What’s the NFL Preseason Schedule?

Find out when your favorite NFL teams are playing in the preseason so you can catch all the action.

Introduction

The National Football League preseason is the period each year during which NFL teams play several not-for-the-competition exhibition games before the regular season starts.

Preseason Schedule

Here is the NFL preseason schedule for the upcoming season. Check it out to see when your favorite team is playing.

Preseason Week 1

Preseason Week 1 is generally considered to be the least important of the four weeks, as starters play the least amount of snaps and many veteran players do not even suit up. That being said, there are still some key things to watch for during these games. One is how well rookies perform against other professional opponents for the first time. Another is how well players recovering from injury look in game action. Finally, it is worth paying attention to any rotational battles that might be taking place between backups vying for a roster spot.

Preseason Week 2

Most teams will play their starters for the first time in the second week of preseason action. This is still considered the “preseason,” but for many fans, it is the most important part of the exhibition season. Preseason games are not typically televised in local markets, but they are available through NFL Game Pass.

Week 2 of the NFL preseason is typically when starters see their most playing time before the regular season begins. These games are used to help coaches make final decisions on their 53-man rosters. Cuts to get down to that number must be made by August 31.

Preseason Week 3

Preseason Week 3 is when starters typically play the most. We will see the closest competition to what the regular season has to offer, as position battles are still ongoing and players are looking to make that final impact before the roster is cut down to 53.

Preseason Week 4

During preseason Week 4, most starters will sit out the entire game as coaches try to get a look at the fringe players on their roster. This is the final week of the preseason, and it is typically referred to as “Dress Rehearsal Week” because starters will play into the third quarter.

Conclusion

The preseason is a time for teams to experiment with their rosters and to find the best players for the regular season.

The NFL preseason schedule typically features four games, with each team playing two home games and two away games. The order of the games is determined by a rotating schedule, so each team plays one game at home and one game away against each of the other teams in their conference.

The preseason schedule is typically released in April, and the games are played in August.