The NFL is back—well, almost. The 2025 NFL Preseason is underway, offering fans a sneak peek at what’s to come before the regular season kicks off in September. Over three action-packed weeks, every team will hit the field, giving rookies a chance to shine, veterans an opportunity to secure roster spots, and coaches time to fine-tune their strategies.
Whether you’re tracking breakout players, scouting your fantasy team early, or simply craving football, the preseason is a perfect appetizer to the main event. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 NFL Preseason, including the complete schedule, top games to watch, and how to catch all the action.
When Does the 2025 NFL Preseason Start?
The action officially begins with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, July 31 at 8:00 p.m. ET, where the Los Angeles Chargers face off against the Detroit Lions at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
The first full week of games begins on Thursday, August 7, with notable matchups like the Colts vs. Ravens and Raiders vs. Seahawks, and the preseason wraps up on Saturday, August 23, with a thrilling four-game finale.
2025 NFL Preseason Schedule Highlights
Here are some of the must-watch games from the preseason calendar:
- Thursday, July 31 – Chargers vs. Lions (Hall of Fame Game) – NBC
- Thursday, August 7 – Colts at Ravens – FOX59, WBAL-TV, NFL Network
- Thursday, August 7 – Raiders at Seahawks – FOX5 Las Vegas, KING 5, NFL Network
- Saturday, August 9 – Cowboys at Rams – KABC
- Saturday, August 16 – Jets vs. Giants – WCBS-TV 2, NFL Network
- Saturday, August 23 – Rams vs. Browns, Seahawks vs. Packers, Jaguars vs. Dolphins, Raiders vs. Cardinals – Regional TV
From young talent looking to earn a roster spot to veteran quarterbacks returning from injury, each week delivers drama, excitement, and crucial depth chart battles.
FULL 2025 NFL PRESEASON SCHEDULE
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | TV Channel(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jul 31 | 8:00 pm | Los Angeles Chargers vs. Detroit Lions (HOF) | NBC |
| Thu, Aug 7 | 7:00 pm | Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens | FOX59, WBAL-TV, NFL Network |
| Thu, Aug 7 | 7:30 pm | Cincinnati Bengals @ Philadelphia Eagles | Bengals Preseason TV, NBC10 |
| Thu, Aug 7 | 10:00 pm | Las Vegas Raiders @ Seattle Seahawks | FOX5 Las Vegas, KING 5, NFL Network |
| Fri, Aug 8 | 7:00 pm | Detroit Lions @ Atlanta Falcons | Lions TV Network, WAGA-TV/FOX 5 |
| Fri, Aug 8 | 7:00 pm | Cleveland Browns @ Carolina Panthers | WEWS, NFL Network |
| Fri, Aug 8 | 7:30 pm | Washington Commanders @ New England Patriots | Patriots Preseason Net, WUSA 9 |
| Sat, Aug 9 | 1:00 pm | New York Giants @ Buffalo Bills | TBA, WIVB, NFL Network |
| Sat, Aug 9 | 4:00 pm | Houston Texans @ Minnesota Vikings | TBA, FOX 9, NFL Network |
| Sat, Aug 9 | 7:00 pm | Pittsburgh Steelers @ Jacksonville Jaguars | KDKA-TV, FOX30 |
| Sat, Aug 9 | 7:00 pm | Dallas Cowboys @ Los Angeles Rams | TBA, KABC |
| Sat, Aug 9 | 7:30 pm | Tennessee Titans @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers | TBA |
| Sat, Aug 9 | 8:00 pm | Kansas City Chiefs @ Arizona Cardinals | KSHB 41, TBA |
| Sat, Aug 9 | 8:00 pm | New York Jets @ Green Bay Packers | TBA, Packers TV Net, NFL Network |
| Sat, Aug 9 | 8:30 pm | Denver Broncos @ San Francisco 49ers | 9NEWS, KPIX 5 (CBS) |
| Sun, Aug 10 | 1:00 pm | Miami Dolphins @ Chicago Bears | CBS Miami, Bears Net, NFL Network |
| Sun, Aug 10 | 4:05 pm | New Orleans Saints @ Los Angeles Chargers | Gray TV, CBS2, NFL Network |
| Fri, Aug 15 | 7:00 pm | Tennessee Titans @ Atlanta Falcons | WAGA-TV/FOX 5, NFL Network |
| Fri, Aug 15 | 10:00 pm | Kansas City Chiefs @ Seattle Seahawks | KSHB 41, KING 5, NFL Network |
| Sat, Aug 16 | 1:00 pm | Miami Dolphins @ Detroit Lions | CBS Miami, Lions TV Network |
| Sat, Aug 16 | 1:00 pm | Carolina Panthers @ Houston Texans | TBA, KTRK |
| Sat, Aug 16 | 1:00 pm | Green Bay Packers @ Indianapolis Colts | Packers TV Net, CBS4 |
| Sat, Aug 16 | 1:00 pm | New England Patriots @ Minnesota Vikings | Patriots Preseason Net, FOX 9 |
| Sat, Aug 16 | 1:00 pm | Cleveland Browns @ Philadelphia Eagles | WEWS, NBC10, NFL Network |
| Sat, Aug 16 | 4:00 pm | San Francisco 49ers @ Las Vegas Raiders | KPIX 5 (CBS), FOX5 Las Vegas, NFL Network |
| Sat, Aug 16 | 7:00 pm | Baltimore Ravens @ Dallas Cowboys | WBAL-TV, TBD |
| Sat, Aug 16 | 7:00 pm | Los Angeles Chargers @ Los Angeles Rams | CBS2, KABC |
| Sat, Aug 16 | 7:00 pm | New York Jets @ New York Giants | WCBS-TV 2, NFL Network |
| Sat, Aug 16 | 7:00 pm | Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Pittsburgh Steelers | KDKA-TV, NFL Network |
| Sat, Aug 16 | 9:30 pm | Arizona Cardinals @ Denver Broncos | 9NEWS, NFL Network |
| Sun, Aug 17 | 1:00 pm | Jacksonville Jaguars @ New Orleans Saints | CBS47, Gray TV, NFL Network |
| Sun, Aug 17 | 8:00 pm | Buffalo Bills @ Chicago Bears | FOX |
How to Watch the 2025 NFL Preseason
Watching preseason football can be tricky due to regional broadcasts and limited national coverage, but here’s a guide to help you catch your team in action:
National Networks
- Select games will air on NBC, CBS, FOX, and ESPN.
- NFL Network will carry a mix of live and replayed games across all three weeks.
Local TV Broadcasts
- Most games will air on regional affiliates, depending on your location and the teams playing.
Streaming Options
- NFL+: Streams all out-of-market preseason games live.
- Prime Video: Will exclusively stream Patriots vs. Giants in Week 3.
- Other platforms like Fubo, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream offer access to most games depending on channel availability.
Why the Preseason Matters
While preseason games don’t count in the standings, they play a vital role in shaping the season ahead. Coaches use this period to:
- Evaluate roster depth
- Test new playbooks
- Identify breakout players
- Make crucial decisions on starting roles and final 53-man rosters
For fans, it’s a front-row seat to the rise of future stars—and perhaps a few surprises.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NFL Preseason offers a month-long showcase of grit, talent, and strategy as all 32 teams prepare for another unforgettable campaign. Whether you’re cheering for a rookie underdog or watching your team’s new quarterback take the reins, there’s no shortage of excitement.
Mark your calendars. Football is back.