Get ready for the final tune-up before the real action begins! Week 3 of the 2025 NFL Preseason, scheduled from Thursday, August 21st, to Saturday, August 23rd, offers fans a last glimpse of their favorite teams and players before the regular season kicks off. This crucial week allows teams to finalize their strategies, evaluate player performance, and make those all-important roster decisions. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the preseason schedule, including how to watch each game and key matchups to look forward to, drawing from official NFL announcements and broadcast schedules.
Full 2025 NFL Preseason Week 3 Schedule
Week 3 of the NFL Preseason features a packed schedule with games spread across three days. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each matchup, including the date, time, and broadcast information. All times are Eastern Time (ET).
Thursday, August 21st
- Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers – 7:00 PM ET (NFL Network)
- New England Patriots at New York Giants – 8:00 PM ET (Prime Video)
Friday, August 22nd
- Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets – 7:30 PM ET (NFL+)
- Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans – 8:00 PM ET (CBS)
- Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys – 8:00 PM ET (NFL Network)
- Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs – 8:20 PM ET (NFL+)
Saturday, August 23rd
- Baltimore Ravens at Washington Commanders – 12:00 PM ET (NFL+)
- Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals – 1:00 PM ET (NFL+)
- Los Angeles Rams at Cleveland Browns – 1:00 PM ET (NFL Network)
- Houston Texans at Detroit Lions – 1:00 PM ET (NFL+)
- Denver Broncos at New Orleans Saints – 1:00 PM ET (NFL+)
- Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers – 4:00 PM ET (NFL Network)
- Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins – 7:00 PM ET (NFL Network)
- Buffalo Bills at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 7:30 PM ET (NFL+)
- Los Angeles Chargers at San Francisco 49ers – 8:30 PM ET (NFL+)
- Las Vegas Raiders at Arizona Cardinals – 10:00 PM ET (NFL Network)
How to Watch the Games
With a variety of broadcast options available, fans have numerous ways to catch the 2025 NFL Preseason Week 3 games. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you don’t miss any of the action.
National Broadcasts
Several games will be broadcast nationally, providing widespread access for fans across the country. According to NFL.com, national broadcasts will be available on the following networks:
- CBS: Select games, including Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans.
- NFL Network: A significant number of games, including Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams at Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins, and Las Vegas Raiders at Arizona Cardinals.
- Prime Video: New England Patriots at New York Giants.
Local Broadcasts
In addition to national broadcasts, many games will be available on local television affiliates. The specific channel will vary depending on your location and the teams involved. Check your local listings for the most accurate information. Typically, each team’s local TV affiliate network will broadcast their preseason games.
Streaming Options
For fans looking to stream the games, several options are available, catering to different preferences and budgets.
- NFL+: This is a primary option for out-of-market games and streaming. As stated on NFL.com, NFL+ offers live streams of preseason games, as well as replays and other exclusive content.
- Paramount+: This streaming service carries CBS broadcasts, meaning you can catch the Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans game.
- DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV: These streaming platforms also carry various channels that broadcast NFL preseason games, including ESPN, FOX, and NBC. Check each platform’s channel lineup to ensure it includes the channels you need.
Important Note: NFL Sunday Ticket does not apply to preseason games, so you will need to use one of the other options listed above to watch the games.
Key Matchups to Watch
While all preseason games offer a chance to see teams in action, some matchups stand out due to intriguing storylines, player battles, or strategic importance.
- Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers: This game offers a look at the Steelers’ evolving offense and the Panthers’ revamped roster.
- New England Patriots at New York Giants: A classic rivalry renewed, this game provides an opportunity to see how both teams are progressing under new leadership and with young quarterbacks.
- Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets: Another intraconference matchup, this game will showcase the Eagles’ high-powered offense against the Jets’ improved defense.
- Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs: A potential Super Bowl preview, this game features two of the league’s most exciting young quarterbacks in Justin Fields and Patrick Mahomes. It’s a chance to see how the Bears’ revamped offense stacks up against the Chiefs’ dominant defense.
Preparing for the Regular Season
Week 3 is more than just a series of exhibition games; it’s a crucial period for teams to make final preparations for the regular season. Coaches use this week to finalize their starting lineups, refine their playbooks, and assess the performance of players competing for roster spots. According to reports from team training camps, many teams use this week to give their starters extended playing time, simulating the intensity of a regular-season game.
Final Thoughts
Week 3 of the 2025 NFL Preseason provides fans with a final opportunity to preview the upcoming season. With a comprehensive schedule, multiple viewing options, and intriguing matchups, it’s a week not to be missed. Be sure to check local listings and streaming options to catch all the action as teams gear up for the regular season. The insights gained during these games are invaluable for fans and analysts alike as they prepare for another exciting year of NFL football.
