NFL Releases 2026 Preseason Schedule: Key Matchups, Hall of Fame Game and What Fans Should Watch
The NFL has unveiled its full 2026 preseason schedule, highlighted by the Hall of Fame Game, nationally televised matchups and crucial roster battles ahead of the regular season.
The road to the 2026 NFL season officially begins in August.
CBS Sports
The NFL released its complete 2026 preseason schedule, giving fans their first look at rookie debuts, quarterback competitions and roster battles that could shape the upcoming season. While preseason records rarely predict regular-season success, these games often provide the first glimpse of emerging stars and key storylines heading into September.
This year's exhibition slate features nationally televised games across NBC, ESPN, FOX, Prime Video and CBS, along with the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.
Hall of Fame Game Opens the 2026 NFL Season
The preseason officially kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 6, when the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals meet in the NFL Hall of Fame Game.
Held annually in Canton, Ohio, the matchup serves as the unofficial start of football season and coincides with Hall of Fame induction festivities.
For Carolina, the extra preseason contest provides additional opportunities to evaluate young talent, while Arizona gains an extended look at players competing for roster spots ahead of final cuts.
National Television Schedule Features Several Must-Watch Matchups
The NFL has spread several high-profile preseason games across its national television partners.
Nationally Televised Games
Aug. 6
Panthers vs. Cardinals (Hall of Fame Game) — NBC
Aug. 20
Raiders at Texans — ESPN
Aug. 23
Seahawks at Titans — FOX
Aug. 27
Patriots at Browns — Prime Video
Aug. 28
Bengals at Eagles — CBS
While preseason football is primarily focused on evaluation, these matchups could provide an early look at playoff contenders and rising stars entering the 2026 season.
Steelers, Falcons and Other Contenders Face Key Evaluations
Several teams expected to compete for playoff spots will have important questions to answer during August.
The Pittsburgh Steelers open against Green Bay before hosting the Jets and finishing with Buffalo. With a revamped roster and heightened expectations following the 2026 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh's preseason schedule offers multiple tests against quality opponents.
The Atlanta Falcons will face Denver, Indianapolis and Miami as they continue building around one of the NFL's youngest cores.
Meanwhile, the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will square off against Dallas, Tennessee and Kansas City in a challenging preseason slate.
Rookie Debuts Will Take Center Stage
As always, one of the biggest attractions of the preseason will be the debut of the league's newest draft class.
Fans will get their first extended look at several first-round selections from the 2026 NFL Draft, including highly touted quarterbacks, edge rushers and offensive playmakers expected to contribute immediately.
Preseason performances won't determine careers, but they often provide the first indication of how quickly a rookie may impact his franchise.
Countdown to the Regular Season Begins
While the regular season remains the ultimate focus, August football serves an important purpose for teams across the league.
Coaches will use the three-game preseason schedule to finalize depth charts, evaluate special teams contributors and identify the final pieces of their 53-man rosters before the season opens in September.
For fans, it's the first opportunity to see new draft picks, offseason acquisitions and emerging stars in game action.
Football is officially back.
Key Dates to Remember
Aug. 6: Hall of Fame Game (Panthers vs. Cardinals)
Aug. 13-15: Preseason Week 1
Aug. 20-23: Preseason Week 2
Aug. 27-29: Preseason Week 3
Sept. 9: Regular season begins
As training camps open around the league, the 2026 preseason schedule offers the first chapter in what promises to be another highly anticipated NFL season.
