The highly anticipated 2025 NFL preseason schedule has officially been released, and football fans across the nation are getting ready to welcome back their favorite teams to the field. The preseason serves as a pivotal lead-in to the regular season, highlighting fresh talent, revamped rosters, and coaching experiments. This year’s preseason promises key matchups, emerging rookies to watch, and stadiums full of excitement as the league kicks off another thrilling year of football.
The 2025 preseason is scheduled to run from August 1 through August 24, with a total of three weeks of games for most teams (except those participating in the annual Hall of Fame Game, who will play four). While preseason games do not count toward the regular season record, they are crucial for finalizing rosters and evaluating on-field tactics.
Hall of Fame Game
The preseason begins with the traditional Hall of Fame Game on August 1, 2025 in Canton, Ohio at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. This year’s matchup pits two iconic franchises:
- Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Location: Canton, Ohio
- Time: 8:00 PM ET (NBC)
This special game coincides with the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class induction and provides a glimpse into each team’s offseason decisions. Fans also eagerly anticipate this event as it marks the first televised NFL game since the previous season’s Super Bowl.
Preseason Week 1: August 7–10
The first full week of preseason action kicks off the weekend after the Hall of Fame Game. Each team (excluding those playing in the Hall of Fame Game) will take to the field for the first time. Notable games include:
- Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – A classic AFC East clash to ignite early rivalries.
- Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers – Two perennial playoff teams meet in the preseason with a spotlight on backup QBs.
- Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions – A test of defensive rookies from the 2025 draft class.
Each game will be played at the home stadium of the team listed second. Week 1 typically features limited action from starting quarterbacks, giving younger players a stage to shine.
Preseason Week 2: August 14–17
Week 2 is often considered the most important week for evaluating starters. Many coaches treat this as a ‘dress rehearsal’ game, allowing first-team units to play well into the second quarter or early third. Some matchups to mark on your calendar:
- Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers – A major NFC West rivalry showcasing West Coast offenses.
- Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles – Two dual-threat quarterbacks on display.
- New York Jets at Chicago Bears – Both teams are trying to integrate rookie quarterbacks into starting roles.
This week is especially critical for undrafted free agents and players on the depth chart bubble. Coaches begin to shape final 53-man rosters based on Week 2 performance, and standout moments here can be career-defining.
Preseason Week 3: August 21–24
The final week of the 2025 preseason will see teams limiting starter snaps dramatically. Coaches focus on evaluating backups, potential special teams aces, and finalizing their regular season lineups. Final cuts are traditionally made the Monday following Week 3.
Highlighted matchups include:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins – A Florida showdown featuring depth battles at every position.
- Denver Broncos at Arizona Cardinals – A chance to see how quarterback competitions are shaking out.
- Los Angeles Rams at Las Vegas Raiders – West Coast foes with multiple open spots on both squads.
Following this final week, all NFL teams must trim their rosters from 90 to 53 players, setting the stage for the regular season kickoff on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
International Preseason Games
The NFL will also take the game abroad in 2025, with two preseason games scheduled internationally. This is part of the league’s growing commitment to global expansion and building a fanbase outside the United States.
- New Orleans Saints vs. Chicago Bears – London, England (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
- Los Angeles Chargers vs. New York Giants – Munich, Germany (Allianz Arena)
These games are set for Week 2 and will undoubtedly garner international attention and packed stadiums.
Complete Week-by-Week Breakdown of 2025 Preseason Schedule
Week 1: August 7–10
- Atlanta Falcons at Washington Commanders
- Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
- Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
- Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers
- Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Week 2: August 14–17
- Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
- Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles
- New York Jets at Chicago Bears
- Saints vs. Bears – London
- Chargers vs. Giants – Munich
Week 3: August 21–24
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins
- Denver Broncos at Arizona Cardinals
- Los Angeles Rams at Las Vegas Raiders
Players and Coaches to Watch
The 2025 preseason is loaded with intriguing figures worth following:
- Caleb Martin (QB – Chicago Bears): No.1 overall pick trying to secure the starting quarterback position as a rookie.
- Mike Daniels (RB – New England Patriots): Explosive third-round selection looking to contribute immediately on offense.
- Coach Leah Simmons (Arizona Cardinals): The NFL’s first female head coach will command sideline attention throughout the preseason.
While many stars will sit, these preseason games provide ample opportunity for the next wave of NFL talent to emerge and for coaching innovations to be previewed.
Preseason 2025 – Final Thoughts
Though often overlooked compared to the regular season, the NFL preseason is a critical proving ground. For fans eager to see how draft picks pan out, how coaches align their strategies, and which players make the cut, the 2025 preseason will not disappoint. With exciting matchups, international exposure, and intense position battles, football is truly back—and it starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When does the 2025 NFL preseason start?
- The 2025 preseason officially starts on August 1 with the Hall of Fame Game.
- How many preseason games do teams play?
- Most teams will play 3 preseason games. The Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers, who are playing in the Hall of Fame Game, will play 4.
- Where can I watch preseason games?
- Games will be broadcast on NBC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, and NFL Network. Some may also stream on NFL+ and team websites.
- Are there any international preseason games this year?
- Yes, there are two international preseason games in 2025: Saints vs. Bears in London and Chargers vs. Giants in Munich.
- Do preseason wins and losses count?
- No, preseason records do not affect a team’s regular season standings.
- When are final rosters due?
- Teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by August 26, 2025, the Monday after Week 3 ends.