All 32 teams have played their first games as fans eagerly await the next round of action
Category: Sports
The 2026 NFL preseason is officially underway, with all 32 teams having completed at least one exhibition game as of August 16. The first week of action wrapped up on Saturday, August 15, and featured several standout performances from rookies, including Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson, who made impressive debuts.
Week 1 saw the Arizona Cardinals defeat the Las Vegas Raiders 27-14 on August 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The game showcased the potential of rookie quarterback Mendoza, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This match was a notable start for the Cardinals, setting a promising tone for their preseason.
As teams gear up for the upcoming regular season, fans are eager for more football. The 107th NFL season is set to kick off in less than a month, with the Seattle Seahawks facing the New England Patriots in a rematch of Super Bowl 60. The anticipation for this season is heightened as preseason games provide a glimpse of which players might make an impact in the regular season.
The NFL preseason serves as a platform for teams to evaluate their rosters, including rookies and those vying for a place on the final squad. This year, the preseason began with the Hall of Fame Game, where the Carolina Panthers and the Cardinals played, setting the stage for the rest of the league. The excitement surrounding rookie debuts has been a focal point, particularly for players like Mendoza and Simpson, who have already begun to make waves.
With the preseason games spread across multiple days, the NFL aims to keep fans engaged without the intense competition of the regular season. The league has strategically scheduled games from Thursday through Sunday, allowing teams to showcase their talent and adjust their strategies. This structure provides fans with ample viewing opportunities and allows teams to evaluate player performances comprehensively.
As of August 16, 2026, there are no NFL games scheduled, marking a rare Sunday without football. This break follows a busy Week 1, which concluded with a full slate of games on Saturday. The next round of preseason action is set to begin on Thursday, August 20, with an exciting lineup of games.
Preseason Week 2 will kick off on August 20, featuring two key matchups: the Las Vegas Raiders will visit the Houston Texans at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the San Francisco 49ers facing the Los Angeles Chargers at 10 p.m. ET. Both games are expected to draw considerable attention, especially with Mendoza's performance being closely watched.
The remainder of Week 2 will include 16 games scheduled from August 20 through August 23. Notable matchups include the Pittsburgh Steelers taking on the New York Jets on August 21 and the Tennessee Titans hosting the Seattle Seahawks in a prime-time game on August 23. This week promises to deliver more thrilling action as teams refine their rosters ahead of the regular season.
As the preseason progresses, coaches will be looking to solidify their starting lineups and make final decisions on player cuts. The performances in these games are often indicative of how teams will fare once the regular season begins. With the league's first game scheduled for September 9, the countdown to kickoff is on, and fans can expect to see more exciting football in the coming weeks.
As teams prepare for their next games, the focus will be on player health and performance under pressure. Coaches will be eager to see how their strategies hold up against different opponents, and fans will follow closely closely to see which players rise to the occasion.
The NFL preseason serves as a preparation ground for teams and as an opportunity for fans to reconnect with the sport they love. With the regular season just around the corner, excitement is building across the league. The next round of games will offer a fresh opportunity for players to impress and for teams to showcase their potential.