The Biggest Reason To Watch Every Game of NFL Preseason Week 1

Last Thursday's Hall of Fame Game drew an estimated 6.9 million viewers, which is quite the audience for an exhibition, albeit one between two 2024 playoff teams. The impressive figure serves as proof that fans are hungry for the NFL's return, and all 32 teams are about to be in action.

The first full week of the 2025 preseason will begin on Thursday and will run through Sunday.

Will every Week 1 preseason game draw as much attention as the Hall of Fame Game? Probably not. That was a standalone prime-time game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions. Not every upcoming matchup is as exciting, and with a full slate and multiple viewing windows, casual fans may find it difficult to find reasons to watch many of them.

This doesn't mean that reasons don't exist, though. In fact, there's at least one reason to watch every one of this week's preseason contests. Even though these games don't count in the standings, they're far from meaningless.

Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Anthony Richardson

Date: Thursday, August 7

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: The Colts' QB Battle

Fans know that as long as Lamar Jackson remains healthy, the Baltimore Ravens are likely to be relevant in the AFC playoff race this season.

Baltimore has been one of the conference's top teams since the 28-year-old arrived, and last year's addition of Derrick Henry and some in-season improvements from the defense leave plenty of reasons to be excited about 2025.

The Ravens have little to prove in their preseason opener. Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, on the other hand, have everything to prove.

Richardson, the fourth overall pick in 2023, has struggled with injuries and efficiency through his first two pro seasons. To push the Florida product, the Colts added former New York Giants draft bust Daniel Jones to the mix. Now the two are locked in one of the few truly open QB competitions of training camp.

According to Amanda Foster of the Colts' official website. Richardson will start on Thursday, while Jones will start in Week 2. Both will have opportunities to make a strong impression against Baltimore.

Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Joe Burrow

Date: Thursday, August 7

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: Cincinnati's Starters

The Philadelphia Eagles have even less to prove than the Ravens, seeing as how they're the defending champions. They will use the preseason to find ways to replace departed contributors like Milton Williams and Josh Sweat, but they probably won't show a lot schematically on Thursday night.

The Cincinnati Bengals might not tip their hand either, but they do plan to play Joe Burrow and their starters for a good chunk of the contest.

"Several series is what we'll give those starters," head coach Zac Taylor said, per Pat Brennan of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

An early look at Cincinnati's offense should be fascinating for a couple of reasons. For one, the Bengals boast one of the best passing attacks in the NFL. Secondly, they did little this offseason to improve their 25th-ranked defense and are still dealing with Trey Hendrickson's contract situation.

If the Bengals are going to make waves this season, their offense will have to be elite.

Las Vegas Raiders at Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/John Locher

Geno Smith

Date: Thursday, August 7

Time: 10 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: A new-look Raiders team

There are a few storylines that make Thursday's nightcap between the Seattle Seahawks and Las Vegas Raiders interesting.

One of the biggest, of course, is the fact that Seattle traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Raiders at the start of the offseason.

However, Smith is just one piece of Las Vegas' offseason restructuring. It hired head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly before acquiring Smith and using a first-round pick on Ashton Jeanty. The team should be poised to be more relevant in the AFC West and to have the sort of offensive identity it has lacked in recent years.

It sounds as if fans may get a decent look at that offense, the new Raiders culture and several starters against Seattle.

"Everybody's live," Carroll said, per The Athletic's Tashan Reed. "Everybody's ready to go."

Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Jalon Walker

Date: Friday, August 8

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: Falcons rookie defenders

The Lions didn't show much during their 34-7 loss to the Chargers last Thursday. They're unlikely to show much again on Friday, though they'll certainly be looking for better execution.

Given Detroit's Super Bowl hopes and rash of 2024 injuries, fans probably won't see many Lions starters.

The Falcons may not have many starters out there, either. According to Tori McElhaney of the team's official website, quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins will sit.

