NFL Preseason Finale Schedule: Complete Week 3 Game List and Viewing Guide

The final whistle is about to blow on the NFL’s preseason, a critical weekend where dreams are realized and heartbreaking cuts are made. As teams across the league play their third and final exhibition games, coaches are evaluating every snap to finalize their 53-man rosters for the grueling regular season ahead. This weekend’s matchups offer the last chance for bubble players to make a statement and for starters to fine-tune their rhythm before the games truly count.

How to Watch the 2025 NFL Preseason Finale

For fans eager to catch the final tune-up games, the viewing options are plentiful. According to the official NFL website, national broadcasts will be available through multiple major outlets. Local market games will be aired on regional channels, while out-of-market viewers can access streams based on their specific TV provider subscriptions, which include services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, and Fubo. The league emphasizes that connecting your TV provider account is essential to determine game availability. Crucially, every single preseason game will be available for streaming on the NFL+ platform, ensuring no fan misses a moment of the action.

The schedule is packed from Thursday through Saturday, offering a football feast. The action kicks off on Thursday, August 21, with the Pittsburgh Steelers visiting the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots facing the New York Giants. Friday night features a marquee matchup as the Philadelphia Eagles take on the New York Jets, alongside other games including the Atlanta Falcons versus the Dallas Cowboys. Saturday serves as the main event with a full slate of ten games, starting with the Baltimore Ravens at the Washington Commanders at noon ET and concluding late with the Las Vegas Raiders at the Arizona Cardinals.

A Final Look Before the Real Battle Begins

For the players, this is more than just an exhibition; it’s a final audition. While established stars may see limited action to avoid injury, backups and rookies will be fighting for their professional lives. Every block, tackle, and reception is being scrutinized by general managers and coaches making the final, difficult decisions. For teams, these games are the last piece of the puzzle to evaluate depth charts, special teams units, and overall roster cohesion before the intensity of the regular season begins on September 4.

The complete 2025 NFL Preseason Week 3 schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, August 21: Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers (7 PM ET); New England Patriots at New York Giants (8 PM ET).
• Friday, August 22: Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets (7:30 PM ET); Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans (7:30 PM ET); Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys (7:30 PM ET); Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs (7:50 PM ET).
• Saturday, August 23: Baltimore Ravens at Washington Commanders (12 PM ET); Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals (1 PM ET); Los Angeles Rams at Cleveland Browns (1 PM ET); Houston Texans at Detroit Lions (1 PM ET); Denver Broncos at New Orleans Saints (1 PM ET); Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers (4 PM ET); Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins (7 PM ET); Buffalo Bills at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7:30 PM ET); Los Angeles Chargers at San Francisco 49ers (8:30 PM ET); Las Vegas Raiders at Arizona Cardinals (10 PM ET).

Tickets for all games remain available for purchase through official partners like Ticketmaster.

The 2025 NFL preseason finale is the last glimpse of pro football before the regular season ignites, a crucial evaluation period that sets the stage for the epic battles to come. Mark your calendars and check your local listings to ensure you don’t miss a single snap of the action.

Must Know

What is the NFL preseason finale?
The NFL preseason finale is the third and final week of exhibition games played before the regular season begins. It is the last opportunity for coaches to evaluate players, especially those on the roster bubble, before teams must cut their rosters down to the regular-season limit of 53 players.

Where can I stream the NFL preseason games?
All NFL preseason games can be streamed live on the NFL+ subscription service. Additionally, games are available through various live TV streaming platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo, depending on your local market and specific TV provider subscription.

When does the 2025 NFL regular season start?
The 2025 NFL regular season is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, September 4, 2025. The first game will feature the Dallas Cowboys against the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Do star players play in the final preseason game?
Typically, established star players see very limited or even zero playing time in the final preseason game. Teams prioritize avoiding injuries to key starters before the regular season. The finale is primarily used to evaluate backup and depth players competing for the final spots on the roster.

Where can I buy tickets for preseason games?
Tickets for all NFL preseason games are available for purchase through official ticketing partners, primarily Ticketmaster, as well as through the official websites and box offices of the individual teams.