Date: Friday, August 14 2026
Kick‑off: 7 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. MDT
Venue: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
The NFL’s Week 1 preseason opener pits the Denver Broncos against the Atlanta Falcons in a sun‑soaked Friday night at the home of the Falcons. While the result won’t count toward the regular‑season standings, the game offers a first look at rookie talent, scheme tweaks, and the chemistry of two squads still shaping their identities for 2026. Below we break down what to expect, which players could steal the spotlight, the historical backdrop, and—most importantly—*where to watch* the clash live.
Event Preview
Preseason match‑ups are often dismissed as “scrimmages,” yet they’re the only arena where coaches can see how newly drafted players translate raw athleticism into NFL‑ready execution. For the Broncos, the trip to Atlanta doubles as a chance to evaluate a revamped offensive line that struggled in the final preseason of 2025. The Falcons, meanwhile, are eager to gauge the progress of their revamped secondary under second‑year safety Jalen “J‑Train” Brooks.
The atmosphere at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium should be electric despite the game’s exhibition status. Atlanta’s fan base is notorious for turning up even for preseason, and the city’s summer humidity will test the Broncos’ conditioning. Expect a blend of high‑tempo passing drills, special‑teams fireworks, and a few trick plays designed to keep the coaches guessing.
Recent Form of Both Sides
Denver Broncos
- 2025 Preseason: Finished 1‑2, with the offense sputtering in the final game.
- 2025 Regular Season: Ended 5‑12, missing the playoffs for the third straight year.
- Off‑season Moves: Signed veteran QB Drew Lock as a backup, drafted WR Jaxon Reed (2nd round), and added a new offensive‑line coach, Mike Miller, known for zone‑blocking schemes.
The Broncos entered the offseason with a clear mandate: protect the quarterback and establish a balanced run‑pass attack. Early training‑camp reports suggest the offensive line is still in a “learning curve,” but the talent pool—especially the rookie linemen from the 2026 draft—looks promising.
Atlanta Falcons
- 2025 Preseason: Went 2‑1, showing a more polished passing attack.
- 2025 Regular Season: Finished 7‑10, missing the postseason but edging closer to a playoff spot.
- Off‑season Moves: Traded for veteran TE Mason Hughes, promoted defensive‑backs coach Carla Mendoza, and added a new special‑teams coordinator, Jeff Graham.
Atlanta’s biggest storyline heading into the preseason is the resurgence of their passing game under new offensive coordinator Kyle Miller. The Falcons’ quarterbacks—starter Caleb Miller and backup Trevor Hawkins—showed improved chemistry in the final weeks of training camp, and the receiving corps looks deeper than ever.
Key Players & Units to Watch
| Team | Player | Position | Why He Matters |
| Broncos | Jared Goff | QB (starter) | Though a veteran, Goff’s ability to read defenses will set the tone for the offense’s tempo. |
| Jaxon Reed | WR (rookie) | First‑round pick expected to be a deep‑ball threat; preseason is his audition. | |
| Mason Cole | LT | New starter tasked with anchoring the line; his pass‑protection will be under the microscope. | |
| Falcons | Caleb Miller | QB | Young, mobile, and eager to prove he can lead a revamped offense. |
| Mason Hughes | TE | Veteran presence who can act as a security blanket for the quarterback. | |
| Jalen “J‑Train” Brooks | S | The secondary’s leader; his coverage instincts will be tested against Denver’s receiving corps. |
*Aside:* If you ever wondered why preseason games feel like a “try‑out for the NFL,” look at Jaxon Reed’s first snap—he’ll be running routes that most rookies only practice on the practice field.
Beyond the marquee names, keep an eye on special teams. Both squads have invested heavily in kick‑return units, and a 95‑yard return could swing the momentum early.
Head‑to‑Head Record
The Broncos and Falcons have met 27 times in regular‑season play, with the series tied 13‑13‑1. The most recent encounter (2024 regular season) ended with Denver edging Atlanta 24‑21 in a nail‑biter that went to overtime. In preseason history, the two teams have split the last five meetings, each side winning two games and one ending in a tie.
