There’s always something on the line in NFL preseason, even when the wins don’t officially count. With plenty of new faces on rosters and battles for starting jobs, fans get a first look at how teams are shaping up for the 2025 campaign.
This weekend brings nonstop football action, with Saturday loaded full of afternoon matchups and Sunday offering a few that could preview what’s ahead come September. Whether you’re watching for rookies, veterans, or just the fun rivalries, every snap matters for those trying to make a name.
Which Key Showdowns Highlight the Saturday NFL Preseason Slate?
Friday night gave fans a taste, with the Seahawks coming out on top against the AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs, and the Tennessee Titans edging out the Atlanta Falcons by a 23-20 final score. That momentum carries into a jam-packed Saturday, with games kicking off from early afternoon into late night.
Check out the full schedule for Friday to see how things started.
Detroit Lions vs. Miami Dolphins
- Start Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local
Green Bay Packers vs. Indianapolis Colts
- Start Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local
New England Patriots vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Start Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local
Cleveland Browns vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Start Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local and NFL Network
San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders
- Start Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local and NFL Network
Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Start Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local and NFL+
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Start Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local and NFL+
New York Jets vs. New York Giants
- Start Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local and NFL Network
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Start Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local
Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos
- Start Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local and NFL Network
What Matchups Should Fans Watch on Sunday, August 17?
The preseason continues through the weekend, with three more games set for Sunday. As teams hit the two-week mark before the regular season begins, players and coaches try to find rhythm and figure out exactly where they stand. These final exhibition games matter for roster spots and setting the tone heading into September.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New Orleans Saints
- Start Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local and NFL Network
Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears
- Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Channel: Fox
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Commanders
- Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
Plenty of teams are sitting regular starters to avoid injury, especially with the regular season only weeks away.
The games may not count in the standings, but each franchise hopes for a sharp start and progress from last year’s results.
Teams looking to bounce back from tough 2024 campaigns are just as eager as those fighting to lock in contender status for the upcoming campaign.
Plus, Saturday’s lineup features a couple of stadium rivalries. The New York Jets and New York Giants meet up at MetLife Stadium, and in Los Angeles, the Chargers take on the Rams at SoFi Stadium. Sharing home turf always brings a bit of extra juice, so expect plenty of intensity when those teams hit the field.
