The NFL offseason evaluation window reaches its final stage as teams enter the third week of exhibition play. Following weeks of positional battles, joint practices, and depth chart shuffling, all 32 front offices face their most consequential evaluations of the summer.
With mandatory 53-man roster cutdowns scheduled for Sunday, August 30, coaching staffs must resolve remaining roster bubble decisions over a final three-day game slate.
The exhibition schedule resumes on Thursday, August 27, giving unproven rookies and reserve veterans one final opportunity to earn active roster spots before regular-season game planning begins.
NFL Games Today: Are There Any Week 3 Preseason Games on Thursday?
Four NFL preseason games are scheduled for Thursday, August 27, marking the final week of exhibition play. Prime Video anchors tonight’s broadcast package with an exclusive preseason matchup between the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns at 8:00 p.m. ET.
The Thursday night action begins at 7:00 p.m. ET on NFL Network, where the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to face the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. At 8:00 p.m. ET, alongside the Patriots and Browns, the Las Vegas Raiders host the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in a regional television broadcast.
The evening concludes on the West Coast at 10:00 p.m. ET, as the Los Angeles Rams battle the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, with the game airing nationally on NFL Network.
Tonight’s contests provide key depth players with their final extensive snaps before coaching staffs begin finalizing active roster configurations.
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator
Full 2026 NFL Preseason Week 3 Schedule, Dates & Streaming Details
Preseason Week 3 spans three consecutive days from Thursday, August 27, through Saturday, August 29, featuring 16 total exhibition games. This final slate serves as the direct transition into regular-season preparation.
National coverage throughout the week is carried by Prime Video, CBS, and NFL Network, with remaining regional broadcasts distributed via local network affiliates. Live streaming options across all platforms include NFL+, Peacock, Paramount+, FuboTV, and YouTube TV.
START PREPARING: PFN’s Free Fantasy Draft Simulator
Thursday, August 27
- Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills, 7:00 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns, 8:00 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
- San Francisco 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders, 8:00 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers, 10:00 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
Friday, August 28
- Washington Commanders at Baltimore Ravens, 6:00 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers, 7:00 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins, 7:00 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 7:30 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- New York Giants at New York Jets, 7:30 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys, 8:00 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs, 8:00 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
- Arizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers, 8:00 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos, 9:00 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
Saturday, August 29
- Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts, 1:00 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans, 6:00 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
Final Cutdown Deadlines and Waiver Wire Rules
Once Saturday’s preseason finale concludes, all 32 teams must submit their official 53-man active rosters by Sunday, August 30, at 6:00 p.m. ET. Players cut during this deadline clear waivers on Monday, August 31, at 1:00 p.m. ET, allowing teams to form 17-player practice squads (16 core spots plus one international roster exemption) before beginning preparations for the regular-season opener on Wednesday, September 9.
