NFL Preseason Kicks Off with 16 Games on August 13
The NFL preseason begins Thursday, August 13, 2026, with 16 games scheduled across the league. All 32 teams will participate in the first week of exhibition games, with six nationally broadcast on NFL Network.
Key takeaways
- The 2026 NFL preseason officially began on Thursday, August 13, with 16 games scheduled.
- All 32 NFL teams are involved in the opening week of exhibition games.
- Six games will be nationally televised on the NFL Network.
- Preseason results do not impact regular-season standings.
- Most teams will play three preseason games, with two teams playing four.
What Happened
The National Football League's preseason schedule commenced on Thursday, August 13, 2026, featuring 16 games involving all 32 teams. These exhibition matches will continue through Saturday, August 15. Six of these games are scheduled for national broadcast on the NFL Network, while the remaining matchups will be available via local team affiliates.
Key Facts
- The 2026 NFL preseason began on Thursday, August 13, with 16 games scheduled across the league.
- All 32 NFL teams are participating in the first week of the preseason.
- Six preseason games will be broadcast nationally on the NFL Network.
- The remaining games will be available through local team broadcast affiliates.
- Preseason results do not count towards a team's regular-season record.
- Most NFL teams play three preseason games, with the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals playing four in 2026 due to their participation in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
Background
The preseason games provide teams with an opportunity to evaluate rookies, new player acquisitions, and conduct position battles before the official regular season begins. The NFL Network offers live national and out-of-market preseason games through its streaming platform, subject to availability and local blackouts. In-market games may also be accessible via participating clubs' websites or applications.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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