Your Guide To The NFL Preseason Schedule 2024

Jul 25, 2025 by JOE 46 views

Hey guys! Are you ready for some football? It's almost that time of year again when the pads start cracking, the playbooks get dusted off, and we get our first glimpse of the upcoming NFL season. That's right, it's almost preseason time! And to make sure you don't miss a single snap, we're diving deep into the NFL preseason schedule. So, grab your favorite jersey, settle in, and let's get ready for some football!

What is the NFL Preseason?

Before we dive into the schedule, let's quickly break down what the NFL preseason actually is. Think of it as a warm-up act before the main event. It's a series of exhibition games played in the weeks leading up to the regular season. These games serve a few key purposes:

Evaluating Players: This is crucial for teams. Coaches and scouts get a chance to see rookies, free agent signings, and players returning from injury in live game situations. It's a chance to see who's got the potential to make the final roster and contribute during the regular season.
Developing Team Chemistry: Preseason gives new teammates a chance to gel on the field. They can work on timing, communication, and understanding each other's playing styles. This is super important for building a cohesive team.
Implementing New Strategies: Coaches often use the preseason to test out new offensive and defensive schemes. It's a low-stakes environment to experiment and fine-tune strategies before the games really count.
Giving Starters Limited Reps: You'll usually see the starting players get some playing time in the preseason, but it's often limited. Teams don't want to risk injuries to their key players before the regular season even begins. This means you'll see a lot of backups and rookies getting significant playing time.

The preseason is a critical period for teams to assess their talent, refine their game plans, and prepare for the grueling regular season ahead. It's also a great opportunity for fans to get a sneak peek at their favorite teams and see some potential future stars in action.

Key Dates for the 2024 NFL Preseason

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty – the key dates you need to know for the 2024 NFL preseason. While the official schedule is usually released in the spring, we can anticipate some general timelines based on previous years.

Hall of Fame Game: This is usually the unofficial kickoff to the NFL season, and it takes place in Canton, Ohio, as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend. Typically, this game is played in the first week of August.
Training Camps Open: Late July is when training camps start firing up across the league. This is when players report to their team facilities, and the real work begins. Keep an eye on team websites and social media for updates on open practices – these are a great way to see your team up close!
Preseason Games: The preseason game schedule typically spans from the first or second week of August through the end of August. There are usually three preseason games per team, giving coaches ample opportunity to evaluate their players.
Roster Cutdown Dates: Throughout the preseason, teams will make roster cuts to trim their squads down to the final 53-man roster. These dates are crucial for players on the bubble, and they often lead to some surprising moves.
Regular Season Kickoff: Once the preseason wraps up, there's usually a short break before the regular season kicks off in early September. This is when the real action begins!

Mark these dates on your calendar, guys! The preseason flies by, and you don't want to miss any of the action. Stay tuned for the official schedule release, which usually happens in the spring, for the exact dates and times of the games.

How to Find the NFL Preseason Schedule

Okay, so you're pumped for the preseason, but how do you actually find the schedule? Don't worry, I've got you covered! There are several reliable sources where you can get the full scoop on the NFL preseason schedule:

NFL Official Website: This is your go-to source for all things NFL, including the preseason schedule. The official website (NFL.com) will have a dedicated section for the preseason, where you can find the complete schedule, game times, and broadcast information.
Team Websites: Each NFL team will also post their preseason schedule on their official website. This is a great way to get specific information about your favorite team's games, including ticket information and potential fan events.
Sports News Websites and Apps: Major sports news outlets like ESPN, Bleacher Report, and CBS Sports will also publish the NFL preseason schedule. These sources often provide analysis and commentary on the games as well.
NFL App: The official NFL app is another fantastic way to stay up-to-date on the schedule. You can set notifications for your favorite team's games and get real-time updates.
Social Media: Follow your favorite teams and sports news outlets on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) for schedule announcements and updates. This is a super convenient way to stay in the loop.

Pro Tip: Once the schedule is released, consider adding the games you want to watch to your calendar so you don't forget! You can also set reminders on your phone or other devices to make sure you don't miss kickoff.

