What Is the NFL Preseason and Why Does It Matter?
The NFL preseason is the official exhibition period before the regular season kicks off in September. Teams use these games to test new plays and evaluate talent in a real game environment. It is a critical time for undrafted free agents who are fighting hard to make the 53-man roster. While wins and losses do not count in the official standings, the performance data is priceless. This is where future superstars often take their very first snaps as professional football players.
When Does NFL Preseason Start? Key Dates for 2025
Many fans ask: when does the NFL preseason start in 2025? The answer is Thursday, July 31st, when the Hall of Fame Game kicks off the action in Canton, Ohio. The Los Angeles Chargers will face the Detroit Lions at 8:00 PM Eastern Time on NBC. Official Week 1 preseason action then begins on Thursday, August 7th, with games running through the weekend. The entire three-week showcase wraps up on Saturday, August 23rd, just before the regular season starts on September 4th.
A Week-by-Week Analysis of the NFL Preseason Schedule 2025
The 2025 NFL preseason schedule is packed with exciting matchups across three full weeks plus the Hall of Fame Game. Here is a complete breakdown of every game, day by day.
Hall of Fame Game — Thursday, July 31
The preseason officially kicks off with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. The Los Angeles Chargers take on the Detroit Lions at 8:00 PM Eastern Time, and the game will be broadcast live on NBC. This game takes place during Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week and is one of the most celebrated traditions in professional football.
Preseason Week 1 — August 7 to 10
Week 1 fires up on Thursday, August 7th with a triple-header. The Indianapolis Colts visit the Baltimore Ravens at 7:00 PM, the Cincinnati Bengals head to Philadelphia to battle the Eagles at 7:30 PM, and the Las Vegas Raiders travel to Seattle to challenge the Seahawks at 10:00 PM.
Friday, August 8th brings three more games. The Detroit Lions visit the Atlanta Falcons and the Cleveland Browns visit the Carolina Panthers, both at 7:00 PM, followed by the Washington Commanders visiting the New England Patriots at 7:30 PM.
Saturday, August 9th is a massive day loaded with nine different games. The New York Giants visit the Buffalo Bills at 1:00 PM, while the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings clash at 4:00 PM. The evening slate is stacked: the Pittsburgh Steelers play at the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Dallas Cowboys travel to the Los Angeles Rams, and the Tennessee Titans face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, all starting around 7:00 PM. Later, the Kansas City Chiefs visit the Arizona Cardinals at 8:00 PM, the New York Jets battle the Green Bay Packers also at 8:00 PM, and the Denver Broncos head to San Francisco to play the 49ers at 8:30 PM.
Week 1 closes on Sunday, August 10th with the Miami Dolphins visiting the Chicago Bears at 1:00 PM and the New Orleans Saints visiting the Los Angeles Chargers at 4:05 PM.
Preseason Week 2 — August 15 to 18
Week 2 begins on Friday, August 15th with the Tennessee Titans visiting Atlanta at 7:00 PM and the Kansas City Chiefs visiting Seattle at 10:00 PM.
Saturday, August 16th is another big day. Early games at 1:00 PM include Miami at Detroit, Carolina at Houston, Green Bay at Indianapolis, New England at Minnesota, and Cleveland at Philadelphia. The afternoon window features San Francisco at Las Vegas at 4:00 PM. Prime-time Saturday night delivers Baltimore at Dallas, the Los Angeles Chargers at the Los Angeles Rams, the New York Jets at the New York Giants, and Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh, all at 7:00 PM. Arizona visits Denver at 9:30 PM to close the night.
Sunday, August 17th has Jacksonville at New Orleans at 1:00 PM, and a big national broadcast as Buffalo visits Chicago at 8:00 PM on FOX. Week 2 wraps on Monday, August 18th with Cincinnati at Washington at 8:00 PM on ESPN, a marquee matchup between Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels.
Preseason Week 3 (Final) — August 21 to 23
The final week begins Thursday, August 21st. Pittsburgh plays at Carolina at 7:00 PM and New England visits the New York Giants at 8:00 PM on Prime Video.
Friday, August 22nd features Philadelphia at the New York Jets at 7:30 PM, Atlanta at Dallas at 8:00 PM, Minnesota at Tennessee at 8:00 PM on CBS, and Chicago at Kansas City at 8:20 PM.
The final Saturday of the preseason, August 23rd, ends the exhibition season with twelve games. Baltimore visits Washington at noon. At 1:00 PM: Indianapolis at Cincinnati, the Los Angeles Rams at Cleveland, Houston at Detroit, and Denver at New Orleans. Seattle visits Green Bay at 4:00 PM. The evening closes with Jacksonville at Miami at 7:00 PM, Buffalo at Tampa Bay at 7:30 PM, the Los Angeles Chargers at San Francisco at 8:30 PM, and Las Vegas at Arizona at 10:00 PM to wrap up the entire exhibition season.
NFL Preseason Scores: How to Track the Results
Tracking NFL preseason scores is important even if the games are just exhibitions. The scores often show which teams have the most impressive depth and chemistry. You can find live results on platforms like ESPN, NFL Network, and the FOX Sports app. These scores start conversations among fans about potential Super Bowl sleepers. Roster cut days usually follow right after the final whistle of the last preseason week.
