There are some exciting storylines on the docket heading into Week 2, including some quarterback competitions that could be decided (see our picks from Thursday night’s Bears-Seahawks game here ) and some position battles that could be settled this week . With more game time coming for first team attacks and defences, the first half of these pre-season games will be even more interesting to watch. Need a reason to watch every preseason game this week? We got you covered.
Friday, August 19
Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots
Time: 7 p.m. ET on FridayTV: NFL Network Will the bad blood continue? The Panthers and Patriots engaged in a training camp scrimmage during the first joint practice on Tuesday and continued on Wednesday, which isn’t a great sign for either organization. Punches were thrown during Tuesday’s practice and a fight broke out in the stands at the final practice together on Wednesday. A fan was injured in the melee, which began after Christian McCaffrey was ruled out of bounds on a run play. McCaffrey put the ball at the feet of Patriots defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr., prompting a brawl to ensue. Due to the nature of the common practice, it is highly unlikely that beginners will play in it. If there’s a cheap shot at any point in this game, this contest can get ugly.
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers
Time: 8 p.m. ET on FridayTV: NFL+, check local listings Which Packers wide receiver will step up? Aaron Rodgers was tough on his receivers this week, expressing frustration with the young group for inconsistency in route running and drops. Rodgers trusts Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, but neither young wideout has separated himself from the team. Rodgers likely won’t play in the preseason (he hasn’t played a preseason game since 2018), but he felt bad for Jordan Love that the younger receivers hurt the box score in the first preseason game. Amari Rodgers and fourth-round rookie Romeo Doubs are the two wideouts to watch as No. 2 pick Christian Watson has yet to take part in full-speed, 11-on-11 practices. In addition to the young wide receivers, Tyler Davis has started at tight end in place of Robert Tonyan — who is coming off a torn ACL. It was also under Rodgers’ microscope. All of the young receivers are players to watch this weekend, regardless of who the quarterback is. Time is short and the regular season is coming.
Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams
Time: 10 p.m. ET on FridayTV: NFL Network Will Dameon Pierce back up his strong preseason debut? Pierce had five carries for 49 yards in the second half of the Texans’ win last week, averaging 9.8 yards per carry to lead all Houston running backs. Head coach Lovie Smith revealed that Pierce has “caught his eye” as he begins to climb the depth chart and challenge Marlon Mack for the starting job. Pierce was used mostly as a power back in Florida, as the fourth-round rookie needs to work on his pass catching to earn more playing time. His physical ability to run should get him snaps in a running back that finished last in the league in rushing yards and yards per carry last year. The Texans like Pierce. He’ll have a chance.
Saturday, August 20
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills
Time: 1 p.m. ET on SaturdayTV: NFL Network The Bills rookie cornerbacks. Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford received plenty of praise for their performance against the Indianapolis Colts’ first-team offense in the first stretch of the preseason, more so than holding their own against Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce. Sean McDermott has been more than impressive with his first-year corners, making the Bills cornerback group even better when Tre’Davious White and Taron Johnson are added to the mix. Elam is expected to start in Buffalo, while Benford — a sixth-round pick — has played on the second team. The duo allowed just four catches on nine targets for 39 yards, showing they can play in the league. Denver’s wide receivers will be another good test for Elam and Benford.
Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts
Time: 1 p.m. ET on SaturdayTV: NFL+, check local listings Can Aidan Hutchinson repeat his strong debut? Hutchinson may be one of the only starters to play in it, pending how Lions head coach Dan Campbell handles joint practices this week. Going up against the Colts offensive line is a good test, especially for a player who had two tackles in just 10 defensive snaps in his NFL debut. Hutchinson will likely play more this week if Aaron Glenn allows some of the young starters to play. If Hutchinson doesn’t go, Malcolm Rodriguez (Rodrigo of Hard Knocks) will be worth watching at linebacker.
