Touchdowns and Tackles: A Thrilling Preview of the NFL 2025-26 Preseason
Every football league opens up at the same time; the NFL also opens up this year. The National Football League (NFL) is more than a competition and carnival of desire and the rigid soul of a tournament. As the NFL 2025-26 season starts, across the world, another electrifying chapter in football history begins. This NFL 2025-26 season promises to bring spine-chilling moments to fans and strategic clubs. This league faces 14 teams and a national powerhouse like challengers and contenders. The NFL merged with the American Football League, leading to the Super Bowl in U.S. sports. Now the NFL covers 32 teams and is an enlightening institution known for massive television ratings. The NFL is also fascinating, with star players and iconic rivalries, and it is cementing its effect on the American lifestyle. Dive into this season, a must-watch for every football enthusiast.
The NFL 2025-26 preseason is opening, and the original regular season will occur on September 4, 2025. The reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles are hosting the Cowboys in a tense showdown for the NFL season. Another highlight is the Chiefs vs. Ravens battle, where epic quarterbacks tussle. Kyle Hamilton anchored the Ravens’ defense, helping it becomes the scary secondary in the league. The Lions emerged as challengers, and the Jets, powered by Aaron Rodgers, made a playoff. Wild Card Weekend in the NFL saw the Browns lose to the Bills in the divisional round. The 49ers edged out the Lions and Chiefs, and the Bengals are unbeaten. In the AFC Championship, the Ravens topped, and in the NFC, the Eagles endured. Who will be the predominant players and elite clubs in this NFL season? We’ll wait to see in the 2025-26 Super Bowl season. Explore for all other games with the latest updates and information; stay tuned.
Preseason week 1 performance
On August 1, 2025, the Chargers defeated the Lions 32-7 in the Hall of Fame game. Trey Lance threw two touchdown passes, one to Will Dissly. In contrast, the Lions struggle faintly and early in the NFL game. With a key player, Jahmyr Gibbs, rested, backup quarterbacks Kyle Allen, Jared Goff, and Hendon Hooker played as alternatives. One remarkable moment was when rookie Nikko Reed returned a pick for 60 yards for the Chargers’ scoring chance. Kimani Vidal scored two rushing touchdowns, and kicker Cameron Dicker added two field goals with a lead. On the other hand, the Lions scored one touchdown, Craig Reynolds, from three yards out in the second quarter. Head coach Dan Campbell said they need to enhance ball security and the offensive side. The Chargers’ victory showcased their ability and potential to gain an advantage for their roster. This NFL season was the best one to start with modern updates.
Where can I watch the 2025-26 NFL season live streaming?
For UK viewers, you can view the NFL 2025-26 season live on Sky Sports, Channel 5, DAZN, and Now TV. Don’t miss out on the significant chances.
Experience the National Football League (NFL) on ESPN Australia and Foxtel. Foxtel Now also has coverage for Australia. Foxtel Now adds a 10-day free trial and costs AUD 29/month, added to the basics pack. Channel Seven will broadcast select games free-to-air, typically two per week, preseason and playoff games.
Don’t miss out on the NFL 2025-26 season with NFL RedZone, NFL Network, and YouTube TV, Fubo, and Hulu, subscriptions.
In Japan, the NFL 2025-26 season will be broadcast on Nippon TV G+, which broadcasts regular-season games and playoffs. NFLGO is another option that provides live and on-demand coverage of Japanese-language content.
Catch the NFL 2025-26 season, which will be broadcast on Tencent Sports, may offer limited access to NFL games for China. They are frequently unreliable, and free streams exist online and may violate copyright laws; they are not recommended for this purpose.
German football fans can access the view on RTL; channel NITRO will broadcast three games per week on TV. The NFL 2025-26 season, with German-language commentary, ProSieben MAXX, and ran.de, offers free games.
Peacock will broadcast NBC games, and the third season of a six-year deal will stream one regular-season game—indeed, this year’s week 17 Saturday night game.
The NFL is in the fourth year of a 12-year deal with Amazon Prime Video and Twitch to stream Night Football. The games will air on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.
Wonder if Netflix will broadcast two Christmas Day games in 2025, the second year of a three-year deal.
You can watch the NFL 2025-26 season, which will be broadcast on M6 and W9, and on the 6play streaming platform for France. BeIN Sports is an additional subscription-based service that provides three weekly NFL shows and live games. It also includes RedZone and the Super Bowl. The monthly subscription is about €15.
Westwood One Radio had the rights to air and stream all NFL games from national partners. ESPN Radio and Sports USA Radio Network air select afternoon games. The NFL is in the fourth season of the league’s five-year deal with SiriusXM, which telecasts all 32 teams’ local broadcasts, SiriusXM NFL Sunday Drive.
