Pittsburgh Steelers Secure National TV Spot for All Preseason Games

Pittsburgh Steelers have locked in national television for all three 2026 preseason contests, with NFL Network airing each game at 7 p.m. on Aug. 13, Aug. 21 and Aug. 27. The schedule pits the Steelers against the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, offering a rare chance for fans to watch every preseason effort on a single network.

Who are the Steelers facing and when?

The first preseason test comes Aug. 13 when Pittsburgh hosts the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. A week later, on Aug. 21, the Jets travel to Pittsburgh for the second game, also at home. The final outing arrives Aug. 27 in Buffalo, where the Steelers will play the Bills at the brand‑new Highmark Stadium. All three contests start at 7 p.m. Eastern and will be streamed live on NFL Network, marking the second three‑game national broadcast stretch in three years—the first occurring in 2024.

Why is a full national broadcast notable?

National exposure for every preseason game is uncommon; most teams see only one or two games on a major network. For Pittsburgh, the full slate means greater visibility for emerging talent, coaching staff, and scheme tweaks before the regular season. It also gives the franchise a platform to showcase its new offensive pieces and defensive depth, especially as the team sits 16th in the NFC with a 3‑14 record and a nine‑game losing streak. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if the preseason can spark a turnaround before the next regular‑season clash against the Atlanta Falcons on Sep. 13, 2026.

What storylines will the preseason highlight?

Aaron Rodgers, now with the Green Bay Packers, will be on the field opposite his former teammates, though he is not expected to play. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who once led the Packers to a Super Bowl win, will also be on the sidelines, adding a nostalgic subplot. The Jets matchup revives a rivalry that hasn’t been seen since 2002, when a scheduled preseason game was canceled due to COVID‑19. Meanwhile, the Bills game continues a recent trend; Pittsburgh met Buffalo in the preseason in both 2023 and 2024, and the two squads even held a joint practice in 2024.

How might the preseason affect the Steelers' outlook?

With the team languishing near the bottom of the conference, every snap in August carries weight. Coaches will use the national stage to evaluate rookie wide receivers, backup quarterbacks, and defensive linemen who could earn roster spots. A strong showing could force a shift in the depth chart before the regular season opens. Conversely, lackluster performances may confirm the need for roster moves ahead of the upcoming September game against Atlanta. The broadcast also offers advertisers and sponsors a chance to reach a broader audience, potentially boosting revenue for a franchise seeking to rebuild.

What does the schedule mean for fans?

Pittsburgh supporters can now plan to watch all three preseason games without juggling regional sports networks. The consistent 7 p.m. kickoff time simplifies viewing, and the national coverage ensures high‑definition production values. For those in the Pittsburgh area, the first two games provide a chance to see the team in action at Acrisure Stadium before the regular season, while the Buffalo trip offers a glimpse of the new Highmark Stadium’s facilities. The full national rollout underscores the NFL’s confidence in the Steelers brand and gives fans a clear window into the team’s preparation for a challenging 2026 campaign.