However, McElhaney also reported rookies such as linebacker Jalon Walker, pass-rusher James Pearce Jr. and safety Xavier Watts are expected to play.

Fans should be interested in getting a look at these rookie defenders, who are expected to play an integral role for Atlanta this season.

If the Falcons hope to challenge in the NFC South, they need to see Penix lift the offense in his sophomore campaign while new defenders such as Walker Pearce, Watts, Leonard Floyd and Jordan Fuller boost a defense that ranked 23rd in points allowed last season.

Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers

AP PhotoDavid Richard

Shedeur Sanders

Date: Friday, August 8

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: Shedeur Sanders' debut

Former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders became the reason to watch the 2025 NFL draft, and not for reasons he'd have liked.

Once considered a potential first-round pick, the Colorado product experienced a draft slide that didn't end until the Cleveland Browns picked him 144th overall.

Now, Sanders is set to start against the Carolina Panthers in the preseason opener for both teams. Of course, this isn't because he has stunned the Browns with stellar training camp play. Cleveland plans to sit 40-year-old Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel are both dealing with hamstring injuries.

This leaves Sanders and the newly signed Tyler Huntley as Friday's QB options. That doesn't mean Sanders can't use the opportunity to make an impression.

"The competitor in him is very excited," Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said, per Kelsey Russo of the team's official website.

One preseason start won't be enough to prove teams that passed on Sanders right or wrong. Fans can expect plenty of folks to have strong opinions about his debut performance anyway.

Washington Commanders at New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Mike Vrabel

Date: Friday, August 8

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: Mike Vrabel's Patriots

Last year, the Washington Commanders were the biggest surprise in the NFL. After winning just four games in 2023, they took off, winning 12 and reaching the NFC title game.

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels rightly earned a lot of credit for the turnaround, but head coach Dan Quinn was responsible for changing Washington's culture.

Mike Vrabel now has an opportunity to do the same for the Patriots. New England and rookie quarterback Drake Maye showed a few flashes last season, but first-year head coach Jerod Mayo struggled to generate more than that.

One can argue Mayo deserved a second season with the Patriots, but one can't argue the fact that Vrabel is a proven head coach who is working hard to forge a more formidable team in New England.

"Vrabel is building a culture," Karen Guregian of MassLive wrote. "He wants his team to be tough, play tough, play together and take no prisoners when they’re out on the field."

On Friday, fans will get an initial look at how New England's newfound culture stacks up against one of the best in the NFL.

New York Giants at Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Jaxson Dart

Date: Saturday, August 9

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: Jaxson Dart's debut

The New York Giants are entering a situation not wholly unlike New England's. They were one of the NFL's worst teams in 2024 and will open exhibition play against one of the league's best, the Buffalo Bills. With Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen both back for New York, however, there's little reason to anticipate a culture shift.

If the Giants see a big turnaround in 2025, it'll likely be because of improved quarterback play. And while they've already tapped Russell Wilson to be the starter, rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart is the future. The future is reportedly coming along nicely.

"I'd say Jaxson is right on schedule from what we'd expect in terms of just understanding the offense, continuing to grow and learn every day,' offensive coordinator Mike Kafka said, per Matt Citak of the team's official website.

Fans should get their first look at Dart against Buffalo, and these next few weeks might provide the only opportunities to see Dart in 2025—at least, until Wilson stumbles and/or the playoffs fall out of reach.

Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn

J.J. McCarthy

Date: Saturday, August 9

Time: 4 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: J.J. McCarthy's return

There are a couple of reasons to tune into Saturday's game between the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings.

The Texans, who have won back-to-back AFC South titles, are set to debut a completely revamped offensive line, along with rookie receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.

The Vikings, however, are set to see the 2025 debut of quarterback J.J. McCarthy. With all due respect to the Texans, that's the bigger storyline here.

