Your Summer Football Fix: NFL Announces Five Nationally Televised Preseason Games

For Football fans, the wait between the Super Bowl and the regular season can feel like an eternity. But fear not, the first glimpse of gridiron action is just around the corner! The NFL has officially announced its schedule for five nationally televised preseason games, offering fans across the United States a chance to see their favorite teams and exciting new rookies before the intensity of September kicks in.

While preseason games might not count in the standings, they offer a valuable sneak peek at roster battles, player development, and the overall trajectory of teams heading into the highly anticipated 2025 season. These nationally broadcast matchups are particularly enticing, giving a wider audience access to key storylines.

Let’s break down the full schedule of these must-watch preseason contests:

Game 1: The Hall of Fame Game – A Traditional Kickoff

Matchup: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Detroit Lions

Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Network: NBC

Location: Canton, Ohio (Pro Football Hall of Fame)

The preseason always officially kicks off with the Hall of Fame Game, a special event held in Canton, Ohio, as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement festivities. This year, the Los Angeles Chargers will face off against the Detroit Lions.

Why Watch?

This game is often about seeing players who might be on the bubble, fighting for a roster spot. For the Chargers, it’s an early look at their new coaching staff and how they’re implementing their system. The Lions, a team on the rise, will likely use this as a chance to shake off the rust and evaluate their depth. Plus, it’s the official return of NFL football – a reason to celebrate in itself!

Game 2: Week 2 Sunday Night Showcase

Matchup: Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears

Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Network: FOX

Location: Chicago

Week 2 of the preseason brings a highly anticipated matchup between two teams with big expectations. The Buffalo Bills, perennial AFC contenders, travel to Chicago to take on the Bears.

Why Watch?

This game offers a prime opportunity to see how the Bills’ offense, led by Josh Allen, is gelling. For the Bears, all eyes will likely be on their young quarterback (potentially Caleb Williams, if he’s starting by then) and how he performs against a top-tier NFL defense. It’s a chance for Chicago to showcase their progress and excite their fanbase.

Game 3: Monday Night Football Warm-up

Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Commanders

Date: Monday, August 18, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Network: ESPN

Location: Washington D.C.

ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” gets a preseason dress rehearsal as the Cincinnati Bengals head to the nation’s capital to face the Washington Commanders.

Why Watch?

The Bengals, led by star quarterback Joe Burrow, will be looking to fine-tune their high-powered offense. For the Commanders, this game will be a crucial evaluation period, especially for their new quarterback (perhaps a rookie from the 2025 draft) and the overall direction of the team under new ownership and coaching. It’s a key opportunity for Washington to build momentum.

Game 4: Prime Time Football on a Thursday

Matchup: New England Patriots vs. New York Giants

Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Network: Prime Video

Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)

Amazon Prime Video, now a significant player in NFL broadcasting, will carry a Thursday night preseason game featuring two historic NFC East rivals: the New England Patriots visiting the New York Giants.

Why Watch?

This game has significant intrigue, particularly for the Patriots. With a new head coach and potentially a new starting quarterback, New England will be looking to establish a new identity. The Giants, under Brian Daboll, will want to show progress and build confidence heading into the regular season. This is a chance to see how two storied franchises are shaping up.

Game 5: Sunday Night Preseason Finale

Matchup: Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans

Date: Sunday, August 22, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Network: CBS

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

The final nationally televised preseason game brings us a matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Tennessee Titans on CBS.

Why Watch?

Both the Vikings and Titans could be undergoing significant changes at the quarterback position or other key roles. This game will be a critical final tune-up for both teams to finalize their rosters and strategies before the regular season begins. It’s a chance to see developing talent and witness crucial battles for starting spots.

Why Preseason Matters (Even If It Doesn’t Count)

While some fans might dismiss the preseason, these nationally televised games are incredibly important for several reasons:

• Rookie Debuts: For many, the biggest draw of the preseason is seeing the NFL’s newest stars in action for the first time. Top draft picks often get their first taste of professional football in these games, and fans get to see if their hype is justified.
• Position Battles: Coaching staffs use the preseason to evaluate players competing for starting jobs. These games provide live-action opportunities to see who performs best under pressure.
• Scheme Installation: Teams use the preseason to practice new offensive and defensive schemes against opposing players, iron out wrinkles, and ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Injury Returns: Players returning from injury often get their first game reps in the preseason, helping them get back into football shape and test their readiness for the regular season.
• Depth Chart Clarity: By the end of the preseason, the coaching staff will have a clearer picture of their 53-man roster and practice squad, and these games are crucial in making those tough decisions.
• Media Coverage and Hype: National broadcasts generate buzz and excitement for the upcoming regular season, allowing casual fans to reconnect with the sport and for major storylines to develop.

Beyond the National Games: How to Watch All the Preseason Action

While these five games are the marquee matchups, remember that every NFL team plays three preseason games (except those in the Hall of Fame Game, who play four). Most of these games will be available through:

• NFL Network: The NFL Network typically carries a significant portion of the preseason schedule, offering replays and live look-ins for many games.
• NFL+: The league’s streaming service, NFL+, provides live local and primetime regular-season games on mobile and tablet, as well as live out-of-market preseason games across all devices.
• Local Broadcasts: Many preseason games are televised on local affiliate channels in the respective team markets. If you’re a fan of a specific team, check your local listings.

So, mark your calendars! The arrival of nationally televised preseason games signals the unofficial start of the NFL season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for some early football action, these matchups offer a valuable and exciting prelude to the full regular season slate. Get ready for some football!