Format
The format of the National Football League (NFL) 2025-26 season is that each 32 teams play 17 games. The NFL leads with a total of 272 games to be planned in this season. Even more in-depth details about the NFL’s seven international games in Europe and Mexico. After that, the playoff format is 14 teams qualify, seven from each conference, with four division winners and three wild cards. The top tier in each conference gets a first-round bye. The Wild Card Round includes six NFL games; winners advance to the Divisional Round and Conference Championships.
Rule Changes
The NFL approached multiple rule changes for the 2025-26 season at the Owners’ Meeting.
The receiving team will open at the 35-yard line earlier; a touchback (past 30) still receives it at the 20 if the ball returns to the end zone.
Both Offensive and defensive teams will have a chance to grab the ball in overtime. Through the regular season, overtime remains limited to 10 minutes.
Any other replays officials can access now assist on-field officials with the specific condition of a play and game administration.
Unsportsmanlike conduct penalty through the “nose-wipe” touchdown celebration and with gang signs will result in 15 yards.
As per Hawk-Eye technology, it will be executed with the chain crew as a backup and a virtual line-to-gain dimension system.
The most important news at the spring league meeting was the approach to teams that can declare an onside kick. Any point when trailing, lining up one yard closer to the opponent with kicks taken from the 34-yard line.
NFL 2025–26 Season Prize Money
Stage/Event
Winning Team (per player)
Losing Team (per player)
Notes
Wild Card Round
$49,500
N/A
Only winners receive bonuses
Divisional Round
$54,500
N/A
–
Conference Championship
$77,000
N/A
–
Super Bowl LX
$178,000
$103,000
Paid within 15 days of game
Pro Bowl
$92,000
$46,000
Lower than playoff bonuses
Total Possible Bonus
Up to $350,000
–
For players on Super Bowl-winning team
NFL 2025-26 season Matchups
Event
Date(s)
Teams Involved
Location/Notes
Rookie Training Camps
July 12, 2025
All 32 teams
Begins league-wide
Veteran Training Camps
July 16–23, 2025
All 32 teams
Staggered by team
Hall of Fame Game
July 31, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Detroit Lions
Canton, Ohio
Preseason Week 1
August 7–10, 2025
All teams
First full preseason weekend
Preseason Week 2
August 15–18, 2025
All teams
Second weekend
Preseason Week 3
August 21–23, 2025
All teams
Final preseason games
Roster Cut Deadline
August 26, 2025
All teams
Must reduce to 53 players
Regular Season Kickoff
September 4, 2025
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Prime time opener
First Sunday Games
September 7, 2025
Multiple matchups
Full slate of Sunday games
Monday Night Opener
September 8, 2025
TBD
Season’s first MNF game
International Series
Sept 5 – Nov 16, 2025
7 games across 5 countries
São Paulo, London, Dublin, Berlin, Madrid
Thanksgiving Games
November 27, 2025
Cowboys, Lions + 1 another team
Annual holiday triple-header
Regular Season Ends
January 4, 2026
All teams
Week 18 concludes
Wild Card Playoffs
January 10–11, 2026
12 teams
Start of postseason
Super Bowl LX
February 8, 2026
AFC Champion vs. NFC Champion
Season finale
Note: This schedule reflects the NFL’s brief global footprint, traditional holiday matchups, and complete postseason timeline for a week-by-week breakdown of all 272 games.
Prediction
Baltimore Ravens vs Indianapolis Colts
The Baltimore Ravens will play the Indianapolis Colts on August 7, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, for preseason week 2 of 4 in the NFL 2025-26 season.
Previous Game
The Ravens open with a play in the preseason game; the joint practice follows the offense to connect with an opposing defense. Todd Monken is offensively thrilling to see Lamar Jackson air the ball out to Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews, and DeAndre Hopkins.
Indianapolis Colts played a 4-3 defense led by linebacker Zaire Franklin and team tackles last season. Nick Cross is a former Maryland standout, and new face Carvarious Ward leads the secondary. Hence, the Baltimore Ravens will have a home turf advantage to take a win in their upcoming matches.
Philadelphia Eagles vs Cincinnati Bengals
On August 7, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals will meet at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, for preseason week 2 of 4 in the 2025-26 showdown.
Previous Game
The Philadelphia Eagles ‘ updated injury player, Jalen Hurts, is more than capable through the air. Replacement if offensive line newcomer Saquon Barkley truly powers this offense. Star Wideout A.J. Brown is throwing a preseason questionable due to hamstring issues. Fullback Ben VanSumeren joined the non-participant list due to an ankle injury.
