2026 NFL Preseason TV Schedule: How To Watch, Live Stream Channels, And Key Games
The 2026 NFL preseason is in full swing, bringing live action back to screens as franchises evaluate top draft picks, test key offseason additions, and finalize 53-man rosters. Catching every game requires knowing where and when to tune in, as games are split across major broadcast networks, regional affiliates, and digital streaming platforms.
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV Channel / Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Aug 13 | Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cleveland Browns | 7:30 PM | NFL Network, NFL+ |
| Fri, Aug 14 | Atlanta Falcons vs. Cincinnati Bengals | 7:30 PM | NFL Network, NFL+ |
| Sat, Aug 15 | New England Patriots vs. Green Bay Packers | 8:00 PM | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Sat, Aug 15 | Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks | 10:00 PM | NFL Network, NFL+ |
| Sun, Aug 16 | New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers | 4:05 PM | NFL Network, NFL+ |
| Mon, Aug 17 | Baltimore Ravens vs. Washington Commanders | 8:00 PM | ESPN, ESPN+ |
Prime-Time National Broadcasts and Standout Matchups
National broadcasts take center stage as coaching staffs ramp up snap counts for starting units. Major networks including CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN are carrying select marquee matchups, while NFL Network continues its extensive schedule with live, out-of-market game coverage and same-day replays throughout the week.
For fans following rookie quarterback developments and primary position battles, mid-August represents a critical evaluation window. Head coaches typically grant starting units maximum playing time during this phase to establish offensive cadence and defensive communication under real game conditions.
Key broadcast windows for the upcoming slate include:
- ESPN Monday Night Football: Showcases inter-conference rivalries with full national production.
- CBS & FOX Weekend Showcase: Features regional coverage maps, delivering high-profile matchups to primary home markets.
- NFL Network Live Marathon: Delivers back-to-back live games across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday windows.
How to Stream Preseason Games and Navigate Out-of-Market Rules
Navigating the NFL preseason broadcast landscape depends heavily on geographic location due to regional broadcast rights and local affiliate blackout rules. While national games stream seamlessly on major linear replacement apps, local broadcasts follow distinct distribution guidelines.
Primary Streaming Options:
- NFL+: Streams all live local and prime-time preseason games on mobile devices, alongside live out-of-market games across all streaming devices.
- Paramount+: Delivers live streams of games broadcast locally on CBS affiliates.
- Peacock: Offers live access to NBC national broadcasts and local network simulcasts.
- Fubo & Hulu + Live TV: Provide linear access to local broadcast affiliates, ESPN, and NFL Network without requiring a standard cable package.
In-market viewers can access local affiliate channels via over-the-air antennas or live TV streaming services. Out-of-market fans must rely on NFL Network live windows or direct streams via NFL+ to catch non-national broadcasts.
Week 3 NFL Preseason Schedule: Scores, Matchups, TV Channels, Times ...
Preseason Roster Cut Deadlines and the Countdown to Week 1
The urgency on the field will escalate as teams approach the end of the preseason schedule. The NFL utilizes a unified roster cut deadline, forcing front offices to reduce active rosters from 90 players down to the final 53-man limit in late August.
These televised preseason windows serve as crucial resume-building opportunities for undrafted free agents and roster-bubble veterans attempting to secure spot duty or practice squad positions.
Following the conclusion of the preseason slate, franchises will enter a mandatory buffer week to process waiver claims, assemble 16-player practice squads, and initiate game preparation for the 2026 regular season kickoff in early September.
