NFL Preseason Week 2 Guide
NFL Preseason Week 2 Kicks Off with Nine National TV Games: Schedule and Viewing Guide
The NFL preseason rolls into Week 2 with games scheduled from August 20–23, featuring nine matchups on national TV — up from six in Week 1, according to NBC Washington. The regular season kicks off September 9, giving teams one final week of rest after preseason action wraps on August 29.
The week opens with the New York Jets hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers, and includes high-profile matchups like the Philadelphia Eagles at the New England Patriots and the New York Giants at the Miami Dolphins, NBC Boston reported.
Nine Games on National TV Highlight Week 2
Week 2 of the NFL preseason is the most-watched stretch of exhibition play so far. Nine games will air on national TV, three more than in Week 1, according to NBC Miami. That gives fans more chances to catch their favorite teams without a cable package or streaming subscription.
The expanded TV schedule reflects growing fan interest in preseason football. Teams use these games to evaluate backups and depth players. Starters often play limited snaps — or none at all — depending on a team's philosophy heading into the regular season.
Full Week 2 Schedule and Key Matchups to Watch
Games run from August 20 through August 23. Key matchups include the New Orleans Saints at the Los Angeles Rams, and the Philadelphia Eagles at the New England Patriots, according to NBC San Diego. These games often spotlight young players fighting for a final roster spot before cutdowns.
The Week 1 opener saw the Carolina Panthers defeat the Arizona Cardinals. That result set the tone for a competitive preseason, NBC Miami reported. Week 2 builds on that with a fuller slate and more national broadcast windows for fans to tune in.
Teams Split on How Much Preseason Play Matters
Not every team treats the preseason the same way. Some coaches rest starters for all three games. Others use early weeks to get first-teamers game reps, according to NBC Bay Area. A small number of teams opt out of participating in any preseason games altogether.
The split philosophy makes preseason results hard to read. A blowout loss may mean nothing if starters sat out. A close win might reflect strong depth rather than top-end talent. Fans should track playing time, not just the scoreboard, during these August tune-ups.
One Week of Rest Before the Real Season Begins
After the final preseason game on August 29, all 32 teams get a full week off before the regular season opens September 9, according to NBC Boston. That gap gives coaches time to finalize 53-man rosters and game-plan for Week 1 opponents.
Roster cutdown deadlines fall within that window. Teams must trim their squads from 90 players down to 53. Players on the bubble will be watching their Week 2 tape closely. For many, these August games are the last chance to earn a spot on an NFL roster.
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