Washington — The NFL unveiled the 2026 NFL Preseason Schedule on Tuesday, listing 24 games that run from Aug. 7 to Aug. 28 across 12 weeks. Teams will play four exhibition contests each, with the first slate featuring the Dallas Cowboys at the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots visiting the New York Giants.
Each matchup will air on a mix of NFL Network, ESPN, and local affiliates, and the league promises a “prime‑time showcase” on Aug. 21 featuring the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in a night‑time duel against the Los Angeles Rams.
What does the 2026 NFL Preseason Schedule look like?
The schedule spreads across three weeks of back‑to‑back games, a mid‑week break, then two more weeks of single‑game outings before the regular season kickoff. All 32 clubs receive two home games, two away games and a neutral‑site contest in either London or Mexico City, preserving the league’s international growth push.
How are the dates and broadcast partners arranged?
Kickoff times cluster at 1:00 p.m., 4:25 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET, with the 7:30 slot reserved for the marquee primetime games. ESPN will carry the Thursday night double‑header on Aug. 13, while NFL Network handles the Sunday night slate on Aug. 23. The league also secured a streaming deal with Fox Sports for supplemental highlights.
Key Developments
- Houston hosts its first preseason game since 2022, drawing a projected 68,000 fans to NRG Stadium.
- The league added a new neutral‑site contest in Toronto, marking the first NFL preseason game in Canada since 2019.
- All teams will feature at least one rookie‑wide‑receiver slot, a move aimed at accelerating the rookie‑watch pipeline ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Broadcast crews include veteran play‑by‑play voice Al Michaels, returning for his 30th preseason broadcast, paired with former quarterback Aaron Rodgers as analyst.
- Teams receive a 24‑hour window to release roster cuts after each game, a tighter timeline than last season’s 48‑hour rule.
Impact and What’s Next for Teams?
The early timing of high‑profile matchups gives coaches a chance to evaluate depth‑chart contenders under prime‑time pressure, a factor that could sway final roster decisions before the regular season. Fantasy owners should watch the first two weeks for breakout receivers and defensive playmakers, as preseason stats often foreshadow breakout seasons. Meanwhile, the international games provide a platform for younger players to gain experience in front of global audiences, potentially boosting their marketability and endorsement value.
When does the NFL preseason begin and end in 2026?
The 2026 NFL Preseason Schedule kicks off on Aug. 7 with the Cowboys‑Texans game and wraps on Aug. 28 after the final London showcase, spanning 22 days of exhibition play.
Which teams play in the new Toronto preseason game?
The Toronto neutral‑site contest pits the Buffalo Bills against the Chicago Bears, marking the league’s return to Canada for a preseason matchup.
How many preseason games will each team play in 2026?
Every NFL franchise is slated for four preseason contests, two at home, two on the road, plus a possible international appearance, maintaining the 2024‑2025 format.
