We are all aware that preseason games are essentially exhibitions that do not count against a team’s regular-season record. But after a lengthy offseason without any NFL football, the preseason can’t come soon enough. Fans tuned in last year to witness the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the New York Jets in their preseason opener. You didn’t have to be a fan of either club to be interested in this contest.
In recent years, the NFL has reduced its preseason schedule to three games, with a 17-game regular season schedule added in 2021. Only two teams, those competing in the Hall of Fame game, will play a fourth preseason game in 2024. So, when does the NFL preseason begin, and which clubs will kick off first this year? Here’s everything you should know.
When does the NFL preseason start?
The first game of the NFL preseason will begin on Thursday, August 1 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This will be a battle between two uncommon opponents as the Chicago Bears host the Houston Texans for the 2024 Hall of Fame Game.
This is an opportune game to highlight the duel of talented young quarterbacks, as first-round pick Caleb Williams will make his debut against 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. However, because these two teams have an extra preseason game this year, starters are likely to play sparingly in this game, and some may not even take the field during the Hall of Fame game.
When does Week 1 of the NFL preseason start?
Though the Hall of Fame formally kicks off the 2024 preseason on August 1, Week 1 of the NFL preseason begins one week later. The Patriots will host the Panthers and the Giants will host the Lions in Week 1 of the preseason on Thursday, August 8. Both of these games start at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The remaining 28 clubs will play Week 1 of the 2024 preseason on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. The Dallas Cowboys will face the Los Angeles Rams at 4:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network to finish Week 1 of the preseason.
Hall of Fame Game and preseason Week 1 schedule
NFL Hall of Fame Game: Aug. 1
- Houston Texans vs. Chicago Bears (ESPN/ABC), 8 p.m.
Week 1
Thursday, Aug. 8
- Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots, 7 p.m.
- Detroit Lions at New York Giants, 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 9
- Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins, 7 p.m.
- Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers, 7 p.m.
- Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 10
- Washington Commanders at New York Jets, noon
- Chicago Bears at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.
- Las Vegas Raiders at Minnesota Vikings, 4 p.m.
- Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns, 4:25 p.m.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals, 7 p.m.
- Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars, 7 p.m.
- San Francisco 49ers at Tennessee Titans, 7 p.m.
- Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Chargers, 7:05 p.m.
- New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 11
- Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m.
- Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams, 4:30 p.m.
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