The 2026 NFL Preseason Week 1 schedule runs Thursday, August 13 through Saturday, August 15, with 16 games as every team opens its exhibition slate. Below is the full Week 1 schedule with kickoff times, matchups, and TV, plus a free printable one-pager.
2026 NFL Preseason Week 1: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 11, 2026
- Dates: Thursday, August 13 to Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Games: 16 (every team plays)
- National TV: six games on NFL Network
- Hall of Fame Game: already played on August 6
- Next: Preseason Week 2 runs August 20-23
2026 NFL Preseason Week 1 Schedule
Thursday, August 13
| Time (ET) | Matchup | TV |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 PM | Lions at Bengals | Local TV |
| 7:00 PM | Packers at Steelers | NFL Network |
| 7:30 PM | Colts at Patriots | Local TV |
| 8:00 PM | Cardinals at Raiders | Local TV |
| 8:00 PM | Chargers at Texans | Local TV |
| 9:00 PM | Titans at 49ers | NFL Network |
Friday, August 14
| Time (ET) | Matchup | TV |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 PM | Broncos at Falcons | Local TV |
| 7:00 PM | Dolphins at Commanders | Local TV |
| 7:00 PM | Buccaneers at Jets | NFL Network |
Saturday, August 15
| Time (ET) | Matchup | TV |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 PM | Panthers at Bills | Local TV |
| 1:00 PM | Browns at Bears | NFL Network |
| 1:00 PM | Vikings at Giants | Local TV |
| 4:00 PM | Jaguars at Saints | Local TV |
| 4:00 PM | Rams at Chiefs | NFL Network |
| 7:00 PM | Eagles at Ravens | Local TV |
| 8:00 PM | Cowboys at Seahawks | NFL Network |
Week 1 National TV Games
Six Week 1 games carry a national NFL Network window; the rest air on local affiliates in the participating teams’ markets. For the full network picture across all three weeks, see the 2026 NFL preseason TV schedule, and grab any club’s three-game slate on the preseason schedule by team page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is 2026 NFL Preseason Week 1?
NFL Preseason Week 1 runs Thursday, August 13 through Saturday, August 15, 2026, with 16 games.
What NFL preseason games are on national TV in Week 1?
Six Week 1 games air on NFL Network: Packers at Steelers and Titans at 49ers on Thursday, Buccaneers at Jets on Friday, and Browns at Bears, Rams at Chiefs, and Cowboys at Seahawks on Saturday.
What time do the Thursday preseason games start?
Thursday, August 13 games kick off between 7:00 and 9:00 PM ET, starting with Lions at Bengals and Packers at Steelers at 7:00 PM ET.
When is NFL Preseason Week 2?
Preseason Week 2 runs August 20-23, 2026, followed by Week 3 on August 27-29.
More 2026 NFL Coverage
Keep it handy: the 2026 NFL preseason schedule by team, the preseason TV schedule, and the printable full 2026 NFL schedule grid.
Other weeks: the Week 2 schedule (Aug 20-23) and the Week 3 schedule (Aug 27-29).
