As the Los Angeles Chargers face the Detroit Lions in their Hall of Fame preseason game on July 31st, NFL fans eagerly anticipate the start of football season. The full preseason schedule was officially released by the NFL on Thursday, revealing a mix of team strategies—some avoiding veteran play before the regular season, while others aim for a few early games to prepare their rosters.
August games offer a first look at rookies and veterans vying for roster spots. Here are 10 preseason games worth watching:
1. Carolina Panthers vs. Cleveland Browns (August 8): The Browns’ quarterback room features four contenders, including Chedur Sanders, who could surprise. Cleveland’s allocation of playing time between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders will be a key storyline, alongside rookie receiver Tetaro A MacMillan’s debut.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (August 9): The big question is whether Aaron Rodgers will join and play for the Steelers. Additionally, this game may showcase Jaguars’ rookie Travis Hunter, the second overall draft pick.
3. Tennessee Titans vs. Atlanta Falcons (August 15): Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. could see significant preseason action to gain reps, while the Titans may be striving to improve their draft standing.
4. San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders (August 16): The preseason will reveal how rookie running back Ashton Jeanti is utilized by the 49ers. Raiders fans will also be eager to see quarterback Geno Smith in his new uniform amidst offseason changes.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New Orleans Saints (August 17): Watch how Jaguars use Travis Hunter on both offense and defense. Saints’ second-round pick Tyler Shaw hopes to make history as the team’s first rookie starting quarterback since 1971.
6. New England Patriots vs. New York Giants (August 21): Patriots will test new talent and build chemistry. Giants will showcase three quarterbacks—Russell Wilson, Jamies Winston, and exciting rookie Jackson Dirt—in a critical preseason finale.
7. Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans (August 22): This nationally televised game highlights Titans’ top draft pick Cam Ward and second-year Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy, whose rookie season was cut short by injury.
8. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Chicago Bears (August 22): Bears’ new head coach Ben Johnson will start fresh, while Chiefs’ Caleb Williams, receiver Colston Loveland, and Luther Burden III test their mettle under Andy Reid’s system.
9. Los Angeles Rams vs. Cleveland Browns (August 23): The Browns’ preseason quarterback competition could impact roster decisions, with particular focus on who will emerge as the starter.
10. Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals (August 23): The Colts’ quarterback battle between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones may be decided in this final preseason game, affecting who starts the regular season.
Fan Take: The NFL preseason isn’t just warm-up games—it’s a critical opportunity for rookies to prove themselves and veterans to secure their spots. Watching these matchups offers fans a glimpse at the future stars and strategic moves that could shape the upcoming season.
