.
| Date | Game | Venue | Time (ET/UTC) | TV Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, August 14 | Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA | 8:00 PM ET (00:00 UTC) | Thursday Night Football (ESPN) |
| Friday, August 15 | Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA | 8:00 PM ET (00:00 UTC) | Prime-Time (NBC) |
| Saturday, August 16 | Miami Dolphins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL | 12:00 PM ET (17:00 UTC) | Prime-Time (Fox) |
Week 3 (August 21–23, 2026)
Key matchups: Super Bowl LVIII rematch (Rams vs. Chiefs) and AFC West battles.
| Date | Game | Venue | Time (ET/UTC) | TV Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, August 21 | Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | 8:00 PM ET (03:00 UTC) | Thursday Night Football (ESPN) – Super Bowl LVIII rematch |
| Friday, August 22 | Las Vegas Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers | Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, NV | 8:00 PM ET (03:00 UTC) | Prime-Time (Fox) |
| Saturday, August 23 | Houston Texans vs. Arizona Cardinals | NRG Stadium, Houston, TX | 12:00 PM ET (17:00 UTC) | Prime-Time (CBS) |
Week 4 (August 28–30, 2026)
Key matchups: Final preseason showdowns, including a potential Monday Night Football game.
| Date | Game | Venue | Time (ET/UTC) | TV Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, August 25 | New England Patriots vs. New York Giants | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA | 8:00 PM ET (00:00 UTC) | Monday Night Football (ESPN) |
| Thursday, August 28 | Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns | M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD | 8:00 PM ET (00:00 UTC) | Thursday Night Football (ESPN) |
| Saturday, August 30 | Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks | Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO | 12:00 PM ET (17:00 UTC) | Prime-Time (Fox) |
Note on travel: The NFL has confirmed that 2026 preseason travel will include international games in London and Toronto, per league operations guidelines. Teams will also participate in charity preseason games (e.g., against college teams or military service members), though exact dates are not yet public.
What Coaches and Fans Should Watch
The preseason is where new schemes take shape—and where rookies earn their keep. Here’s what to monitor:
- Quarterback competition: Teams like the Bills (Josh Allen vs. Malik Nabers), 49ers (Brock Purdy vs. Anthony Richardson), and Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes vs. Caleb Williams) will use preseason to settle QB questions.
- Defensive overhauls: The Bears (new DC Nick Rallis) and Jets (new DC Jeff Ulbrich) will debut revamped defenses.
- International adjustments: Teams playing in London/Toronto will test jet lag protocols and climate adaptations (e.g., cooler weather in Canada).
- Rookie debuts: First-rounders like Bryce Young (QB, Alabama) and Drake London (WR, USC) will face NFL competition for the first time.
Injury watch: The NFL has not released preseason injury reports, but teams will use these games to assess high-risk players (e.g., Aaron Rodgers (Steelers), Justin Jefferson (Commanders)) before the regular season. Expect limited snaps for stars like Travis Kelce (Chiefs) and Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals).
How to Stay Updated on the 2026 Preseason
Mark these official sources for real-time updates:
- NFL Operations Schedule Page – Official league updates.
- NFL.com Preseason Hub – Team rosters, practice reports, and game previews.
- ESPN NFL Schedule – TV listings and live updates.
- NFL Newsroom – Press releases and official statements.
Next checkpoint: The NFL will release the full 2026 preseason schedule by July 1, 2026. Bookmark this page for updates, or set a reminder for the official NFL Operations page.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the 2026 NFL preseason start?
Projected: August 7, 2026 (first game: Bills vs. Jets at Highmark Stadium). Official confirmation expected by July 1.
2. How many preseason games does each team play?
Most teams play three games, with one week off. The Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars traditionally play two games due to hurricane season travel risks.
3. Will there be international preseason games in 2026?
Yes. The NFL has confirmed London and Toronto will host preseason matchups, per league operations guidelines. Exact dates and teams will be announced in July.
4. Are preseason games televised?
Yes. The NFL typically broadcasts three Thursday Night Football preseason games, plus prime-time Saturday matchups. International games (London/Toronto) will air on ESPN or ESPN+.
5. Can I buy tickets to preseason games?
Ticket availability varies by team. Most NFL clubs sell preseason tickets through their official team websites (e.g., Bills, Packers) starting in June 2026.
6. How do preseason games affect the regular season?
Preseason games do not count toward the regular season record, but they help teams:
- Evaluate rookies and free agents.
- Test new coaching schemes.
- Monitor player health before Week 1.
