Week 1 of 2026 NFL preseason showcases quarterback contests and coaching shifts
The first full slate of 2026 NFL preseason games begins Thursday, featuring 16 matchups that highlight roster battles, new coaching staff, and emerging talent across the league.
The NFL preseason opened with the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6, where the Carolina Panthers edged the Arizona Cardinals 33-30. A full week of action follows on Thursday and Friday, with 16 games scheduled for Week 1 of the 2026 preseason.
Although the outcomes do not affect regular-season records, the games provide teams an opportunity to evaluate quarterbacks, rookies and veterans, and to solidify new coaching schemes after a busy offseason of hires and trades.
Thursday’s Thursday night slate includes the Lions versus the Bengals, where the Bengals aim to improve a defense that could ease the burden on quarterback Joe Burrow and his receivers. The Packers face the Steelers in the first game since Mike Tomlin’s departure; former Packers coach Mike McCarthy will lead the Steelers against his former quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has said he will not play in the preseason.
The Colts host the Patriots, with New England’s wide-receiver group under scrutiny after adding A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, while the Patriots decide the future of depth-chart receiver Kayshon Boutte. The Chargers meet the Texans as both clubs finalize their cornerback rosters, and the Cardinals play the Raiders, where Arizona’s quarterback Jacoby Brissett will start after Carson Beck’s rib injury.
In the evening, the Titans take on the 49ers, marking defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s debut as Tennessee’s head coach. The Dolphins travel to Washington, where the Commanders must address an offensive-line shortage after Laremy Tunsil’s injury.
Friday’s games feature the Broncos versus the Falcons, with Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa starting over Michael Penix Jr., and the Buccaneers hosting the Jets, where Geno Smith returns to New York and offensive coordinator Frank Reich seeks to revitalize the Jets’ offense.
Saturday’s matchups include the Browns against the Bears, a contest that could influence the Browns’ quarterback race between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. The Panthers face the Bills, giving running back Jonathon Brooks his first game action since a second ACL tear. The Vikings play the Giants, with Kyler Murray confirmed as Minnesota’s starter and J.J. McCarthy serving as backup.
The Rams host the Chiefs, with Patrick Mahomes sidelined for injury rehab and backups Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier expected to see playing time. The Jaguars meet the Saints, offering a look at rookie classes and a chance for Spencer Rattler to showcase his abilities.
The final game of the weekend pits the Eagles against the Ravens, where new head coach Jesse Minter makes his debut, ending John Harbaugh’s 17-year tenure. The Cowboys travel to Seattle, where the defending Super Bowl champions will be evaluated after offseason roster changes, including the loss of Kenneth Walker III.