The Cincinnati Bengals had been an offensive side that was fainter and more difficult but equally fiery with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Higgins, the league’s most dangerous aerial trio. Their team has a defensive line that worries about the offensive side. Trey Hendrickson remains the Bengals’ lone consistent pass-rushing force, notching 17.5 sacks last season. This time, the Cincinnati Bengals will more likely make an edge.
Atlanta Falcons vs Detroit Lions
For preseason week 2 of 4 in the NFL 2025-26 season, the Atlanta Falcons will clash with the Detroit Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 8, 2025.
Previous Game
Bijan Robinson is a breakout squad player; this home starter can be his display. He had a past performance with 100 yards, mixing rushes and receptions, handling. Desmond Ridder had been the quarterback in the lineup and clashed with the Lions at times last season. He got a real opportunity to push past the 200-yard passing mark only.
Lions have a prime Jamhyr Gibbes make a noise after a promising rookie season. Likely, he has 80 all-purpose yards and is adding a score over Atlanta’s developing defense. Goff even the difficult one, spread the ball, and flirt with 250 passing yards. Particularly, Amon-Ra St. Brown gets a few earlier looks. Based on their performances, the Atlanta Falcons will have a home-field advantage and hold on to a triumph in their upcoming matches over the Lions.
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
At Highmark Stadium in New York, United States, the Buffalo Bills face off against the New York Giants on August 9, 2025. For the preseason week 2 of 4 in the National Football League (NFL) 2025-26 season.
Previous Game
The Bills had potential during the season, with a standout defense that effectively shut down the Cowboys and Ravens for half the season. The offense displays depth, with ten different players catching touchdown passes and is dominant at home. They battle on the road, winning only once and averaging over 14 points per game.
This team has a rich history with both sides dominating. They finished last in the NFC East with a 3-14 record and offensively with just 273 points. The Giants won over NFL Championships and four Super Bowls, with their last victory in 2011 over the New England Patriots. Therefore, the Buffalo Bills will undoubtedly secure success.
Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans
The Minnesota Vikings will face the Houston Texans on August 9, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These two teams are in preseason week 2 of 4 in the NFL 2025-26 run-in.
Previous Game
The Vikings were shockingly brutal in the regular season and finished 14-3 with a playoff berth, but low expectations. This team opened 11-2 and secured a playoff spot early, becoming the first 14-win14-win wild card team in history.
The Texans were a blend of bold ambition and frustrating inconsistency. They opened going 5-1, eventually winning the AFC South with a 10-7 record. This team’s defense has stepped up with Derek Stingley, who secured First-Team All-Pro honors, and Hunter. This time, the Minnesota Vikings will strengthen their home turf and earn in their upcoming matches.
Los Angeles Rams vs Dallas Cowboys
In the NFL 2025-26 Preseason, the Los Angeles Rams will face the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, on August 9, 2025. Both teams will be ready to play.
Previous Game
The Rams’ season was a twist experience and ended with a playoff berth and a division title. They won nine of last year final 12 games and finished with a 10-7 record. This team marked the NFC West for the very first time with their Super Bowl-winning 2021 season. They are edging out the Seahawks with a strong victory tiebreaker.
The Dallas Cowboys are choppy and marked by expectations with significant changes. They finished with a 7-10 record, placing third in the NFC East and missing the playoffs. This team has a 3-3 tie over NFC East opponents in the past year. Given, the Dallas Cowboys will follow up same tactics moves to grab a success.
San Francisco 49ers vs Denver Broncos
On August 9, 2025, the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos will gather at Levi’s Stadium, California, for the second week of 2 of 4 in the 2025-26 moment of truth.
Previous Game
The San Francisco 49ers had a dramatic fall from grace and Super Bowl aspirations. Later, this team lost Super Bowl LVIII to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 49ers lost four running backs, their top wide receiver, and multiple starters on the offensive and defensive lines. Brock Purdy displayed talent, and the team invested heavily in rebuilding the defense.
The Broncos finished with a 10-7 record, marking their first winning season in 2016 and their first playoff NFL appearance since their Super Bowl win in 2015. They had multiple winning streaks of three or more games. As a result, the Denver Broncos will surely pick up on a winning streak in their anticipation series.
Los Angeles Chargers vs New Orleans Saints
At SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, the Los Angeles Chargers are lock horns with the New Orleans Saints on August 10, 2025. These two teams are for the preseason week 2 of 4 in the 2025-26 run-in.
Previous Game
The Los Angeles Chargers had a solid performance with a disappointing NFL 2024 season. They are placing second in the AFC West and earning the fifth seed in the ACF playoff bracket.
The New Orleans Saints are a rough team with a 5-12 record, placing last in the NFC South NFL last season. They opened promisingly by winning their first two games in lead fashion, scoring 47 points over the Panthers and 44 by the Cowboys. Given this, the Los Angeles Chargers will open their victory in the past preseason game and regain in the forthcoming series.