The NFL preseason reaches its final weekend with 16 games from Thursday, Aug. 27 through Saturday, Aug. 29. Week 3 is the last live evaluation before roster cuts, giving coaches one more look at position battles and players fighting for jobs.
For every preseason matchup and national TV window, see the complete 2026 NFL preseason schedule.
2026 NFL Preseason Week 3 Schedule
All times are Eastern and subject to change. Games without a national network designation are available on participating teams’ local affiliates.
Thursday, Aug. 27
Friday, Aug. 28
- Washington Commanders at Baltimore Ravens, 6 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers, 7 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins, 7 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 7:30 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- New York Giants at New York Jets, 7:30 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys, 8 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs, 8 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles, 8 p.m. ET (CBS)
- FArizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers, 8 p.m. ET (Local TV)
- Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos, 9 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
Saturday, Aug. 29
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How Can I Watch NFL Preseason Week 3?
NFL Network carries seven Week 3 games, Prime Video has Patriots-Browns on Thursday and CBS has Bengals-Eagles on Friday. The remaining matchups will be available through participating teams’ local broadcast affiliates.
NFL Network is included in the ESPN bundle on FOX.com.
How Can I Stream NFL Preseason Week 3?
NFL+ offers live national and out-of-market preseason games, subject to local blackouts and device restrictions. Fans should also check their local team listings before kickoff.
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Malik Nabers practiced in full for the 2nd-straught day, and John Harbaugh is bringing the hype to New York. Danny Parkins, Eric Mangini, and Geoff Schwartz ask if it’s time to buy Giants stock, and if Jalen Hurts and the Eagles will struggle this season. Plus, they ask if it’s possible that J.J. McCarthy isn’t on the Vikings by Week 1.
Does NFL Preseason Week 3 Count Toward the Standings?
No. Preseason results do not count toward a team’s regular-season record. Week 3 is the final chance for teams to evaluate rookies, new additions and position battles before setting their initial 53-man rosters.
How Many Preseason Games Does Each NFL Team Play?
Most teams play three preseason games. The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals each play four in 2026 because they also participated in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6.
Week 3 closes the preseason. The 2026 regular season begins Sept. 9, when the New England Patriots visit the Seattle Seahawks.
