The NFL is back in action tonight (Thursday, August 27) with four games kicking off the final week of the 2026 preseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills get the night started at 7 p.m. ET, followed by two matchups at 8 p.m. ET, and a late game between the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers at 10 p.m. ET.
These are preseason games, giving teams one final opportunity to evaluate their rosters before the season officially starts in September.
Keep reading for tonight’s complete NFL schedule, start times, channels and streaming information, plus details on how to watch without cable…
Is Thursday Night Football on Tonight?
Yes, but this is the final week of the NFL preseason, not the regular season.
What NFL Games Are on Tonight?
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET
- TV channel: NFL Network
- Streaming: NFL+ and participating live-TV streaming services
- Local channels: KDKA in Pittsburgh and WIVB in Buffalo
New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns
- Start time: 8 p.m. ET
- Streaming: Prime Video
- Local channels: WCVB in Boston and WEWS in Cleveland
San Francisco 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders
- Start time: 8 p.m. ET
- Streaming: NFL+
- Local channels: KPIX in the San Francisco and KVVU in Las Vegas
Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers
- Start time: 10 p.m. ET
- TV channel: NFL Network
- Streaming: NFL+
- Local channel: KCBS in Los Angeles
The complete schedule and viewing information are also available through the NFL’s official website.
How to Watch the NFL Games Without Cable
The Patriots-Browns matchup will stream on Prime Video. Eligible new subscribers can watch through an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial.
The Steelers-Bills and Rams-Chargers games will air on NFL Network. The channel is available through streaming services including DIRECTV and Fubo. DIRECTV currently offers eligible new customers a five-day free trial, while Fubo also offers a free-trial option with access to NFL Network. Trial availability and terms may vary.
Fans can also subscribe to NFL+ to watch live out-of-market preseason games. Local and geographic blackouts may apply, and certain games may be restricted to mobile devices.
Are the Starters Playing in Tonight’s NFL Games?
The Patriots and Browns are reportedly resting their starters. Tommy DeVito is expected to start at quarterback for New England, while Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green are expected to rotate for Cleveland, according to the New York Post.
The Steelers are also expected to rest several players, including quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. Drew Allar and Will Howard are expected to handle the quarterback duties against Buffalo, according to Action Network. Bills quarterback Josh Allen will not play, though head coach Joe Brady indicated that some other starters will appear.
The 49ers are expected to sit nearly all of their starters against the Raiders. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said he would be “surprised” if many appeared. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, meanwhile, has not publicly revealed his plans for the starting lineup, according to CBS News.
The Chargers are expected to play most of their starters against the Rams, including quarterback Justin Herbert. Head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated that Derwin James and Khalil Mack would be among those sitting out, according to Bolts From the Blue.
The Rams are expected to rest their regular starters, including quarterback Matthew Stafford. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed that rookie quarterback Ty Simpson will play, but had not determined whether Stetson Bennett IV would also appear, according to the Rams.
Plans can change before kickoff, so fans should check the teams’ official accounts for the latest lineup updates.
When Does the 2026 NFL Regular Season Begin?
The 2026 NFL regular season begins on Wednesday, September 9, when the New England Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks on NBC and Peacock.
The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will then play a special international game on Thursday, September 10, streaming on Netflix.
Prime Video’s regular Thursday Night Football schedule begins on September 17 with the Buffalo Bills taking on the Detroit Lions.
In the meantime, the final preseason week continues with 10 more games on Friday (August 28), followed by two games on Saturday (August 29).
Keep up with even more NFL news right here.
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