NFL Preseason: Schedule, How To Watch, and More
The NFL preseason has arrived. Here’s a look at the upcoming national TV schedule, plus how to watch the most NFL football with Sling TV.
Are you ready for some football? No, seriously, you need to ask yourself if you’re prepared for the upcoming season. Your Sundays will be oriented around a full afternoon of games, and there are at least three nights of additional action on the gridiron every week.
The NFL Preseason is almost here, and it gives you the opportunity to test out the routines that will become rituals by the end of the 18-week regular season. First up is the annual Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Aug. 6, followed by the first full week of preseason games on Aug. 13.
Here’s a look at the full schedule of nationally televised NFL Preseason games, plus how to watch all of them with Sling. To watch preseason football for the best price on Sling, use the link below to subscribe to Sling Essentials + Select with games on NFL Network and ESPN, plus NBC and FOX in designated markets.
When Does the NFL Preseason Start?
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As always, the Hall of Fame Game kicks off the NFL Preseason. Played in Canton, OH at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, the Hall of Fame Game typically features two teams with a player or players who are about to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
This year, that means the Arizona Cardinals will participate on behalf of their legendary receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. They’ll face the Carolina Panthers, whose formidable linebacker Luke Kuechly will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame (the other members of the 2026 class include Super Bowl-winning QB Drew Brees, former 49ers running back Roger Craig, and the NFL’s all-time leading scorer, kicker Adam Vinatieri).
The Hall of Fame Game is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6 at 8 PM ET on NBC. The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony takes place on Saturday, Aug. 8 from Noon to 2:30 PM ET on ESPN and NFL Network.
When is Week 1 of the Preseason?
The rest of the NFL gets another week of training camp before they begin their preseason schedule. Week 1 of the preseason begins at 7pm ET on Thursday, Aug. 13, with the Green Bay Packers traveling to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a game that will air on NFL Network (Sling Blue). Week 1 of the preseason wraps up on Saturday, Aug. 15; check out the national TV schedule below. There are also additional nationally-televised games airing each week of the preseason, with the vast majority on NFL Network. Keep in mind, live preseason games on NFL Network may be subject to local and other geographic blackouts.
How Many Weeks is the NFL Preseason?
With the expansion of the regular season to 17 games in 2022, there are now just three weeks of preseason games (not including the Hall of Fame Game). The final week of the preseason is from Aug. 27-29, and the NFL Regular Season kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
How to Watch NFL Preseason Games with Sling TV
Preseason and regular season NFL games are available on the following channels with Sling:
- NFL Network - Available with Sling Blue, Select, Orange + Blue, or Essentials + Select.
- ESPN - Available with Sling Orange, Essentials, Orange + Blue, or Essentials + Select.
- NBC - Available with Sling Blue, Select, Orange + Blue, or Essentials + Select in designated markets.
- FOX - Available with Sling Blue, Select, Orange + Blue, or Essentials + Select in designated markets.
NOTE: Sling does not carry CBS or Amazon Prime Video.
Check out the full national TV schedule for the NFL Preseason below. To watch the most pro and college football with Sling, use the link below to subscribe to Sling Orange + Blue with Sports Extras.