McCarthy was a first-round draft pick in 2024 but missed his entire rookie season following knee surgery. Minnesota went on to win 14 games with Sam Darnold at quarterback before allowing him to walk in free agency.

Can McCarthy keep the Vikings rolling as a first-year starter, or will the offense regress? Could the Michigan product even be an upgrade over Darnold? We won't get answers to these burning questions on Saturday, but we will get to see just how healthy McCarthy appears and what sort of command he has over Kevin O'Connell's offense in his first game back.

O'Connell has already announced McCarthy will play against Houston.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/John Raoux

Travis Hunter

Date: Saturday, August 9

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: Travis Hunter

The Pittsburgh Steelers may play Aaron Rodgers in their preseason opener, though it appears unlikely.

"I don't think it's in the plan for me to play this week, but whatever [coach] Mike [Tomlin] wants to do, I'm fully on board," the veteran QB told reporters.

Fans are far more likely to see Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is expected to play.

Jags fans will love seeing the 25-year-old back after a shoulder injury ended his 2024 season prematurely.

However, casual fans may be more interested in seeing if rookie receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter can play on both sides of the ball in a live NFL game. He did it in college, of course, and has been working at both positions in training camp.

"It's pretty crazy. Never seen anything like it," Lawrence said, per Mark Long of the Associated Press.

Before the Jaguars are going to let Hunter play two positions in a meaningful game, they'll likely need to see him hold his own in exhibition play. He'll get his first chance to do just that on Saturday.

Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Stetson Bennett

Date: Saturday, August 9

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: Rams' Backup QB Options

Though the Dallas Cowboys may not be legitimate title contenders this season, they're always adept at generating headlines. And fans will inevitably tune in on Saturday to see how they are progressing under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

However, the Los Angeles Rams and their backup QB situation is far more fascinating. They are expected to be contenders in the NFC, but there's a non-zero chance they'll need to get by in the early season without a fully healthy Matthew Stafford.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the veteran is dealing with an aggravated disc in his back and is considered week to week.

While backup Jimmy Garoppolo may not suit up—he didn't play at all last preseason—fans (and the Rams) should get another look at Stetson Bennett and Dresser Winn. Ideally, they'll never be counted on in the regular season, but if Stafford's injury concerns linger, the depth of L.A.'s QB room will become an interesting topic.

Tennessee Titans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Cam Ward

Date: Saturday, August 9

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: Cam Ward

We'll say this with all due respect to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have won four straight NFC South titles: Most fans who tune into this game will (and should) be doing so to catch a glimpse of Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward.

Ward, of course, was the first overall pick in this year's draft and the one QB prospect who appeared to have the skills of a top-tier NFL signal-caller.

"The combination of arm talent, mobility/athleticism, and accuracy is what the NFL is looking for in potential franchise QBs," Dame Parson of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote. "He has superstar potential if he can cut down on mistakes/risky decisions."

Titans coach Brian Callahan has already confirmed Ward will make his preseason debut as the starter against Tampa.

Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals

AP PhotoRoss D. Franklin

Marvin Harrison Jr.

Date: Saturday, August 9

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: A bigger, better Marvin Harrison Jr.

The Kansas City Chiefs are unlikely to put much on tape or showcase many first-stringers this weekend, though they may give fans an early look at rookie left tackle Josh Simmons.

The Arizona Cardinals, however, do plan to play their starters. This means fans should get to see the likes of Kyler Murray, James Conner and second-year wideout Marvin Harrison Jr.

Harrison, in particular, should draw a lot of interest. The fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft had a good season but didn't shine the way many expected. However, he's reportedly added muscle this offseason and become more at ease with the speed of the pro game.

"He's at the point where he's definitely more comfortable," Murray said, per Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic. "And I can see it out there on the field."

Fans—and fantasy enthusiasts—will hopefully get to see a new and improved Harrison on the field against Kansas City.