NFL Preseason Standings: Do Wins Really Count?
The official NFL preseason standings do not carry over into the regular season or playoffs. Coaches focus entirely on player development rather than just getting the victory. However, tracking the preseason game records can build momentum and a winning culture in the locker room. A perfect record in the NFL preseason is a great confidence booster for young athletes heading into the regular season.
NFL Preseason TV Schedule 2025: Prime-Time Matchups
The NFL preseason TV schedule 2025 is packed with can’t-miss prime-time events. The action starts with the Hall of Fame Game on NBC on July 31st. In Week 2, the Buffalo Bills visit the Chicago Bears live on FOX on Sunday, August 17th. Joe Burrow and the Bengals will face Jayden Daniels and the Commanders on ESPN on Monday, August 18th. Prime Video joins the action in Week 3, covering the Patriots versus the Giants on Thursday, August 21st. CBS airs the Vikings at Titans matchup on Friday, August 22nd.
Where to Watch NFL Preseason Matches
Figuring out where to watch NFL preseason games has become much easier in recent years. In the United States, your best options include local broadcast channels and the official NFL+ streaming service, which delivers live local and prime-time games directly to your phone or tablet. International fans can watch NFL preseason matchups through services like DAZN in Canada and other regions. YouTube TV is another great option as it bundles all major broadcast networks in a single subscription. Never let your location stop you from enjoying the first taste of football this year.
Why NFL Preseason Week 1 Is a Roster Game-Changer
NFL preseason Week 1 is often the most chaotic and exciting time of the exhibition period. It is the first real test for draft picks who have never played at the professional level. Coaches use this specific week to see how players react under the bright stadium lights. A single standout play in Week 1 can secure a contract for an undrafted rookie, while a costly mistake can end a career just as quickly.
Understanding the Impact of NFL Preseason on Fantasy Football
Savvy fantasy football players know that the NFL preseason is a goldmine for research. This exhibition window lets you spot sleeper picks before your league competitors do. You must watch the games closely to see which running backs get the goal-line carries and which wide receivers are earning trust from the quarterback. Injuries and depth chart movements during the preseason drastically change a player’s fantasy value. Doing your homework in August can easily lead you to a fantasy championship in December.
Key Differences Between Regular Season and NFL Preseason
The rules governing the NFL preseason are mostly the same as the regular season, but the strategy is completely different. In the regular season, star players play four full quarters of high-intensity football. In the preseason, starters usually play only a drive or two to avoid injury risk. You will see many fourth-string quarterbacks and unknown wide receivers running basic play calls. The emphasis switches entirely from winning to judging mental toughness and evaluating individual talent.
Memorable Moments from the NFL Preseason 2024
Looking back at the NFL preseason 2024 gives us useful clues about how player evaluations work. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams made spectacular debuts that electrified the entire league. We witnessed incredible plays, including Israel Abanikanda’s highlight-reel 45-yard touchdown run for the Jets. Some teams, like the Saints, saw young talents such as Spencer Rattler lead game-winning drives. These moments remind us that stars can be born at any time during the exhibition season.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NFL Preseason
How long does the NFL preseason last?
Three weeks of competition make up the NFL preseason, which also includes the unique Hall of Fame Game kickoff. It typically starts at the very end of July and finishes in late August, giving teams about a month to prepare for the regular season.
Are NFL preseason tickets cheaper than regular season?
Yes, tickets for NFL preseason games are significantly more affordable than regular season tickets. Families love going to these games because they offer a budget-friendly way to see the stadium. You can often find great seats for a fraction of the regular season price.
Do NFL starters play in the preseason?
Superstars rarely play heavy minutes during the NFL preseason to prevent unnecessary injuries. You might see the starting quarterback play one or two offensive series in the first or second week. The heavy lifting is usually saved for the backups trying to secure a roster spot.
Why did the NFL reduce preseason games from 4 to 3?
The league reduced the NFL preseason to three games when they expanded the regular season to 17 games in 2021. This change prioritized player safety by reducing total exhibition playing time. It also gave fans one more meaningful regular-season game that actually counts toward the playoffs.
Can I watch NFL preseason games on my phone?
Yes, you can easily stream NFL preseason games directly on your mobile phone. The NFL+ app is dedicated to delivering live local and prime-time games to handheld devices. It is the perfect option for fans who are traveling or always on the go.
What is the Hall of Fame Game in the NFL preseason?
The NFL preseason begins with the Hall of Fame Game, which takes place in Canton, Ohio during Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week. The 2025 matchup features the Los Angeles Chargers versus the Detroit Lions on July 31st, broadcast live on NBC at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
Conclusion: Why the NFL Preseason Deserves Your Full Attention
The NFL preseason offers a unique and beautiful window into the future of professional football. It is the ultimate testing ground where hard work meets opportunity under the sweltering summer sun. Ignoring the NFL preseason schedule 2025 means missing the birth of new rivalries and legendary careers. Tune in, track the scores, and find your new favorite player before anyone else does. Share this guide with your friends and let us know which rookie you are most excited to watch this August.