Washington Commanders in Kansas City Chiefs
Time: 4 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL Network How will Carson Wentz fare against one of the top teams in the NFL? Wentz was 10 of 13 for 74 yards in his preseason debut with the Commanders last week, looking like he’s finally starting to settle into the offense after a rough stretch of inconsistent practices. He has cut down on his off-target shots, which has been encouraging for Washington. Watching Wentz play the Chiefs revamped defense and grow his chemistry with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel is vital to the Commanders chances in the NFC East this year. Saturday may actually be the “dress rehearsal” for this team.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars
Time: 7 p.m. ET on SaturdayTV: NFL+, check local listings Who will take the lead in the quarterback competition? Pretty easy to pick the one thing to watch in this game, right? The Steelers have Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett vying for the No. Pickett is starting to get reps with the first team and it would be interesting to see the first round rookie with the first in it. Trubisky is likely to play with the starters again, but when coach Mike Tomlin puts Pickett in it will be worth watching. Trubisky is the leader in the clubhouse right now, but Pickett has closed the gap.
Las Vegas Raiders at Miami Dolphins
Time: 7 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL+, check local listings Will Mike McDaniel actually debut his new look? The Dolphins offense received a huge overhaul this offseason, starting with the acquisition of Tyreek Hill and the addition of free agent Ced Wilson to compliment Jaylen Waddle in the passing game. Miami signed Terron Armstead and Connor McGovern to improve the offensive line and brought in Raheem Mostert, Chase Edmunds and Sony Michel to upgrade the running back. McDaniel did not play in the first round in the season opener and will not reveal whether he will play in the first team on Saturday. There has been a ton of hype about how well Tua Tagovailoa has performed this offseason and in training camp. Maybe Dolphins fans will see him play for at least a series or two.
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Time: 7 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL+, check local listings Can Trey Lance back up his strong preseason debut? The 49ers and Vikings participated in joint practices this week, so there’s a good chance fans won’t even see Lance at Saturday’s game. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said it’s “day to day” with deciding whether to play Lance, who completed 4 of 5 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown on just 11 snaps last week. Lance is the starting quarterback and played limited snaps in 2021 and just one game in his final season at North Dakota State (2020). Playing more snaps would be beneficial, but Lance is likely to go into bubble wrap for the rest of the preseason.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans
Time: 7 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL Network Malik Willis and his arm talent. Willis impressed in his preseason debut, going 6 of 11 for 107 yards (88.1 rating) with a rushing touchdown in two and a half quarters of action, starting the game as Ryan Tannehill was rested. Titans coach Mike Vrabel pulled Willis midway through the third quarter because he wanted to throw the ball. When Willis takes the field Saturday, the emphasis will be on the passing game and how he relies on his arm instead of his legs. One of the starting quarterbacks who could become a starter at some point this season, Willis as a strong chance to play meaningful snaps if Tannehill struggles.
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Chargers
Time: 10 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL Network Can the Cowboys clear up the penalty issues? Dallas and Los Angeles are participating in joint practices this week, so don’t expect to see the first team from either side participate in it. The Cowboys will likely play the second team, but the microscope will be on Mike McCarthy’s unit because of the penalties the team committed in Week 1 of the preseason. A year after leading the NFL with 127 penalties (7.48 per game), the Cowboys committed 17 penalties in last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos. Dallas had 14 penalties in last season’s playoff loss to San Francisco, so the problems aren’t necessarily going away — no matter how much McCarthy vows to clean them up. Cowboys have to be better by default, right?
Sunday, August 21
Philadelphia Eagles at Cleveland Browns
Time: 1 p.m. ET on SundayTV: NFL Network THE…
title: “Week 2 Nfl Preseason One Thing To Watch In Every Game Including Whether Tyrod Taylor Creates Giants Qb Battle Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-02” author: “Patricia Seaver”
There are some exciting storylines on the docket heading into Week 2, including some quarterback competitions that could be decided (see our picks from Thursday night’s Bears-Seahawks game here ) and some position battles that could be settled this week . With more game time coming for first team attacks and defences, the first half of these pre-season games will be even more interesting to watch. Need a reason to watch every preseason game this week? We got you covered.
Friday, August 19
Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots
Time: 7 p.m. ET on FridayTV: NFL Network Will the bad blood continue? The Panthers and Patriots engaged in a training camp scrimmage during the first joint practice on Tuesday and continued on Wednesday, which isn’t a great sign for either organization. Punches were thrown during Tuesday’s practice and a fight broke out in the stands at the final practice together on Wednesday. A fan was injured in the melee, which began after Christian McCaffrey was ruled out of bounds on a run play. McCaffrey put the ball at the feet of Patriots defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr., prompting a brawl to ensue. Due to the nature of the common practice, it is highly unlikely that beginners will play in it. If there’s a cheap shot at any point in this game, this contest can get ugly.
