The first preseason football game of the 2025 season took place on Thursday, July 31 as the Los Angeles Chargers dismantled the Detroit Lions 34-7 in the Hall of Fame Game. The star of the show was former top-three pick Trey Lance, who went 13 for 20 and threw two touchdowns as he tries to secure the backup quarterback position for the Bolts.

Preseason football can not only be a low-stakes way to relax, but it can also provide valuable insight for fantasy football and future bets. With one preseason game in the books, Trey Lance should be the first QB off the board in your fantasy draft, and we already bet the Chargers to win the Super Bowl.

Kidding. But I may or may not have purchased a few cheap Trey Lance rookie cards on Thursday night.

When exactly does preseason NFL action return? Is Monday Night Football on tonight? Here’s everything you need to know.

Nope. There’s no NFL football on tonight.

Preseason football returns on Thursday, August 7 with three games:

The first (and only) MNF preseason game airs Monday, August 18 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN when the Washington Commanders host the Cincinnati Bengals.

The first Monday Night Football game of the regular season takes place Monday, September 8 when the Chicago Bears host the Minnesota Vikings at 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN.

Out-of-market preseason matchups are available to stream on NFL+, with the majority of games available to watch on NFL Network. Prime Video, CBS, FOX, ESPN, and Prime Video will all air one preseason game.

A complete preseason schedule can be found on the NFL website.

Friday, August 8:

Cleveland Browns @ Carolina Panthers: 7:00 p.m. ET (NFL Network)

Saturday, August 9:

Sunday, August 10:

Friday, August 15:

Saturday, August 16:

Monday, August 18:

Cincinnati Bengals @ Washington Commanders: 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Sunday, August 17:

Thursday, August 21:

Friday, August 22:

Saturday, August 23: