Published: August 7, 2024, at 01:02 PM
Updated: August 9, 2024, at 10:48 PM
Eric Edholm
Lead Draft Writer
The NFL preseason is officially underway!
After last week’s Hall of Fame Game set the stage, the action ramps up this Thursday night with 16 games scheduled over four days. The NFL Network will broadcast seven of these matchups live, including the Cowboys versus Rams game on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET to close out the week.
While many starters will be taking a break, the preseason is a critical opportunity for players fighting for roster spots and rookies eager to showcase their skills. Here’s a breakdown of what to watch for with each of the 32 teams in Week 1 of the NFL preseason.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
Washington Commanders at New York Jets
Location: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, N.J.)
Time: 12 p.m. ET (NFL+*)
COMMANDERS: The buzz around this franchise is palpable, and Jayden Daniels’ debut will be a major draw. Although he’s slated to start, the intrigue lies in how long he will play and who he will play alongside. Daniels is in competition with Marcus Mariota for the backup role, but don’t overlook Sam Hartman. While not initially a top prospect, Hartman shows promise as a solid backup.
JETS: With Aaron Rodgers expected to sit out the preseason, attention shifts to other key players. First-round pick Olu Fashanu may not start immediately, but his preseason performance is crucial given the Jets’ ongoing offensive line struggles. Additionally, WR Malachi Corley is catching eyes with his impressive early camp performances, and he could earn a significant role if he continues to impress.
Chicago Bears at Buffalo Bills
Location: Highmark Stadium (Orchard Park, N.Y.)
Time: 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network, NFL+*)
BEARS: Caleb Williams, who missed the Hall of Fame Game, is anticipated to make his debut in Buffalo. Expect to see him alongside rookie Rome Odunze, though Williams will likely see limited action with plans to play about 45-55 snaps over the remaining preseason games. Bears camp reports on Williams have been mixed, but there are promising signs, including a developing connection with Odunze.
BILLS: The preseason opener may not reveal much about the Bills’ receiving corps, but it’s a chance to gauge progress. Watch for second-year WR Tyrell Shavers, who has impressed in camp and earned additional reps with Josh Allen. Shavers is vying for a roster spot, potentially ahead of more established receivers like Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Las Vegas Raiders at Minnesota Vikings
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis)
Time: 4 p.m. ET (NFL Network, NFL+*)
RAIDERS: The focus here is on the quarterback battle between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. Neither has distinguished himself clearly, but Minshew reportedly outperformed O’Connell in recent full-contact drills. Their performance against the Vikings will be pivotal in determining the Week 1 starter.
VIKINGS: J.J. McCarthy is gearing up to make his preseason debut after some early struggles. With Sam Darnold signed to provide stability, McCarthy’s play could influence when the Vikings might consider a quarterback change. Expect McCarthy to see first-team reps and show what he can contribute.
Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns
Location: Cleveland Browns Stadium (Cleveland)
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET (NFL+*)
PACKERS: Special teams have been a concern for the Packers, and a critical competition is unfolding for the kicker role between Anders Carlson and veteran Greg Joseph. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia will likely exploit the new kickoff rules to Green Bay’s advantage. Also, watch for Keisean Nixon, a top returner, to showcase his skills.
BROWNS: Kevin Stefanski has a history of giving ample preseason reps to young players, and this year is no different. Dorian Thompson-Robinson may need to prove his place on the team amidst the addition of Jameis Winston. A strong preseason could secure DTR’s spot, especially if the Browns opt to keep three QBs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals
Location: Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati)
Time: 7 p.m. ET (NFL+*)
BUCCANEERS: Key areas to monitor include the wide receiver group and the pass rush. While Mike Evans and Chris Godwin may be sidelined, rookie Jalen McMillan and undrafted Kameron Johnson will get opportunities to stand out. The pass rush will be tested with Randy Gregory and Yaya Diaby missing, giving young players like Chris Braswell and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka a chance to shine.
BENGALS: Coach Zac Taylor has indicated that starters, including Joe Burrow, will see action in the preseason opener. Keep an eye on rookie Amarius Mims, who may have the potential to start from Day 1. WR Andrei Iosivas, who ended last season strong, is also one to watch as he competes for a key role.
Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars
Location: EverBank Stadium (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Time: 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network, NFL+*)
CHIEFS: Rookie Kingsley Suamataia could be on track to start at left tackle, particularly with Wanya Morris injured. How Suamataia performs against the Jaguars’ pass rush will be indicative of his readiness to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side.
JAGUARS: Kicker Cam Little, who was one of the top talents in a less impressive draft class, is set to take on a significant role after pushing veteran Riley Patterson out. Additionally, RB Tank Bigsby, who struggled last season, is garnering praise and aims to secure the RB2 spot behind Travis Etienne.
San Francisco 49ers at Tennessee Titans
Location: Nissan Stadium (Nashville, Tenn.)
Time: 7 p.m. ET (NFL+*)
49ERS: With Brandon Aiyuk’s status uncertain, keep an eye on Ricky Pearsall, who has been gaining attention in camp. Also, undrafted RB Cody Schrader has impressed and fits well in the 49ers’ run scheme. It’s puzzling how the SEC’s leading rusher went undrafted, so his preseason play will be intriguing.
TITANS: DeAndre Hopkins’ injury opens a door for Treylon Burks to reassert himself. Additionally, Mason Kinsey, an undrafted player from Division-III, is making a case for a roster spot. His performance could be crucial, much like Michael Bandy’s last year.
Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Chargers
Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, Calif.)
Time: 7:05 p.m. ET (NFL+*)
SEAHAWKS: DT Byron Murphy II has been a standout in camp, and his performance against a strong Chargers offensive line will be telling. Murphy was highly rated pre-draft and could be a candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
CHARGERS: With Justin Herbert dealing with a plantar fascia injury, Easton Stick steps in as the temporary starter. Stick’s performance against the Seahawks will be a key indicator of his readiness, especially given his struggles last season.
New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals
Location: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Ariz.)
Time: 8 p.m. ET (NFL+*)
SAINTS: Watch for new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s impact, but also pay attention to the backup quarterback battle between Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler. This competition will be crucial as the season progresses, with both players vying for a spot.
CARDINALS: Marvin Harrison Jr.’s preseason snaps will be highly anticipated, even though they won’t determine his long-term success. Additionally, keep an eye on his potential impact on the field, as well as other promising rookies and returning players.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11
Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis)
Time: 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network, NFL+*)
BRONCOS: QB Bo Nix is the key storyline. With Sean Payton showing confidence in him, Nix might have a chance to start early in the season. It’s an important preseason for Nix to prove he can be a valuable asset, potentially surpassing Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson.
COLTS: Even if starters don’t see much action, attention will be on Alec Pierce and rookie WR Adonai Mitchell, who are competing for the third receiver spot. Trey Sermon’s performance could also determine his role behind Jonathan Taylor.
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams
Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, Calif.)
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET (NFL Network, NFL+*)
COWBOYS: The focus should be on the running back competition and the development of rookie offensive linemen like Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe. However, Trey Lance’s performance is critical; he needs to demonstrate he’s more than just a backup and can potentially challenge for a starting role.
RAMS: The team is dealing with multiple injuries, including to their cornerbacks, offensive line, and wide receivers.