sportingnews
Just six months after the Seattle Seahawks claimed the Super Bowl title, the NFL is set to return for the 2026 preseason. The annual Hall of Fame Game will serve as the opening act, leading into three weeks of exhibition play as teams begin preparations for the regular season.
While many veteran stars are expected to see limited action, the preseason will offer a first look at new additions, including rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza of the Raiders, and the much-anticipated return of Patrick Mahomes from injury. Position battles across the league will also provide plenty of intrigue for fans.
Broadcast and Streaming Options
Preseason games will be available on a variety of platforms, including NBC, CBS, ESPN, NFL Network, and local stations. Streaming options include fubo, the ESPN app, Prime Video, Paramount+, and Peacock. National partners will each air one exclusive game, while other contests will be shown on local channels and simulcast on NFL Network and the ESPN app.
Here is the full schedule of games, with times in ET and viewing options:
Hall of Fame Game (Aug. 6): Cardinals vs. Panthers, 8 p.m., NBC, fubo, Peacock (at Canton, Ohio).
Week 1 (Aug. 13-15): Highlights include Bengals at Lions, Steelers at Packers, Raiders at Cardinals, and Seahawks at Cowboys. Games air on local channels, NFL Network, and ESPN app.
Week 2 (Aug. 20-23): Notable matchups include Texans at Raiders on ESPN, Chargers at 49ers, and Titans at Seahawks on Fox. Other games feature NFL Network and local broadcasts.
Week 3 (Aug. 27-29): The final week of preseason includes Eagles at Bengals on CBS, Chiefs at Seahawks, and Cowboys at Saints. Several games are on NFL Network and Prime Video.
Fans can also stream many games via fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. With football back, there is no shortage of ways to watch the action unfold.
Originally reported by sportingnews.