The NFL’s regular season may still be weeks away, but fans won’t have to wait much longer for live football action. Week 1 of the 2025 NFL preseason arrives soon, delivering a full slate of matchups, promising rookies making their professional debuts, and teams’ final opportunities to fine-tune their rosters before games start counting in the standings.
This preseason offers fans unprecedented access through multiple national broadcasts and streaming platforms, unlike previous years.
When Does NFL Preseason Week 1 Begin?
- Date: Thursday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 10
- Time: Varies by matchup (see full schedule below)
- Location: Games are played at the home stadium of the listed home team
The action kicks off just one week after the Hall of Fame Game, with Thursday night’s opener featuring the Indianapolis Colts visiting the Baltimore Ravens at 7 p.m. ET.
This matchup and seven other games throughout the weekend will air nationally on NFL Network.
Nearly every NFL team will play 16 games over four days. Fans can expect extensive quarterback rotations, first glimpses of high-profile draft picks, and several surprises as depth charts begin to take shape.
How Can Fans Watch NFL Preseason Week 1 Games?
While some preseason contests remain exclusive to local television affiliates, fans can still catch significant action without cable subscriptions.
Seven Week 1 games will receive national coverage on NFL Network, including Colts at Ravens, Raiders at Seahawks, and Browns at Panthers. NFL+ will stream additional matchups live, providing even broader access. Fans seeking to avoid local blackouts or locate their team’s broadcast should prioritize NFL Network’s national programming schedule.
Beyond NFL Network, five preseason games throughout August will air on major networks including NBC, CBS, ESPN, FOX, and Prime Video. This expanded coverage makes following preseason action more convenient than ever before.
What Time Does Each NFL Preseason Week 1 Game Start?
Thursday, Aug. 7
- Colts at Ravens – 7:00 p.m. (NFL Network)
- Bengals at Eagles – 7:30 p.m.
- Raiders at Seahawks – 10:00 p.m. (NFL Network)
Friday, Aug. 8
- Browns at Panthers – 7:00 p.m. (NFL Network)
- Lions at Falcons – 7:00 p.m.
- Commanders at Patriots – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 9
- Giants at Bills – 1:00 p.m. (NFL Network)
- Texans at Vikings – 4:00 p.m. (NFL Network)
- Steelers at Jaguars – 7:00 p.m.
- Cowboys at Rams – 7:00 p.m.
- Titans at Buccaneers – 7:30 p.m.
- Jets at Packers – 8:00 p.m. (NFL Network)
- Chiefs at Cardinals – 8:00 p.m.
- Broncos at 49ers – 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 10
- Dolphins at Bears – 1:00 p.m. (NFL Network)
- Saints at Chargers – 4:05 p.m. (NFL Network)
While established starters typically see limited preseason action, fans will witness several rookies making their professional debuts, including top selections from the 2025 NFL Draft. This period also proves crucial for bubble players fighting to secure roster spots and demonstrate their value before the regular season begins.
Compelling storylines often emerge during preseason play, setting the stage for narratives that carry into Week 1 of the regular season.
