Introduction to NFL Preseason Schedule
We’ve reached the finish line for the 2025 NFL preseason. NFL teams enter the third and final week of exhibition games with plenty of things still to sort out. Two more teams named their regular-season starting quarterbacks this week, and there’s still one ongoing competition. Week 3 of the preseason could be the final chance this year to see big-name college stars who might not play much in the pros, too.
With kickoff between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys on NBC and Peacock just two weeks away on Sept. 4, meaningful football is finally within sight.
When Does the NFL Preseason End?
Exhibition football ends this weekend. The preseason began with the Hall of Fame Game on July 31, when the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Detroit Lions in Canton, Ohio. Week 1, with all 32 teams in action, took place last week from Aug. 7-10. The preseason continued in Week 2 from Aug. 15-18.
To wrap things up, Week 3 is set for Aug. 21-23. The last preseason games will be played on Saturday, Aug. 23, followed by a week off before the regular season gets underway Thursday, Sept. 4, on NBC and Peacock.
Preseason NFL Schedule Week 3
The final week of the preseason features eight games on national TV/streaming, including a Thursday Night Football matchup. Here’s the full Week 3 preseason schedule:
Thursday, Aug. 21
Friday, Aug. 22
Saturday, Aug. 23
- Baltimore Ravens at Washington Commanders, 12 p.m. ET
- Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET
- Los Angeles Rams at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET
- Houston Texans at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET
- Denver Broncos at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET
- Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers, 4 p.m. ET
- Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins, 7 p.m. ET
- Buffalo Bills at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Los Angeles Chargers at San Francisco 49ers, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Las Vegas Raiders at Arizona Cardinals, 10 p.m. ET
The NFL will switch from traditional chain gangs to advanced camera technology, Sony’s hawk-eye system, as the primary method of measuring first downs for the upcoming season.
Which NFL Preseason Games Are on TV This Week?
As previously mentioned, eight games will be available to watch nationally in Week 3 on NFL Network, Prime Video or CBS. Here are the games airing each day:
Thursday
- NFL Network: Steelers-Panthers
- Prime Video: Patriots-Giants
Friday
- NFL Network: Falcons-Cowboys
- CBS: Vikings-Titans
Saturday
- NFL Network: Rams-Browns, Seahawks-Packers, Jaguars-Dolphins and Raiders-Cardinals
How to Watch Preseason NFL Games
Aside from the national games, you can also watch preseason games locally on each team’s TV affiliate network in your market. Live out-of-market preseason games are available to watch with NFL+. NFL Sunday Ticket, which is used during the regular season, does not apply to the preseason.
Here’s what we know so far about the 2025 NFL schedule, which includes seven global games for the first time in league history.
NFL Starters Playing in Week 3 Preseason 2025
With just three games to get ready for the regular season, teams have mixed philosophies on the preseason. Some teams, like the Rams, never play their starters in any preseason games. Others play their starters in select games for certain amounts of time, depending on the situation.
Coaches are beginning to reveal their plans for starters in Week 3. Here’s a roundup of which starters will or won’t play this week, as of Wednesday, Aug. 20:
- Steelers: All healthy starters, with the exception of Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, could play in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale, coach Mike Tomlin said.
- Falcons: Quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins will not play in Atlanta’s preseason finale, coach Raheem Morris said.
- Chiefs: All starters, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, will play in Kansas City’s preseason finale, coach Andy Reid said.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL preseason is coming to a close, and teams are finalizing their preparations for the regular season. With several games available to watch nationally, fans can catch a glimpse of their favorite teams in action before the real games begin. The use of advanced technology, such as Sony’s hawk-eye system, will also be implemented to improve the accuracy of first down measurements.
FAQs
- Q: When does the NFL preseason end?
A: The NFL preseason ends on Saturday, Aug. 23. - Q: Which teams will play in the final week of the preseason?
A: All 32 teams will play in the final week of the preseason, with games scheduled from Aug. 21-23. - Q: How can I watch preseason NFL games?
A: Preseason games can be watched locally on each team’s TV affiliate network, or through NFL+ for live out-of-market games. - Q: Will NFL starters play in Week 3 of the preseason?
A: Some teams will play their starters in Week 3, while others will not. Coaches are beginning to reveal their plans for starters in the final week of the preseason.
