The Final Rehearsal: Everything You Need to Know for NFL Preseason Week 3
The end of the NFL preseason is in sight, which means teams are now going through their last major tune-ups before the regular season officially begins. Week 3, often considered the most important of the exhibition games, provides the final opportunity for players to secure a roster spot and for coaches to finalize their game plans. Whether you're a devoted fan looking for a glimpse of the starters or a fantasy football manager scouting for a sleeper, this guide has everything you need to know about the Week 3 schedule, including game times, television channels, and how to watch.
Let's dive into the full slate of matchups that will bring the 2025 preseason to a close.
Thursday, August 21: Primetime Openers
Week 3 begins with a pair of highly-anticipated primetime games. The first matchup features the Pittsburgh Steelers traveling to take on the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, with the kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET on NFL Network. Following that, the New England Patriots will visit the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium at 8:00 p.m. ET, exclusively on Prime Video.
Friday, August 22: Friday Night Lights
The action continues on Friday with a packed lineup. The night starts with the Philadelphia Eagles visiting the New York Jets at 7:30 p.m. ET. The rest of the evening features three games kicking off at 8:00 p.m. ET, including the Minnesota Vikings at the Tennessee Titans, the Atlanta Falcons at the Dallas Cowboys, and the Chicago Bears at the Kansas City Chiefs at 8:20 p.m. ET on NFL Network.
Saturday, August 23: A Full Day of Football
Saturday offers a full slate of games running from midday into the late evening. It all starts at 12:00 p.m. ET with the Baltimore Ravens visiting the Washington Commanders. The 1:00 p.m. ET window is especially busy with a handful of games, including the Los Angeles Rams at the Cleveland Browns and the Houston Texans at the Detroit Lions. Later in the day, the Las Vegas Raiders will travel to face the Arizona Cardinals in the final game of the week, with a 10:00 p.m. ET kickoff on NFL Network.
Where to Watch All the Games
For fans outside of the local broadcast markets, the majority of games will be available on NFL Network. However, it is important to note that many games will have a local television broadcast. These national broadcasts are critical for fans who want to watch games outside of their home market.
NFL Network: The go-to channel for most of the preseason slate.
NFL+: The league’s official streaming service, NFL+, is the best option for out-of-market games and replays.
Prime Video: Has an exclusive broadcast of one of the marquee matchups.
CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN: These networks will carry some of the most significant games, often in primetime slots.
The Importance of Week 3
This week is a final evaluation period. For many teams, including the Washington Commanders and Chicago Bears, this is the last opportunity for rookies and new players to show they belong. For established teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s a chance to get their veteran starters in a rhythm before the games begin to count. The narratives and performances from this week will be the final puzzle pieces that shape the rosters heading into the Regular Season.
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