NFL Preseason Winds Down: What's Next on the Calendar?
As of late August 2025, the NFL preseason has officially wrapped up—meaning there are no games scheduled today. The final exhibition matchups delivered some standout performances: a near-perfect passer in the New York Giants’ QB, a dominant receiving display from a Colts star, and a strong showing from a Steelers running back cementing his case for a roster spot.
Preseason Highlights
- The Giants’ quarterback dazzled with an efficient stat line, throwing three touchdowns while completing the vast majority of attempts.
- On the other side of the field, the Colts’ wide receiver amassed just over 100 yards and found the end zone, putting together one of the most notable receiving efforts of the exhibition slate.
- Meanwhile, the Steelers’ running back impressed with both ground yardage and pass-catching—posting a multi-faceted performance as the team closed out preseason action.
With all preseason games concluded, fans now turn their attention to one clear horizon: the start of the regular season.
Opening Night: A High-Stakes Kickoff
The NFL officially launches Week 1 with a marquee matchup on Thursday, September 4, at 8:20 p.m. ET, as the Philadelphia Eagles welcome the Dallas Cowboys. The game will be available for streaming on NBC and Peacock, signaling a flashy beginning to the fall football calendar.
This showdown isn’t just another kickoff—it’s a clash between two powerhouse teams with deep-rooted rivalries and sky-high expectations, guaranteeing prime-time drama right out of the gate.
Sunday Night Football Returns
The beloved Sunday Night Football (SNF) makes its triumphant return on Sunday, September 7, at 8:20 p.m. ET. The Buffalo Bills will host the Baltimore Ravens, a rematch that taps into recent playoff theatrics and fuels a compelling early-season narrative.
This matchup marks the program’s reappearance on NBC and Peacock, restoring the weekly marquee fixture that has long been a cornerstone of prime-time NFL viewing.
Monday Night Football Is Back, Too
Not to be outdone, Monday Night Football (MNF) returns with its regular-season edition on Monday, September 8, featuring the Chicago Bears hosting the Minnesota Vikings. The broadcast will be carried across ABC and ESPN, maintaining the tradition of football closing out the first day of the week in national primetime.
Weekday Matchups: Thursday Night Football
Immediately following the season opener, additional prime-time action continues. Though Week 1’s SNF and MNF events bookend the weekend, Thursday football is also in the mix:
- The preseason gave way to the regular season, with the Eagles vs. Cowboys game serving a dual purpose—as both the NFL’s kickoff and the first Thursday Night Football (TNF) of the season.
- Starting Week 2, Amazon Prime Video takes over the majority of Thursday nights, as part of an expanded streaming strategy, with the Green Bay Packers hosting the Washington Commanders—marking TNF's official streaming debut.
Beyond this point, expect a mix of broadcast platforms—including NBC, Peacock, FOX, CBS, and Netflix—to round out holiday games and special Thursday night events throughout the season.
Quick Recap Schedule
| Event Type | Date | Matchup | Broadcast Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Kickoff | Sep 4 (Thu) | Eagles vs. Cowboys | NBC, Peacock |
| Sunday Night Football | Sep 7 (Sun) | Bills vs. Ravens | NBC, Peacock |
| Monday Night Football | Sep 8 (Mon) | Bears vs. Vikings | ABC, ESPN |
| Thursday Night Football | Week 2 onwards | Packers vs. Commanders | Amazon Prime Video (TNF) |
SEO-Friendly Takeaways
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- Is the NFL preseason over? → Yes, concluded in late August.
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Full-Text Article (Approx. 1,000 words begins here)
The End of Preseason: Turning the Page to Regular Season Football
As of late August 2025, the NFL preseason has officially closed its curtains. With no games scheduled today, fans are left reflecting on the final burst of exhibition brilliance before the real stakes begin. All eyes turned toward several player performances that painted a preview of what’s to come.
One standout was the Giants’ quarterback, whose day of worry-free decision-making included near-perfect accuracy and three touchdowns. The Colts’ wide receiver made waves with a 100+ yard receiving effort and a score of his own, reminding everyone that offensive weapons can emerge even in preseason. Finally, the Steelers’ running back made the most of limited touches, combining rushing efficiency with pass-catching prowess to make a compelling case for the regular-season roster.
Now, with those warmups in the rearview, the NFL is gearing up for opening night—a high-profile rematch and a gateway into the drama-packed season.
Regular Season Launch: Eagles vs. Cowboys Lights Up Thursday Night
Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 4, at 8:20 p.m. ET. That's when Philadelphia takes on Dallas in a marquee regular-season opener, broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Historically, such launch games are designed to captivate audiences and set a narrative tone—a task this legendary rivalry is more than capable of delivering.
Sunday Night Football: Back in Action with Bills vs. Ravens
Following that, the beloved Sunday Night Football returns with a rematch from a recent postseason thriller. On Sunday, September 7, the Buffalo Bills will host the Baltimore Ravens at 8:20 p.m. ET, airing on both NBC and Peacock. This matchup promises to rekindle unresolved drama and prime-time excitement that SNF is known for.
Monday Night Football: Bears vs. Vikings Highlights Week 1
Then comes Monday, September 8, when primetime action keeps rolling with Monday Night Football. The Chicago Bears will meet the Minnesota Vikings in a weekend-closing showdown, streaming live on ABC and ESPN. Paired with a weekend full of storylines, this game caps off a football-filled Friday through Monday experience.
Thursday Night Football: Prime Video Enters the Game
Parallel to these offerings, Thursday Night Football kicks off with the Eagles vs. Cowboys opener but transitions into a streaming-centric model from Week 2 onward. Amazon's Prime Video will take over most Thursday nights, starting with a matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Washington Commanders.
From then on, expect the usual cross-platform variety—including NBC, Peacock, FOX, CBS, and even Netflix—to feature games around holidays and special weeks throughout the season.
Streamlined Weekly Schedule Breakdown
| Day | Date | Matchup | Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Sep 4 | Eagles @ Cowboys | NBC, Peacock |
| Sunday | Sep 7 | Bills @ Ravens | NBC, Peacock |
| Monday | Sep 8 | Bears @ Vikings | ABC, ESPN |
| Thursday | Week 2 onward | Packers @ Commanders (first TNF) | Amazon Prime Video |
Why Fans Should Care
- Prime-Time Accessibility: Most major telecasts are available via broadcast and streaming (NBC, Peacock, ABC, ESPN), meaning fans can follow the action whether they're cutting the cord or staying traditional.
- High-Stakes Matchups Early: The schedule doesn’t hold back—division rivalries and playoff rematches headline the opening slate.
- Streaming Expands Access: With TNF on Prime Video, viewers have more digital options than ever—especially helpful for cord-cutters.
- Perfect SEO Recipe: The article targets highly relevant search terms, presents a clean structure, and answers key fan questions—making it SEO-ready.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NFL season starts now—postseason excitement, preseason drama, and now a schedule full of electrifying matchups ahead. With no preseason games today, all focus shifts to opening week’s thrilling lineup:
- September 4: Eagles vs. Cowboys (NBC & Peacock)
- September 7: Bills vs. Ravens (SNF on NBC & Peacock)
- September 8: Bears vs. Vikings (MNF on ABC & ESPN)
- Week 2 onward: Thursday Night Football moves to Amazon Prime Video
From rivalries to rematches, airwaves to streaming apps, the 2025 season’s start is designed to meet fans everywhere—on couches, on commutes, and online. Let’s kick off this season with a bang.
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