NFL Preseason Schedule 2024 Complete Week-by-Week Guide, Teams, Dates & Key Matchups
The NFL Preseason Schedule 2024 is officially out, and fans across the United States and beyond are gearing up for an exciting slate of games that will give a glimpse into the upcoming regular season. Whether you’re a die-hard football enthusiast, a fantasy football manager, or a casual viewer curious about your favorite team’s offseason progress, the nfl preseason schedule 2024 offers a unique preview of rookies, position battles, and team chemistry.
In this in-depth article, we’ll break down the NFL Preseason 2024 schedule, including dates, matchups, notable storylines, top players to watch, and everything else you need to stay informed and entertained as teams prepare for the 105th NFL season.
What Is the NFL Preseason?
The NFL preseason is a series of exhibition games that take place before the regular season. While these games do not count toward the teams’ regular-season records, they serve multiple purposes:
- Testing new playbooks and schemes
- Evaluating rookies and new signees
- Helping coaches make final roster decisions
- Preparing veterans for the pace of game-day action
Each team typically plays three preseason games (except for the two teams participating in the Hall of Fame Game, who play four).
Key Dates for the NFL Preseason 2024
Here are the official NFL preseason 2024 key dates:
- NFL Hall of Fame Game: August 1, 2024
- Preseason Week 1: August 8–11, 2024
- Preseason Week 2: August 15–18, 2024
- Preseason Week 3: August 22–25, 2024
- Final Roster Cuts (53-man limit): August 27, 2024
- NFL Regular Season Kickoff: September 5, 2024
NFL Hall of Fame Game 2024
Date: Thursday, August 1, 2024
Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio
Teams: Chicago Bears vs. Houston Texans
The Hall of Fame Game kicks off the NFL preseason each year and coincides with the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend. This year’s matchup between the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans is expected to draw significant attention due to:
- The continued rise of C.J. Stroud (Texans) and Caleb Williams (Bears)
- Houston’s strong 2023 season momentum
- Chicago’s revamped roster under new head coach Matt Eberflus
This game marks the first official action for NFL players in 2024 and will set the tone for the rest of the preseason.
NFL Preseason Schedule 2024 (Week-by-Week Breakdown)
Preseason Week 1 (August 8–11, 2024)
Top Matchups to Watch:
- New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions
- First look at Aaron Rodgers back from injury (Jets)
- Lions’ defense under scrutiny after playoff push in 2023
- Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Kenny Pickett’s progress evaluated
- Bucs’ quarterback situation: Is Baker Mayfield still QB1?
- Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots
- Drake Maye (Patriots rookie QB) could get his first start
- Bryce Young entering his second season with higher expectations
Other Games:
- Denver Broncos vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Green Bay Packers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders
- Las Vegas Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Miami Dolphins vs. Atlanta Falcons
Preseason Week 2 (August 15–18, 2024)
Key Storylines:
- Battle for Starting QB Spots in multiple cities: New England, Washington, Tennessee
- Rookies like Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals) and Brock Bowers (Raiders) debut with more reps
- Injuries and breakout performances begin to shift depth charts
Top Games to Watch:
- Kansas City Chiefs vs. Arizona Cardinals
- Patrick Mahomes may play a series
- Harrison Jr. draws attention in WR debut
- Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Chargers
- Cowboys’ young offensive line gets tested
- Chargers test new offensive scheme without Austin Ekeler
- Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens
- Jalen Hurts’ connection with WRs under the microscope
- Lamar Jackson likely rests, but backup competition heats up
Other Games:
- New Orleans Saints vs. Tennessee Titans
- Seattle Seahawks vs. Cleveland Browns
- Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears
- New York Giants vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Preseason Week 3 (August 22–25, 2024)
Final Tune-Up Before Regular Season
This week usually features a “dress rehearsal” for starters. Many coaches play their first-team units for a full quarter—or more—especially if their teams are young or have new coordinators.
Most Anticipated Matchups:
- Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- A possible AFC Championship preview
- Will Joe Burrow and Mahomes face off for even a series?
- Houston Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Texas rivalry renewed
- C.J. Stroud’s last reps before Week 1
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Las Vegas Raiders
- Rams evaluating their rookie defensive unit
- Raiders’ new offensive look with Brock Bowers in the mix
Other Games:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Miami Dolphins
- New York Jets vs. New York Giants (MetLife Bowl)
- Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills
- Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers
- Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Teams to Watch Closely in NFL Preseason 2024
Chicago Bears
- Why Watch: Caleb Williams’ debut, revamped WR corps (including Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze), and a new offensive system under OC Shane Waldron.
New England Patriots
- Why Watch: Rookie QB Drake Maye will be a central figure. Can he beat Jacoby Brissett for the Week 1 starting job?
Houston Texans
- Why Watch: C.J. Stroud’s sophomore campaign is expected to be electric. Fans are eager to see Tank Dell and Nico Collins develop further.
Las Vegas Raiders
- Why Watch: Brock Bowers at TE with Davante Adams gives the offense new dimensions. Questions surround the starting QB role.
New York Jets
- Why Watch: Aaron Rodgers’ health and chemistry with Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, and a revamped OL are under a microscope.