While the numbers don’t directly translate to a preseason outcome, they illustrate a fairly even rivalry—no team has a clear psychological edge.
Where to Watch: Official Broadcast Options
Below is a country‑by‑country guide to the *legitimate* ways you can catch the Falcons‑Broncos preseason clash. All listings are based on the official broadcasters and streaming partners confirmed for the 2026 NFL preseason schedule.
| Country | TV Channel (Free‑to‑Air) | Cable/Satellite | Official Streaming Apps/Websites |
| United States | FOX (Atlanta market) / CBS (Denver market) | ESPN, DirecTV, Dish, Xfinity | NFL App, NFL Game Pass, ESPN.com (live stream), FoxSports.com, CBS Sports |
| Canada | TSN (English) / RDS (French) | Bell Satellite, Shaw Direct | NFL Game Pass Canada, TSN Direct |
| United Kingdom & Ireland | Sky Sports NFL | Sky Go, Virgin Media | NFL Game Pass UK, Sky Go, Now TV |
| Australia | Seven Network (Free‑to‑Air) | Foxtel, Kayo Sports | NFL Game Pass AU, Kayo Sports, 7plus |
| Germany | ProSieben MAXX | Sky Deutschland | NFL Game Pass DE, ProSieben App |
| France | NFL France (digital) | Canal+ Sport | NFL Game Pass FR, Canal+ |
| Mexico | ESPN Deportes | Sky México, Dish México | NFL Game Pass MX, ESPN App |
| India | Star Sports (English) | Tata Sky, Dish TV | NFL Game Pass India, Star Sports App |
**Note:** All streaming services require a subscription or a free trial. The NFL App and NFL Game Pass offer live streams for free on mobile devices for preseason games, but a paid tier is needed for full‑screen TV and replays.
If you’re in a region not listed above, the safest bet is to check your local sports network’s NFL schedule or use the official NFL Game Pass web portal, which provides worldwide access where rights allow.
Prediction
Preseason outcomes are notoriously volatile, but a few trends give us a clue. Denver’s offensive line still feels raw, while Atlanta’s defense has been tighter in recent scrimmages. Conversely, the Broncos boast a deeper receiving corps, and their veteran QB can manage the game tempo effectively.
Projected Score: Falcons 21 – Broncos 14
Atlanta’s home‑field advantage and the extra practice reps for their quarterbacks should translate into a modest lead. Expect the Broncos to keep it close with a couple of big plays from their rookie wideout, but the Falcons’ secondary will likely force enough turnovers to preserve the edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I watch the game for free on a mobile device?
Yes. The NFL App streams preseason games live at no charge on smartphones and tablets. You’ll need a stable internet connection and a free NFL account.
Q2: Will the game be available on traditional over‑the‑air TV?
In the United States, the game will air on the local FOX affiliate in Atlanta and the CBS affiliate in Denver. Check your local listings for the exact channel number.
Q3: How early should I tune in to avoid missing the kickoff?
The broadcast starts at 7 p.m. ET, but most networks begin pre‑game coverage 30 minutes earlier with analysis, weather, and lineup announcements. Plan to have your screen on by 6:30 p.m. ET.
Q4: Is the game recorded for later replay?
All official streaming platforms—NFL App, NFL Game Pass, and the network’s own apps—offer a replay after the live broadcast ends. Some services may place the replay behind a paywall, so verify before you start watching.
Final Thoughts
Preseason may lack the stakes of a regular‑season showdown, but the Falcons‑Broncos matchup offers a genuine glimpse into each team’s direction for 2026. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan tracking rookie progress or a casual viewer looking for an entertaining Friday night, the game promises enough drama to make it worth the watch.
So, set your DVR, fire up the NFL App, and enjoy the first sparks of a new NFL season—right where the action is, *where to watch Atlanta Falcons vs Denver Broncos*.