Football Today NFL: Preseason Week 2 Kickoff, TV Schedule, And Key Roster Battles

NFL action takes center stage today, August 13, 2026, as teams step into the crucial mid-preseason stretch. With training camps in full force and mandatory roster cutdowns rapidly approaching, coaching staffs across the league are shifting from foundational evaluations to critical starting lineup decisions.

High-Stakes Preseason Action: QB Battles and Position Group Showdowns

Mid-August represents a high-velocity phase for all 32 NFL franchises. Preseason Week 2 acts as a primary testing ground for depth players and draft picks striving to secure a spot on the 53-man active roster before final cuts arrive.

Starting quarterbacks typically see limited series during these mid-August contests, placing the spotlight on backup quarterback duels and rookie development. Front offices are closely evaluating special teams reps, where peripheral roster spots are routinely won or lost.

• Quarterback Depth Chart Security: Second- and third-string signal-callers must demonstrate command of the offense in high-pressure, live-game situations.
• Rookie Class Integration: First-year talent must adjust to professional play speed and blocking schemes under game conditions.
• Trench Battles: Offensive and defensive line rotations undergo heavy stress-testing to establish reliable interior depth.

How to Stream and Watch NFL Games Today Live

Football fans looking to track live action today have multiple options across broadcast television networks and streaming platforms. Broadcast availability depends heavily on regional television markets and national syndication rights.

NFL Network serves as the central hub for national preseason game broadcasts, providing live coverage alongside immediate tape breakdowns. Regional markets can catch their home teams on local broadcast affiliates including CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC.

For cord-cutters and mobile viewers, NFL+ provides live local and out-of-market preseason game streaming on phones and tablets. Major digital streaming providers—such as FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV—carry live feeds of regional networks and NFL Network to ensure complete coverage.

Road to Week 1: Crucial 2026 NFL Calendar Dates Ahead

As August progresses, team executives face aggressive evaluation windows. The league’s roster calendar requires front offices to reduce training camp rosters from 90 players down to the final 53 within the next two weeks.

The regular season officially kicks off in early September, concluding months of summer preparation and launching the campaign toward Super Bowl LXI. Teams will spend the remaining preseason games refining operational mechanics, penalty discipline, and situational clock management.

• August 25, 2026: Mandatory roster reduction to 53 players by 4:00 PM ET.
• August 26, 2026: Waiver wire processing and official 16-player practice squad assembly.
• September 10, 2026: 2026 NFL Regular Season Kickoff Game.