There are finally NFL games today. With the NFL Draft, free agency, and the rest of the offseason shenanigans in the rearview, the 2026 season is finally here. While we will have to wait a few weeks until we get games that count, football fans can actually watch real NFL games with Week 1 of the preseason schedule kicking off this week.
Below, you can find all the important details about how to watch Saturday’s matchups and get a look at the upcoming NFL schedule.
NFL games today (Preseason Week 1)
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, August 15 | Panthers @ Bills | 1:00 PM | Local TV |
| Saturday, August 15 | Browns @ Bears | 1:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Saturday, August 15 | Vikings @ Giants | 1:00 PM | ESPN App |
| Saturday, August 15 | Rams @ Chiefs | 4:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Saturday, August 15 | Jaguars @ Saints | 4:00 PM | ESPN App |
| Saturday, August 15 | Eagles @ Ravens | 7:00 PM | ESPN App |
| Saturday, August 15 | Cowboys @ Seahawks | 8:00 PM | NFL Network |
What channel are the NFL preseason games on?
The various NFL games in Week 1 of the preseason can be found on local affiliate stations, NFL Network, or on the ESPN app with the unlimited plan.
How can I stream NFL preseason games without cable?
During the 2026 preseason, the majority of games will air exclusively on local television stations. However, NFL Network and the ESPN app will offer a selection of matchups each week.
Does NFL Sunday Ticket include preseason games?
Unfortunately for Sunday Ticket subscribers, the service does not offer preseason matchups. Sunday Ticket only gives subscribers access to out-of-market games on Sunday afternoons during the regular season.
How do I watch out-of-market preseason games?
You have several options to watch out-of-market preseason games this year. NFL+ will offer games through its service, while a selection of games during the 2026 NFL preseason will also be available through NFL Network and the ESPN App.
Upcoming NFL schedule (Preseason Week 1)
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, August 20 | Raiders @ Texans | 8:00 PM | ESPN |
| Thursday, August 20 | 49ers @ Chargers | 10:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Friday, August 21 | Jets @ Steelers | 7:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Friday, August 21 | Panthers @ Jaguars | 7:30 PM | ESPN App |
| Friday, August 21 | Packers @ Broncos | 9:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Saturday, August 22 | Commanders @ Lions | 12:00 PM | Local TV |
| Saturday, August 22 | Bills @ Browns | 1:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Saturday, August 22 | Falcons @ Colts | 1:00 PM | Local TV |
| Saturday, August 22 | Ravens @ Vikings | 1:00 PM | ESPN App |
| Saturday, August 22 | Saints @ Rams | 4:00 PM | ESPN App |
| Saturday, August 22 | Giants @ Dolphins | 4:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Saturday, August 22 | Bears @ Bengals | 7:00 PM | Local TV |
| Saturday, August 22 | Eagles @ Patriots | 7:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Saturday, August 22 | Chiefs @ Buccaneers | 7:30 PM | ESPN App |
| Saturday, August 22 | Cowboys @ Cardinals | 10:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Sunday, August 23 | Seahawks @ Titans | 8:00 PM | FOX |
Will starters and star players actually play in Week 1?
Starters suiting up and taking the field for Week 1 of the 2026 preseason is a possibility. But it all differs by team and by the plans coaching staffs have for their most important players. But yes, some starters will be in action this week.