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers
Time: 8 p.m. ET on FridayTV: NFL+, check local listings Which Packers wide receiver will step up? Aaron Rodgers was tough on his receivers this week, expressing frustration with the young group for inconsistency in route running and drops. Rodgers trusts Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, but neither young wideout has separated himself from the team. Rodgers likely won’t play in the preseason (he hasn’t played a preseason game since 2018), but he felt bad for Jordan Love that the younger receivers hurt the box score in the first preseason game. Amari Rodgers and fourth-round rookie Romeo Doubs are the two wideouts to watch as No. 2 pick Christian Watson has yet to take part in full-speed, 11-on-11 practices. In addition to the young wide receivers, Tyler Davis has started at tight end in place of Robert Tonyan — who is coming off a torn ACL. It was also under Rodgers’ microscope. All of the young receivers are players to watch this weekend, regardless of who the quarterback is. Time is short and the regular season is coming.
Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams
Time: 10 p.m. ET on FridayTV: NFL Network Will Dameon Pierce back up his strong preseason debut? Pierce had five carries for 49 yards in the second half of the Texans’ win last week, averaging 9.8 yards per carry to lead all Houston running backs. Head coach Lovie Smith revealed that Pierce has “caught his eye” as he begins to climb the depth chart and challenge Marlon Mack for the starting job. Pierce was used mostly as a power back in Florida, as the fourth-round rookie needs to work on his pass catching to earn more playing time. His physical ability to run should get him snaps in a running back that finished last in the league in rushing yards and yards per carry last year. The Texans like Pierce. He’ll have a chance.
Saturday, August 20
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills
Time: 1 p.m. ET on SaturdayTV: NFL Network The Bills rookie cornerbacks. Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford received plenty of praise for their performance against the Indianapolis Colts’ first-team offense in the first stretch of the preseason, more so than holding their own against Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce. Sean McDermott has been more than impressive with his first-year corners, making the Bills cornerback group even better when Tre’Davious White and Taron Johnson are added to the mix. Elam is expected to start in Buffalo, while Benford — a sixth-round pick — has played on the second team. The duo allowed just four catches on nine targets for 39 yards, showing they can play in the league. Denver’s wide receivers will be another good test for Elam and Benford.
Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts
Time: 1 p.m. ET on SaturdayTV: NFL+, check local listings Can Aidan Hutchinson repeat his strong debut? Hutchinson may be one of the only starters to play in it, pending how Lions head coach Dan Campbell handles joint practices this week. Going up against the Colts offensive line is a good test, especially for a player who had two tackles in just 10 defensive snaps in his NFL debut. Hutchinson will likely play more this week if Aaron Glenn allows some of the young starters to play. If Hutchinson doesn’t go, Malcolm Rodriguez (Rodrigo of Hard Knocks) will be worth watching at linebacker.
Washington Commanders in Kansas City Chiefs
Time: 4 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL Network How will Carson Wentz fare against one of the top teams in the NFL? Wentz was 10 of 13 for 74 yards in his preseason debut with the Commanders last week, looking like he’s finally starting to settle into the offense after a rough stretch of inconsistent practices. He has cut down on his off-target shots, which has been encouraging for Washington. Watching Wentz play the Chiefs revamped defense and grow his chemistry with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel is vital to the Commanders chances in the NFC East this year. Saturday may actually be the “dress rehearsal” for this team.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars
Time: 7 p.m. ET on SaturdayTV: NFL+, check local listings Who will take the lead in the quarterback competition? Pretty easy to pick the one thing to watch in this game, right? The Steelers have Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett vying for the No. Pickett is starting to get reps with the first team and it would be interesting to see the first round rookie with the first in it. Trubisky is likely to play with the starters again, but when coach Mike Tomlin puts Pickett in it will be worth watching. Trubisky is the leader in the clubhouse right now, but Pickett has closed the gap.
Las Vegas Raiders at Miami Dolphins
Time: 7 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL+, check local listings Will Mike McDaniel actually debut his new look? The Dolphins offense received a huge overhaul this offseason, starting with the acquisition of Tyreek Hill and the addition of free agent Ced Wilson to compliment Jaylen Waddle in the passing game. Miami signed Terron Armstead and Connor McGovern to improve the offensive line and brought in Raheem Mostert, Chase Edmunds and Sony Michel to upgrade the running back. McDaniel did not play in the first round in the season opener and will not reveal whether he will play in the first team on Saturday. There has been a ton of hype about how well Tua Tagovailoa has performed this offseason and in training camp. Maybe Dolphins fans will see him play for at least a series or two.