New York Jets at Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Justin Fields

Date: Saturday, August 9

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: Justin Fields' Jets debut

The Green Bay Packers appear to have found their long-term answer at quarterback after drafting Jordan Love in 2020. The New York Jets have been searching for a permanent solution at quarterback for what feels like generations.

After seeing first-round picks Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson and the Aaron Rodgers trade bust, the Jets decided to take a flier on a lower-risk option in Justin Fields. Should the talented but unproven dual-threat not emerge as a dependable starter, New York will only be out a modest two-year, $40 million contract.

Should Fields finally establish himself as a steady signal-caller, though, the Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey regime will be off to an ideal start. Now, there's no guarantee fans will see much of Fields against Green Bay on Saturday, but the 2021 first-rounder is lobbying to play.

"I think we at least need to see the field each and every game," Fields said, per Randy Lange of the team's official website. "I think that'll be good for our team."

It'll be good for fans to see Fields make his Jets debut this weekend. The Packers haven't traditionally played their starters much in the preseason, and Love took just three snaps between the preseason opener and Week 1.

Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

RJ Harvey

Date: Saturday, August 9

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: Denver's New-Look Rushing Attack

The San Francisco 49ers will likely be cautious with their starters throughout the preseason, especially since injuries were one of their biggest issues in 2024. But the Denver Broncos plan to play their starters, including quarterback Bo Nix.

"There's this feeling that, 'Oh if I practice them a bunch, then I'm not gonna to play them in a game.' We're playing guys in the game," head coach Sean Payton said, per Jon Heath of Broncos Wire.

While Broncos fans will enjoy seeing Nix as he enters his second pro season, casual fans should be more intrigued with Denver's new-look rushing attack. The Broncos struggled to complement Nix with a good ground game (21st in yards per carry) but still made the playoffs.

With a revamped backfield that now includes J.K. Dobbins and rookie second-round pick RJ Harvey—along with returning backs Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estimé—Denver may now have the balanced offense it needs to go deep in the postseason. We'll see how that backfield is shaping up against San Francisco.

Miami Dolphins at Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Ben Johnson

Date: Sunday, August 10

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: The debut of Ben Johnson's Bears offense

Not that long ago, Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins and Mike McDaniel's offense appeared to be the next big thing in the NFL.

Now that former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is in charge of the Chicago Bears, his offense and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams are looking to make waves.

There's no guarantee that fans will even see Williams on Sunday, as Johnson appears more interested in testing his players in practices than in exhibition play.

"I’m going to take a lot of weight into these joint practices," Johnson said last month, per Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Fans should, however, get an early glimpse of how Johnson's offense might look in Chicago. Coaches never show a whole lot of wrinkles during the preseason, of course, but the Bears' opener should give some insight into how Johnson's creative blocking and tempo concepts mesh with the team's personnel.

New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Spencer Rattler

Date: Sunday, August 10

Time: 4 p.m. ET

Biggest Reason to Watch: The Saints QB battle

Los Angeles generated a bit of a buzz during its 34-7 win over the Lions last Thursday. While big-name starters didn't see extensive playing time, the Chargers operated smoothly on both sides of the ball.

Rookie first-round pick Omarion Hampton made his unofficial debut, and rookie fifth-rounder KeAndre Lambert-Smith (43 yards, 1 TD) made an early case for a role in the receiver rotation.

Of course, nothing the Chargers do in Sunday's finale is likely to generate as much interest as the New Orleans Saints' quarterback competition.

With Derek Carr retired, the Saints are staging an open competition between rookie Tyler Shough, second-year man Spencer Rattler and third-year QB Jake Haener.

According to Matthew Paras of Nola.com, Rattler is "gaining momentum" in the race for QB1. Of course, all three signal-callers are listed under the first team in New Orleans' first unofficial depth chart of the preseason. This is a battle likely to last through late August and one that should start getting very interesting on Sunday afternoon.

*Full preseason schedule and viewing information can be found at NFL.com.