Preseason reminder: Football returns Thursday, August 6, when the Carolina Panthers face the Arizona Cardinals in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at 8:00 p.m. ET.
The wait is nearly over. The 2026 NFL preseason begins in Canton, Ohio, before all 32 teams enter the schedule the following week.
Panthers vs. Cardinals Opens the Preseason
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC. Carolina and Arizona will each play four preseason games because of their participation in the Hall of Fame Game. The other 30 teams are scheduled to play three.
For Arizona, attention will fall on the offense surrounding Trey McBride and the continued leadership of safety Budda Baker. Carolina gets an early opportunity to evaluate its developing roster before meeting Buffalo, Jacksonville and Houston later in August.
The final score is only part of the story. Coaches will be studying young players, new signings and position battles that could determine the final 53-player rosters.
Key NFL Preseason Week 1 Matchups
The first full preseason week runs from August 13 through August 16. Notable matchups include:
- Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals
- Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers
- Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans
- Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers
- Miami Dolphins at Washington Commanders
- Los Angeles Rams at Kansas City Chiefs
- Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks
- Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens
Fans can confirm every date and kickoff time on the official NFL preseason schedule.
What Fans Should Watch
Preseason football asks different questions from the regular season. Which rookie looks ready for an immediate role? Which backup quarterback can control the offense? Are unexpected battles developing at running back, wide receiver or in the secondary?
Established stars may play briefly or sit out. Some of the most revealing moments arrive later, when rookies, undrafted players and roster hopefuls are playing for their NFL futures.
How to Watch the 2026 NFL Preseason
Broadcast availability varies by location and matchup. The Hall of Fame Game will air nationally on NBC, while other preseason games may appear on national networks, local team affiliates or NFL+. According to the NFL viewing guide, NFL+ offers live out-of-market preseason games on supported devices, subject to its current viewing terms.
BexyTV users should check the program guide for the exact channel and matchup, test playback before kickoff and confirm that the television or streaming device they plan to use is ready.
Get Ready for NFL Preseason
Use the 24-hour trial to check available football channels, the program guide and playback on your preferred device before game time.
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Panthers vs. Cardinals on August 6 is the first step toward another full NFL season. The preseason will not answer every question, but it will introduce new players, reveal genuine roster battles and give football fans their first live look at what each team is building.