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Time: 7 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL+, check local listings Can Trey Lance back up his strong preseason debut? The 49ers and Vikings participated in joint practices this week, so there’s a good chance fans won’t even see Lance at Saturday’s game. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said it’s “day to day” with deciding whether to play Lance, who completed 4 of 5 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown on just 11 snaps last week. Lance is the starting quarterback and played limited snaps in 2021 and just one game in his final season at North Dakota State (2020). Playing more snaps would be beneficial, but Lance is likely to go into bubble wrap for the rest of the preseason.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans
Time: 7 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL Network Malik Willis and his arm talent. Willis impressed in his preseason debut, going 6 of 11 for 107 yards (88.1 rating) with a rushing touchdown in two and a half quarters of action, starting the game as Ryan Tannehill was rested. Titans coach Mike Vrabel pulled Willis midway through the third quarter because he wanted to throw the ball. When Willis takes the field Saturday, the emphasis will be on the passing game and how he relies on his arm instead of his legs. One of the starting quarterbacks who could become a starter at some point this season, Willis as a strong chance to play meaningful snaps if Tannehill struggles.
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Chargers
Time: 10 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL Network Can the Cowboys clear up the penalty issues? Dallas and Los Angeles are participating in joint practices this week, so don’t expect to see the first team from either side participate in it. The Cowboys will likely play the second team, but the microscope will be on Mike McCarthy’s unit because of the penalties the team committed in Week 1 of the preseason. A year after leading the NFL with 127 penalties (7.48 per game), the Cowboys committed 17 penalties in last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos. Dallas had 14 penalties in last season’s playoff loss to San Francisco, so the problems aren’t necessarily going away — no matter how much McCarthy vows to clean them up. Cowboys have to be better by default, right?
Sunday, August 21
Philadelphia Eagles at Cleveland Browns
Time: 1 p.m. ET on SundayTV: NFL Network THE…
title: “Week 2 Nfl Preseason One Thing To Watch In Every Game Including Whether Tyrod Taylor Creates Giants Qb Battle Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-05” author: “Jessie William”
There are some exciting storylines on the docket heading into Week 2, including some quarterback competitions that could be decided (see our picks from Thursday night’s Bears-Seahawks game here ) and some position battles that could be settled this week . With more game time coming for first team attacks and defences, the first half of these pre-season games will be even more interesting to watch. Need a reason to watch every preseason game this week? We got you covered.
Friday, August 19
Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots
Time: 7 p.m. ET on FridayTV: NFL Network Will the bad blood continue? The Panthers and Patriots engaged in a training camp scrimmage during the first joint practice on Tuesday and continued on Wednesday, which isn’t a great sign for either organization. Punches were thrown during Tuesday’s practice and a fight broke out in the stands at the final practice together on Wednesday. A fan was injured in the melee, which began after Christian McCaffrey was ruled out of bounds on a run play. McCaffrey put the ball at the feet of Patriots defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr., prompting a brawl to ensue. Due to the nature of the common practice, it is highly unlikely that beginners will play in it. If there’s a cheap shot at any point in this game, this contest can get ugly.
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers
Time: 8 p.m. ET on FridayTV: NFL+, check local listings Which Packers wide receiver will step up? Aaron Rodgers was tough on his receivers this week, expressing frustration with the young group for inconsistency in route running and drops. Rodgers trusts Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, but neither young wideout has separated himself from the team. Rodgers likely won’t play in the preseason (he hasn’t played a preseason game since 2018), but he felt bad for Jordan Love that the younger receivers hurt the box score in the first preseason game. Amari Rodgers and fourth-round rookie Romeo Doubs are the two wideouts to watch as No. 2 pick Christian Watson has yet to take part in full-speed, 11-on-11 practices. In addition to the young wide receivers, Tyler Davis has started at tight end in place of Robert Tonyan — who is coming off a torn ACL. It was also under Rodgers’ microscope. All of the young receivers are players to watch this weekend, regardless of who the quarterback is. Time is short and the regular season is coming.
Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams
Time: 10 p.m. ET on FridayTV: NFL Network Will Dameon Pierce back up his strong preseason debut? Pierce had five carries for 49 yards in the second half of the Texans’ win last week, averaging 9.8 yards per carry to lead all Houston running backs. Head coach Lovie Smith revealed that Pierce has “caught his eye” as he begins to climb the depth chart and challenge Marlon Mack for the starting job. Pierce was used mostly as a power back in Florida, as the fourth-round rookie needs to work on his pass catching to earn more playing time. His physical ability to run should get him snaps in a running back that finished last in the league in rushing yards and yards per carry last year. The Texans like Pierce. He’ll have a chance.
Saturday, August 20
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills
Time: 1 p.m. ET on SaturdayTV: NFL Network The Bills rookie cornerbacks. Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford received plenty of praise for their performance against the Indianapolis Colts’ first-team offense in the first stretch of the preseason, more so than holding their own against Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce. Sean McDermott has been more than impressive with his first-year corners, making the Bills cornerback group even better when Tre’Davious White and Taron Johnson are added to the mix. Elam is expected to start in Buffalo, while Benford — a sixth-round pick — has played on the second team. The duo allowed just four catches on nine targets for 39 yards, showing they can play in the league. Denver’s wide receivers will be another good test for Elam and Benford.
Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts
Time: 1 p.m. ET on SaturdayTV: NFL+, check local listings Can Aidan Hutchinson repeat his strong debut? Hutchinson may be one of the only starters to play in it, pending how Lions head coach Dan Campbell handles joint practices this week. Going up against the Colts offensive line is a good test, especially for a player who had two tackles in just 10 defensive snaps in his NFL debut. Hutchinson will likely play more this week if Aaron Glenn allows some of the young starters to play. If Hutchinson doesn’t go, Malcolm Rodriguez (Rodrigo of Hard Knocks) will be worth watching at linebacker.
Washington Commanders in Kansas City Chiefs
Time: 4 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL Network How will Carson Wentz fare against one of the top teams in the NFL? Wentz was 10 of 13 for 74 yards in his preseason debut with the Commanders last week, looking like he’s finally starting to settle into the offense after a rough stretch of inconsistent practices. He has cut down on his off-target shots, which has been encouraging for Washington. Watching Wentz play the Chiefs revamped defense and grow his chemistry with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel is vital to the Commanders chances in the NFC East this year. Saturday may actually be the “dress rehearsal” for this team.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars
Time: 7 p.m. ET on SaturdayTV: NFL+, check local listings Who will take the lead in the quarterback competition? Pretty easy to pick the one thing to watch in this game, right? The Steelers have Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett vying for the No. Pickett is starting to get reps with the first team and it would be interesting to see the first round rookie with the first in it. Trubisky is likely to play with the starters again, but when coach Mike Tomlin puts Pickett in it will be worth watching. Trubisky is the leader in the clubhouse right now, but Pickett has closed the gap.
Las Vegas Raiders at Miami Dolphins
Time: 7 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL+, check local listings Will Mike McDaniel actually debut his new look? The Dolphins offense received a huge overhaul this offseason, starting with the acquisition of Tyreek Hill and the addition of free agent Ced Wilson to compliment Jaylen Waddle in the passing game. Miami signed Terron Armstead and Connor McGovern to improve the offensive line and brought in Raheem Mostert, Chase Edmunds and Sony Michel to upgrade the running back. McDaniel did not play in the first round in the season opener and will not reveal whether he will play in the first team on Saturday. There has been a ton of hype about how well Tua Tagovailoa has performed this offseason and in training camp. Maybe Dolphins fans will see him play for at least a series or two.
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Time: 7 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL+, check local listings Can Trey Lance back up his strong preseason debut? The 49ers and Vikings participated in joint practices this week, so there’s a good chance fans won’t even see Lance at Saturday’s game. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said it’s “day to day” with deciding whether to play Lance, who completed 4 of 5 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown on just 11 snaps last week. Lance is the starting quarterback and played limited snaps in 2021 and just one game in his final season at North Dakota State (2020). Playing more snaps would be beneficial, but Lance is likely to go into bubble wrap for the rest of the preseason.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans
Time: 7 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL Network Malik Willis and his arm talent. Willis impressed in his preseason debut, going 6 of 11 for 107 yards (88.1 rating) with a rushing touchdown in two and a half quarters of action, starting the game as Ryan Tannehill was rested. Titans coach Mike Vrabel pulled Willis midway through the third quarter because he wanted to throw the ball. When Willis takes the field Saturday, the emphasis will be on the passing game and how he relies on his arm instead of his legs. One of the starting quarterbacks who could become a starter at some point this season, Willis as a strong chance to play meaningful snaps if Tannehill struggles.