What to Watch for During the Preseason

The preseason isn't just about watching football; it's about watching strategically. Here are some key things to keep an eye on during the preseason games:

Rookie Performances: The preseason is a prime opportunity to see how the rookies are adapting to the NFL level. Pay attention to their performance, how they handle the speed of the game, and whether they're making an impact. Keep an eye out for those potential future stars!
Position Battles: Many roster spots are up for grabs during the preseason, leading to intense competition at certain positions. Watch for the guys battling it out for starting roles or a place on the final 53-man roster. These battles can be super exciting to watch.
New Coaching Staffs/Schemes: If a team has a new head coach or coaching staff, the preseason is a chance to see how their new schemes are being implemented. Watch for changes in play-calling, offensive and defensive formations, and overall team strategy.
Player Health and Conditioning: Preseason is also a good indicator of a player's health and conditioning. Watch for guys who look fresh and ready to go, as well as those who might be struggling with injuries. Player health is critical for a successful season.
Backup Quarterback Play: The backup quarterback is arguably the most important player on the roster after the starter. The preseason gives these guys a chance to shine, and it's crucial to see if a team has a reliable backup in case of injury.

By watching for these key factors, you can get a much deeper understanding of each team and their potential for the upcoming season. It's like getting a sneak peek behind the curtain!

How Preseason Results Can Be Misleading

Okay, let's talk about something important: preseason results can be misleading. It's easy to get caught up in a team's win-loss record during the preseason, but it's crucial to remember that these games don't count in the standings.

Here's why preseason results should be taken with a grain of salt:

Starters Play Limited Snaps: As we mentioned earlier, teams typically limit the playing time of their starters in the preseason to avoid injuries. This means the majority of the game is played by backups and players fighting for roster spots. The performance of these players doesn't always accurately reflect the team's overall potential.
Focus on Evaluation, Not Winning: Coaches are primarily focused on evaluating players and testing out different schemes during the preseason. Winning is secondary. They might try different combinations of players, experiment with new plays, or focus on specific areas of improvement.
Vanilla Playbooks: Teams often use very basic playbooks during the preseason. They don't want to reveal too much of their offensive or defensive strategies to opponents before the regular season begins. This means the games might not be as exciting or strategically complex as regular season matchups.
Different Levels of Competition: Teams might play against different levels of competition during the preseason. A team might look dominant against a weaker opponent but struggle against a stronger team. It's important to consider the quality of the opposition when evaluating preseason results.

So, while it's fun to see your team win in the preseason, don't read too much into the results. Focus on the individual performances, the development of young players, and the implementation of new schemes. These are the things that truly matter in the long run.

Getting Tickets to NFL Preseason Games

Want to experience the thrill of live NFL football without breaking the bank? Preseason games are a fantastic option! Tickets are generally more affordable than regular season games, making it a great way to see your favorite team up close.

Here's how you can snag tickets to NFL preseason games:

Team Websites: The best place to start your ticket search is on the official website of the team you want to see. Teams often offer preseason ticket packages or individual game tickets directly to fans.
Ticket Marketplaces: Resale marketplaces like Ticketmaster, StubHub, and SeatGeek are also good options for finding preseason tickets. You might be able to find deals or tickets to sold-out games on these platforms. Just be sure to purchase from reputable sellers.
Season Ticket Holders: If you're a season ticket holder, you likely have access to preseason tickets as part of your package. Check with your team's ticket office for details.
Secondary Market: Sometimes, you can find tickets on the secondary market closer to the game date. Keep an eye out for deals or last-minute opportunities.

Pro Tip: Consider attending a preseason game featuring two teams you're interested in. This way, you can see multiple players and get a broader view of the league.

Final Thoughts

Alright, guys, we've covered everything you need to know about the NFL preseason schedule. From understanding what the preseason is all about to finding the schedule, knowing what to watch for, and even snagging tickets, you're now fully equipped to enjoy the lead-up to the regular season.

Remember, the preseason is a time for teams to evaluate talent, develop chemistry, and fine-tune their strategies. It's also a fantastic opportunity for fans to get their football fix and see some potential future stars in action. So, mark your calendars, tune in to the games, and get ready for another exciting NFL season! Let's go!