When does the 2023 NFL Preseason Start?

Cleveland Browns Offseason Workout
Cleveland Browns Offseason Workout | Nick Cammett/GettyImages

The 2023 NFL Preseason is an exciting time for football fans, as it signals the approaching start of the regular season. The preseason serves as a platform for teams to hone their strategies and evaluate final roster decisions before the intense competition begins.

For the 2023 season, the NFL preseason schedule is scheduled to kick off on August 3. Traditionally, the preseason begins with the Hall of Fame Game, which takes place in Canton, Ohio. This game is held annually to honor the latest inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and this year is set to feature both the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns facing off against each other with the likes of NFL legends Joe Thomas or Darrelle Revis entering the HOF.

Following the Hall of Fame Game, the remaining teams will commence their preseason schedules. The preseason consists of three weeks during which teams like the Kansas City Chiefs participate in a series of exhibition games. These games provide coaches an opportunity to test different lineups, experiment with new plays, and assess the performance of rookies and new additions to the roster.

Only the Browns and Jets will play more than the three scheduled games for every other team given their participation in the opening game. Those two teams will play four total games, giving them another exhibition during which they can assess roster decisions. For fringe roster players, it's a great chance to generate that much more game tape in case those teams (or others) are watching.

For the Chiefs, the preseason schedule begins on August 13 with a visit to New Orleans. Here's a look at the complete schedule:

  1. Week 1 – K.C. Chiefs @ New Orleans Saints – August 13
  2. Week 2 – K.C. Chiefs @ Arizona Cardinals – August 19
  3. Week 3 – Cleveland Browns @ K.C. Chiefs – August 26

Schedule