The NFL preseason looks slightly different for the two teams selected to play in the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. While most NFL clubs play three preseason games, the Hall of Fame Game participants receive an additional exhibition matchup before the regular preseason schedule begins.
For the 2026 NFL preseason, the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers opened the exhibition slate in Canton, Ohio, giving both franchises a total of four preseason games instead of the standard three.
Do Hall of Fame Game Teams Play an Extra Preseason Game?
Yes. The two teams selected to participate in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game play four preseason games.
Since the NFL expanded the regular season to 17 games in 2021, the league reduced the standard preseason schedule from four games to three for most teams. However, the Hall of Fame Game remains an exception, allowing its participants to play one additional exhibition contest.
2026 NFL Preseason
- Arizona Cardinals: 4 preseason games
- Carolina Panthers: 4 preseason games
- Remaining 30 NFL teams: 3 preseason games
Why Do Hall of Fame Game Teams Play Four Games?
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game serves as the ceremonial kickoff to the NFL preseason and is played during Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week in Canton, Ohio.
The extra game gives coaching staffs additional opportunities to:
- Evaluate rookies in live game situations.
- Give backup quarterbacks more playing time.
- Assess undrafted free agents competing for roster spots.
- Rotate younger players before final roster decisions.
Because of the added preseason contest, teams generally limit the playing time of established veterans and star players in the Hall of Fame Game. Instead, coaches use the matchup primarily to evaluate depth across the roster.
Do Starters Usually Play in the Hall of Fame Game?
In most seasons, very few starters play significant snaps in the Hall of Fame Game. Many teams either hold their starters out entirely or limit them to a brief appearance.
The focus is on player evaluation rather than game results, allowing coaches to gather film on rookies, reserves, and players battling for positions on the 53-man roster.
Does the Extra Game Affect the Regular Season?
No. The additional preseason game does not change the regular-season schedule.
Every NFL team still plays:
- 17 regular-season games
- One bye week
The Hall of Fame Game simply adds an extra exhibition contest before the rest of the league begins preseason play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams play four preseason games?
Only the two teams selected for the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game play four preseason games.
Why doesn’t every NFL team play four preseason games?
When the NFL expanded the regular season to 17 games, it reduced the standard preseason schedule to three games to lessen the overall workload on players. The Hall of Fame Game remained as the lone exception.
Who played in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game?
The Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers opened the 2026 NFL preseason in Canton, Ohio, each earning an extra preseason game.
Final Thoughts
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game remains a unique part of the NFL calendar. While every other franchise plays three preseason games, the two participating teams receive a fourth exhibition, giving coaches additional opportunities to evaluate talent before the regular season begins.
Although the extra game rarely features many starters, it provides valuable experience for rookies and players fighting to make the final roster, making it one of the most important evaluation tools of the preseason.