NFL Preseason Week 1: What to Watch in 8 NFL Network Games

As for the Ravens, not much to worry about in preseason when you are already a serious Super Bowl contender. That said, it will be the first NFL game for rookie kicker Tyler Loop, who replaces Justin Tucker after he was released following his off-field issues. Despite last year’s subpar season, Tucker had been such a valuable weapon for the Ravens for years. Can Loop fill that role?

Las Vegas Raiders at Seattle Seahawks
10 p.m. ET, NFL Network

Pete Carroll and Geno Smith returning to Seattle would be a much bigger story in the regular season, but NFL Network will undoubtedly play it up Thursday night. More importantly, Carroll has said he plans to have his starters see some action in this game, so we get our first look at Rookie of the Year favorite Ashton Jeanty in the Silver & Black backfield. He won’t get many carries, but it should be fun to watch. On the other side of the ball, keep an eye on the rotation along the Raiders’ defensive line as they look to replace defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who was cut.

For the Seahawks, keep an eye on how the tight ends look. With the release of Noah Fant, second-year tight end A.J. Barner and rookie Elijah Arroyo are vying for the starting job. Barner is currently listed as the starter on the depth chart, but there’s been plenty of buzz around Arroyo, a second-round pick out of Miami-Fla.

Friday, Aug. 8

Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers
7 p.m. ET, NFL Network

Needless to say, this is the Shedeur Show. With other Cleveland quarterbacks nursing injuries, rookie Shedeur Sanders will start this game. And no matter how little he ends up playing, his every move will be dissected. And as we noted about first impressions, this is a chance for Sanders, the team’s fifth-round pick, to gain an early edge before third-round pick Dillon Gabriel gets a chance to play.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales did not play his starters in the first two preseason games last year, and during training camp he has hinted that he thought that was a mistake. Quarterback Bryce Young and company will start this game. Carolina will have at least six new starters on defense, which was among the worst in the NFL last season. While currently listed as backups, keep an eye on rookie outside linebackers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen.

Saturday, Aug. 9

New York Giants at Buffalo Bills
1 p.m. ET, NFL Network

While rookies will certainly be on display and working hard to win points, third-year cornerback Deonte Banks is under the microscope as much as any player on the Giants. After taking a major step backwards in 2024, the former first-round draft pick is in a battle to keep his starting job. The Giants unofficial depth chart lists the starting right cornerback as Deonte Banks OR Cor-Dale Flott. The latter has been banged up and might not play in this game, so it’s an opportunity for Banks to step up.

The Bills, meanwhile, probably wouldn’t have played James Cook here — but the running back’s “hold in” does create some intrigue at the position. All parties expect the situation to be resolved before the regular season begins, but the Bills at least need to be thinking about their depth at the position. Ray Davis and Ty Johnson are set behind Cook, but this could be the last chance for Frank Gore Jr. to show something.

Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings
4 p.m. ET, NFL Network

It doesn’t matter if Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud plays Saturday. The game — and the entire preseason — is about re-working and improving an offensive line that did a lousy job protecting Stroud last season. Recent veteran acquisition Cam Robinson suffered a leg injury in camp earlier this week. Regardless of the status of the injury, that just puts more pressure on second-round rookie tackle Aireontae Ersery — who is listed as the starting right tackle but may get a look at left tackle in place of Robinson here.

For the Vikings, it’s all eyes on quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who will see his first game action since suffering a preseason knee injury that ended his rookie season before it began.

New York Jets at Green Bay Packers
8 p.m. ET, NFL Network

Aaron Glenn makes his debut as Jets head coach and he’s got plenty to figure out as his team enters 2025 with the longest playoff drought in major American team sports. It’ll be fun to get a look at rookie tight end Mason Taylor, who is listed as the team’s No. 2 TE as of now but is an interesting prospect.

Packers fans are excited to see rookie receiver Matthew Golden in action. Golden is listed as a backup receiver on the team’s unofficial depth chart, but there are high expectations for the Texas speedster.

Sunday, Aug. 10

Miami Dolphins at Chicago Bears
1 p.m. ET, NFL Network

Tua Tagovailoa is the unquestioned starting QB in Miami, but everyone knows his concussion history puts him one big hit away from a prolonged (and possibly permanent) absence. Therefore, it’s critical to establish the Dolphins’ No. 2. As of now, that’s … Zach Wilson. Here’s our first chance to see if Wilson has a chance to revive his career.

Bears rookie head coach Ben Johnson has yet to commit to whether his starters will play Sunday and for how long if they do. Even if second-year quarterback Caleb Williams does play, it won’t be much. Still, Johnson is an offensive guru and the Bears need to get that offensive going, so all eyes will be on how that unit looks.

New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers
4:05 p.m. ET, NFL Network

Kellen Moore makes his head coaching debut here, and the Saints are one of the only teams in the NFL whose No. 1 quarterback is still in doubt. It’s been a fairly wide-open battle between Spencer Rattler, rookie Tyler Shough and Jake Haener. In other words, every offensive snap in this game counts.

The Chargers already have a preseason game under their belts, and they looked solid last week. Fantasy managers are excited about rookie running back Omarion Hampton, who only got two carries in Canton. So it will be interesting to see how Hampton looks if he gets more carries here.