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Chargers
Time: 10 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL Network Can the Cowboys clear up the penalty issues? Dallas and Los Angeles are participating in joint practices this week, so don’t expect to see the first team from either side participate in it. The Cowboys will likely play the second team, but the microscope will be on Mike McCarthy’s unit because of the penalties the team committed in Week 1 of the preseason. A year after leading the NFL with 127 penalties (7.48 per game), the Cowboys committed 17 penalties in last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos. Dallas had 14 penalties in last season’s playoff loss to San Francisco, so the problems aren’t necessarily going away — no matter how much McCarthy vows to clean them up. Cowboys have to be better by default, right?
Sunday, August 21
Philadelphia Eagles at Cleveland Browns
Time: 1 p.m. ET on SundayTV: NFL Network THE…
title: “Week 2 Nfl Preseason One Thing To Watch In Every Game Including Whether Tyrod Taylor Creates Giants Qb Battle Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-27” author: “Elmer Brimer”
There are some exciting storylines on the docket heading into Week 2, including some quarterback competitions that could be decided (see our picks from Thursday night’s Bears-Seahawks game here ) and some position battles that could be settled this week . With more game time coming for first team attacks and defences, the first half of these pre-season games will be even more interesting to watch. Need a reason to watch every preseason game this week? We got you covered.
Friday, August 19
Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots
Time: 7 p.m. ET on FridayTV: NFL Network Will the bad blood continue? The Panthers and Patriots engaged in a training camp scrimmage during the first joint practice on Tuesday and continued on Wednesday, which isn’t a great sign for either organization. Punches were thrown during Tuesday’s practice and a fight broke out in the stands at the final practice together on Wednesday. A fan was injured in the melee, which began after Christian McCaffrey was ruled out of bounds on a run play. McCaffrey put the ball at the feet of Patriots defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr., prompting a brawl to ensue. Due to the nature of the common practice, it is highly unlikely that beginners will play in it. If there’s a cheap shot at any point in this game, this contest can get ugly.
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers
Time: 8 p.m. ET on FridayTV: NFL+, check local listings Which Packers wide receiver will step up? Aaron Rodgers was tough on his receivers this week, expressing frustration with the young group for inconsistency in route running and drops. Rodgers trusts Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, but neither young wideout has separated himself from the team. Rodgers likely won’t play in the preseason (he hasn’t played a preseason game since 2018), but he felt bad for Jordan Love that the younger receivers hurt the box score in the first preseason game. Amari Rodgers and fourth-round rookie Romeo Doubs are the two wideouts to watch as No. 2 pick Christian Watson has yet to take part in full-speed, 11-on-11 practices. In addition to the young wide receivers, Tyler Davis has started at tight end in place of Robert Tonyan — who is coming off a torn ACL. It was also under Rodgers’ microscope. All of the young receivers are players to watch this weekend, regardless of who the quarterback is. Time is short and the regular season is coming.
Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams
Time: 10 p.m. ET on FridayTV: NFL Network Will Dameon Pierce back up his strong preseason debut? Pierce had five carries for 49 yards in the second half of the Texans’ win last week, averaging 9.8 yards per carry to lead all Houston running backs. Head coach Lovie Smith revealed that Pierce has “caught his eye” as he begins to climb the depth chart and challenge Marlon Mack for the starting job. Pierce was used mostly as a power back in Florida, as the fourth-round rookie needs to work on his pass catching to earn more playing time. His physical ability to run should get him snaps in a running back that finished last in the league in rushing yards and yards per carry last year. The Texans like Pierce. He’ll have a chance.
Saturday, August 20
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills
Time: 1 p.m. ET on SaturdayTV: NFL Network The Bills rookie cornerbacks. Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford received plenty of praise for their performance against the Indianapolis Colts’ first-team offense in the first stretch of the preseason, more so than holding their own against Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce. Sean McDermott has been more than impressive with his first-year corners, making the Bills cornerback group even better when Tre’Davious White and Taron Johnson are added to the mix. Elam is expected to start in Buffalo, while Benford — a sixth-round pick — has played on the second team. The duo allowed just four catches on nine targets for 39 yards, showing they can play in the league. Denver’s wide receivers will be another good test for Elam and Benford.
Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts
Time: 1 p.m. ET on SaturdayTV: NFL+, check local listings Can Aidan Hutchinson repeat his strong debut? Hutchinson may be one of the only starters to play in it, pending how Lions head coach Dan Campbell handles joint practices this week. Going up against the Colts offensive line is a good test, especially for a player who had two tackles in just 10 defensive snaps in his NFL debut. Hutchinson will likely play more this week if Aaron Glenn allows some of the young starters to play. If Hutchinson doesn’t go, Malcolm Rodriguez (Rodrigo of Hard Knocks) will be worth watching at linebacker.
Washington Commanders in Kansas City Chiefs
Time: 4 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL Network How will Carson Wentz fare against one of the top teams in the NFL? Wentz was 10 of 13 for 74 yards in his preseason debut with the Commanders last week, looking like he’s finally starting to settle into the offense after a rough stretch of inconsistent practices. He has cut down on his off-target shots, which has been encouraging for Washington. Watching Wentz play the Chiefs revamped defense and grow his chemistry with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel is vital to the Commanders chances in the NFC East this year. Saturday may actually be the “dress rehearsal” for this team.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars
Time: 7 p.m. ET on SaturdayTV: NFL+, check local listings Who will take the lead in the quarterback competition? Pretty easy to pick the one thing to watch in this game, right? The Steelers have Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett vying for the No. Pickett is starting to get reps with the first team and it would be interesting to see the first round rookie with the first in it. Trubisky is likely to play with the starters again, but when coach Mike Tomlin puts Pickett in it will be worth watching. Trubisky is the leader in the clubhouse right now, but Pickett has closed the gap.
Las Vegas Raiders at Miami Dolphins
Time: 7 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL+, check local listings Will Mike McDaniel actually debut his new look? The Dolphins offense received a huge overhaul this offseason, starting with the acquisition of Tyreek Hill and the addition of free agent Ced Wilson to compliment Jaylen Waddle in the passing game. Miami signed Terron Armstead and Connor McGovern to improve the offensive line and brought in Raheem Mostert, Chase Edmunds and Sony Michel to upgrade the running back. McDaniel did not play in the first round in the season opener and will not reveal whether he will play in the first team on Saturday. There has been a ton of hype about how well Tua Tagovailoa has performed this offseason and in training camp. Maybe Dolphins fans will see him play for at least a series or two.
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Time: 7 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL+, check local listings Can Trey Lance back up his strong preseason debut? The 49ers and Vikings participated in joint practices this week, so there’s a good chance fans won’t even see Lance at Saturday’s game. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said it’s “day to day” with deciding whether to play Lance, who completed 4 of 5 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown on just 11 snaps last week. Lance is the starting quarterback and played limited snaps in 2021 and just one game in his final season at North Dakota State (2020). Playing more snaps would be beneficial, but Lance is likely to go into bubble wrap for the rest of the preseason.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans
Time: 7 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL Network Malik Willis and his arm talent. Willis impressed in his preseason debut, going 6 of 11 for 107 yards (88.1 rating) with a rushing touchdown in two and a half quarters of action, starting the game as Ryan Tannehill was rested. Titans coach Mike Vrabel pulled Willis midway through the third quarter because he wanted to throw the ball. When Willis takes the field Saturday, the emphasis will be on the passing game and how he relies on his arm instead of his legs. One of the starting quarterbacks who could become a starter at some point this season, Willis as a strong chance to play meaningful snaps if Tannehill struggles.
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Chargers
Time: 10 p.m. ET on Saturday TV: NFL Network Can the Cowboys clear up the penalty issues? Dallas and Los Angeles are participating in joint practices this week, so don’t expect to see the first team from either side participate in it. The Cowboys will likely play the second team, but the microscope will be on Mike McCarthy’s unit because of the penalties the team committed in Week 1 of the preseason. A year after leading the NFL with 127 penalties (7.48 per game), the Cowboys committed 17 penalties in last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos. Dallas had 14 penalties in last season’s playoff loss to San Francisco, so the problems aren’t necessarily going away — no matter how much McCarthy vows to clean them up. Cowboys have to be better by default, right?
Sunday, August 21
Philadelphia Eagles at Cleveland Browns
Time: 1 p.m. ET on SundayTV: NFL Network THE…
