Commanders vs. Patriots Week 1 Preseason Game: Start time, TV channel, how to stream and more

As the NFL preseason gets underway, anticipation is high—even if star names are sitting out. When the Washington Commanders face off against the New England Patriots this Friday, August 8, at Gillette Stadium, fans will be tuning in not just for the action on the field, but for the bigger stories unfolding off it.

From Jayden Daniels’ absence to Mike Vrabel’s coaching debut, this game is more than just a warm-up.

Patriots vs. Commanders Preseason game: What to expect, when to watch, and where to tune in

Fans won’t want to miss the action. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, August 8, and will air locally for Patriots fans on WBZ-TV CBS and for Washington viewers on WUSA (CBS/9-Washington). If you're outside the broadcast region, NFL+, DirecTV Stream, and FuboTV offer live streaming options.

Want to listen in? Catch the game on 98.5 The Sports Hub, or tune into SiriusXM on Ch.

226 (NE) and Ch. 382 (WAS).Start time: Friday, August 8, 2025, 7:30 p.m. ETChannel: LocalLive stream options: NFL+, DirecTV Stream, FuboTV

A new era begins in Foxborough as young talent gets the spotlight

The preseason may be unofficial, but for Patriots fans, this matchup marks something official—the start of the Mike Vrabel era. After a fiery joint practice on Wednesday that saw Vrabel himself dive into a scuffle, the tone has already been set. The energy in Foxborough is palpable, and Friday’s clash against the Commanders will be the first glimpse into how Vrabel molds this Patriots squad.

On the flip side, Washington fans may be disappointed not to see Jayden Daniels suit up. Last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year is expected to sit this one out. Still, the preseason is the perfect stage for unproven names to shine, and Commanders coaches will be closely watching who steps up when the lights come on. Both teams are using this opportunity to evaluate depth, determine starters, and fine-tune chemistry before the regular season.Also Read: Ciara ditches the filters to show what motherhood really looks like and it’s beautifully inspiring