As football fans count down the weeks to kickoff, the NFL has given the gridiron faithful something to cheer about in advance: the announcement of five nationally televised preseason games for the 2025 season. These select matchups are more than mere warm-ups—they’re nationally anticipated showdowns featuring some of the league’s most compelling teams, emerging rookie talent, and rejuvenated squads with new coaching staff or quarterback battles on full display.
While many preseason contests fade quietly into local markets and modest viewership, these nationally broadcast games represent the NFL’s best early opportunities to showcase top-tier narratives. Let’s dive into the matchups, the reasons behind their selection, and the storylines that will grip the football world long before Week 1 of the regular season kicks off.
1. Hall of Fame Game: Chicago Bears vs. Houston Texans
Date: Thursday, August 7
Network: NBC
The Return of the Hall of Fame Game
The annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, always sets the stage for the NFL preseason. This year, it features a blockbuster quarterback showcase as the Chicago Bears—fresh off drafting QB Caleb Williams No. 1 overall—square off against C.J. Stroud and the rising Houston Texans.
Key Storylines:
- Caleb vs. C.J.: Though it’s preseason and starter snaps may be limited, all eyes will be on Caleb Williams as he takes his first NFL snaps in front of a national audience. C.J. Stroud, coming off a stellar rookie campaign and a deep playoff run in 2024, provides a perfect contrast.
- Defensive Rebuild in Chicago: Can new pieces like Montez Sweat and second-year linebacker Noah Sewell create early chemistry?
- Texans’ AFC Contender Status: DeMeco Ryans’ squad will be judged early—and fans are eager to see offseason additions like Stefon Diggs in a Texans jersey.
2. New York Jets vs. San Francisco 49ers
Date: Friday, August 15
Network: ESPN
Cross-Coastal Collision: Old School Meets New Era
The Jets and 49ers might not be traditional rivals, but this East vs. West clash carries serious intrigue. The Jets are entering year two of the Aaron Rodgers experiment—presuming health—while the 49ers remain among the NFC’s elite.
Key Storylines:
- Rodgers Watch: While his actual on-field presence may be brief, seeing Rodgers in motion after missing the 2024 season due to an Achilles tear is a ratings magnet.
- Brock Purdy’s Development: Can Purdy build on his Pro Bowl-level performance in 2024? The 49ers want to get their offensive timing right out of the gate.
- Robert Saleh Returns: The Jets’ head coach faces off against his former team and mentor Kyle Shanahan.
3. Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Date: Saturday, August 16
Network: FOX
America’s Teams Face Off
When it comes to brand power, few teams move the needle like the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers. A preseason clash between these two legacy franchises will dominate headlines.
Key Storylines:
- Dak Prescott’s Response: With his contract status under the microscope and playoff shortcomings continuing to define his narrative, the 2025 preseason offers Dak a fresh start—and a prime-time chance to silence critics.
- New Offensive Direction in Pittsburgh: The Steelers drafted a quarterback in the first round for the first time since Kenny Pickett. Will the new rookie challenge for the starting job or will Russell Wilson and Justin Fields hold the fort?
- Defensive Star Power: Micah Parsons vs. T.J. Watt—arguably the two most dominant defenders in the league—may not see many reps, but even a glimpse is tantalizing.
4. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Detroit Lions
Date: Sunday, August 17
Network: CBS
A Playoff Rematch with Regular Season Implications
Though it’s just preseason, the Chiefs and Lions are still carrying the weight of postseason drama. Kansas City, aiming for a three-peat Super Bowl run, faces off against a Detroit squad that has evolved into a legitimate NFC power.
Key Storylines:
- Mahomes Mania Continues: Any time Patrick Mahomes suits up, eyes follow. Even a series or two of Mahomes magic is worth the ticket.
- Jared Goff’s Job Security: After the Lions selected a quarterback in Round 2, Goff’s performance—even in preseason—will be analyzed for any cracks in the armor.
- Rookie Watch: Lions first-round defensive pick set to make his debut. Plus, Kansas City fans want to see who will become Mahomes’ new go-to weapon after the departure of Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
5. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens
Date: Monday, August 18
Network: ABC
Birds of Prey Battle Under the Lights
The Eagles and Ravens headline the final of the five national broadcasts, and it’s a perfect capstone. With both franchises featuring top-tier QBs, strong coaching, and plenty of fan intrigue, this Monday night slot has the potential to be the most exciting of the bunch.
Key Storylines:
- Lamar’s Leadership: Lamar Jackson is seeking a redemption arc after a disappointing playoff exit. How will Baltimore balance his snap count with the need for momentum?
- Jalen Hurts, Reloaded: After a tumultuous 2024 that saw the Eagles regress, the pressure is on for Hurts to return to MVP form. The preseason will be the first test.
- Baltimore’s Defensive Reboot: With several veteran defenders leaving in free agency, this game will be a proving ground for the Ravens’ next generation.
Why These Games Matter (Even in August)
While cynics may brush off the preseason as glorified practice, these nationally televised matchups hold real value—for teams, players, and fans alike.
1. Rookie Development Under the Spotlight
For high-profile rookies like Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Brock Bowers, these games offer the first live look at their pro-level potential. Preseason snaps often determine roster spots, depth chart status, and can even alter entire season narratives.
2. Quarterback Battles Take Center Stage
In cities like Pittsburgh, Denver, and New England, unsettled QB situations will unfold before a national audience. Coaches may publicly claim the decision will “come down to the wire,” but fans know these early games could provide decisive data.
3. New Coaches and Coordinators Debut
From Washington’s Dan Quinn to the Raiders’ Antonio Pierce and the Panthers’ Dave Canales, new head coaches will make their first sideline appearances. These games are also test runs for new offensive and defensive schemes.
4. Building Momentum and Culture
Teams that establish momentum in the preseason often carry confidence into the regular season. For rebuilding squads like the Patriots or Commanders, strong performances—even in August—can energize locker rooms and fanbases alike.
Broadcast and Fan Engagement Boost
Each network involved—NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC, and ESPN—is rolling out full coverage teams, including sideline reporters and game analysts who treat these games with near-regular-season fervor. NFL Network is also expected to air replays and post-game wrap-ups for each contest.
Social media coverage, behind-the-scenes access, and mic’d-up players will bring fans closer to the action than ever before. Preseason engagement is becoming a vital part of the league’s year-round visibility strategy, and these games are designed to deliver maximum impact.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
These five games are more than a tease—they’re an appetizer for what promises to be one of the most competitive and storyline-rich seasons in recent memory.
With superstars returning from injury, generational rookie talent entering the league, and franchises on the brink of either glory or collapse, the 2025 NFL season already feels like it’s shaping up to be historic.
