A fresh preseason calendar
The 2026 NFL preseason will open on August 13, with a slate of games spread across Thursday, Friday and Saturday that kick off the league’s summer showcase.
Unlike previous years, the first three weeks will not feature any Monday Night Football contests, leaving the opening Monday free of league‑wide primetime action.
The first Monday night game of the preseason is slated for September 14, when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Denver Broncos in a matchup that will spotlight quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix.
Both Mahomes and Nix are expected to see action, giving fans a first glimpse of the new offensive dynamics each quarterback brings to the field.
The regular season is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 9, with a rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots drawing early attention.
An international flavor will be added when the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams meet in Australia on September 10, marking the league’s continued push to grow its global fan base.
The Hall of Fame game, traditionally held in Canton, Ohio, served as a platform for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck to demonstrate his readiness for the upcoming preseason, highlighting several emerging talents.
All 30 NFL teams are slated to participate in preseason activities, providing rookies and veterans alike with opportunities to earn roster spots and refine their play before the regular season begins.