The first official week of the 2022 NFL preseason is here. We now have two games left after Thursday night, which means there are 14 more to play this weekend. There are 28 teams in action over the next three days. We’ve got a handy guide for you in the space below, with kick-off times and TV listings, as well as what to look for in each competition.
Friday, August 12
Falcons to Lions
Time: 6 p.m. ET
TV: The NFL Network
There will be two top-10 picks in action in this game, with Falcons wide receiver Drake London and Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson taking the field for their first preseason action. We’re also likely to see a bunch of Atlanta’s third-round picks on quarterback Desmond Ridder. Many scenes from this game will likely end up being featured in next week’s edition Loud knocksso it’s worth looking out for too.
Browns at Jaguars
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
Jacksonville played in the Hall of Fame game last week, but almost none of the first-team players saw any action. The starters — including Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne — are expected to play a pair of series in this one. We’ll take another look at pick no. 1 overall Travon Walker, who collected a sack against the Raiders in the preseason opener. For Cleveland, we have to watch out for a decision on Deshaun Watson’s appeal, as Cleveland has indicated that he will start this game, but if he receives a one-year suspension, he would not be eligible to play.
Cardinals at Bengals
Time: 7:30 pm ET
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
It looks like half of Arizona’s offense is on the injury report, so the best players to watch on that side of the ball are likely running backs Eno Benjamin and Keaontay Ingram. Tight end Trey McBride may or may not be able to suit up. Arizona also has a couple of third-rounders set to make their respective debuts in Myjai Sanders and Cameron Thomas. With Jessie Bates still not in Bengals camp, it’s certainly worth keeping an eye on first-round pick Dax Hill, who could be in line for a significant role in the regular season if Bates doesn’t return to the fold before the start of the season.
Jets at Eagles
Time: 7:30 pm ET
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
The Jets are expected to play their starters for series 1-2, which means there’s a whole bunch of players to keep an eye on here, including Zach Wilson, Bryce Hall, Michael Carter, Elijah Moore and Garrett Wilson. Denzel Mims could be a trade target for other teams, so if he shows up, that could help the Jets as well. On the other side of the ball, rookie Sauce Gardner and Jermaine Johnson should see some action as well. Nick Sirianni was noncommittal about how much action his starters will see, but any snaps with Jalen Hurts with AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith on the court should be interesting, as will the team’s rotation with the first team. Oh, and Jordan Davis pushing New York’s pocket is something to watch out for.
Packers at 49 years old
Time: 7:30 pm ET
TV: The NFL Network
Jordan Love and Trey Lance are the ones to watch, as long as they’re there. Plus, Packers rookies Romeo Doubs, Devonte Wyatt, and Quay Walker and San Francisco return with the first-team offense.
Saturday, August 13
Chiefs at Bears
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV: NFL+, NFL Network
Andy Reid said the starters will play the first quarter of this game, so all eyes will be on Kansas City’s wide receiver rotation while Patrick Mahomes is under center. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman … who takes pictures and where do they line up? Matt Eberflus indicated his starters will also get some time, so keep an eye on Justin Fields and the offensive line in front of him.
Panthers to Commanders
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
This one’s easy: Who gets the first-team action under center for the Panthers, and can Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold separate themselves from the other in the quarterback race?
Colts at Bills
Time: 4 p.m. ET
TV: The NFL Network
Indianapolis plans to play its starters in the first quarter, so the new-look offense with Matt Ryan under center will be something to watch. Keep an eye on who gets the start at left tackle, as well as how the snaps are split among the receivers behind Michael Pittman. Josh Allen isn’t expected to play here, so it’s probably best to keep an eye on the other side of the ball, and especially the cornerback situation for Buffalo. Rookies Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford could see some action.
Seahawks at Steelers
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: The NFL Network
Geno Smith or Drew Lock? Mitchell Trubisky or Mason Rudolph (or Kenny Pickett)? Plus, Seattle’s rookie offensive linemen Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, and rookie running back Kenneth Walker. Steelers rookie George Pickens and Calvin Austin III should also see their first preseason action.
Dolphins at Buccaneers
Time: 7:30 p.m
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
Any discussion of the scandalous Tom Brady-to-the-Dolphins rumors, even though Brady won’t be there for this game as he’s away from the team dealing with a personal matter. With Brady out, we’ll see a bunch of Blaine Gabbert and Kyle Trask. Keep an eye on center Robert Hainsey if he suits up, as he will be counted on to replace Ryan Jensen at pivot. How Mike McDaniel’s offense looks in Miami will be fascinating to watch, even if Tua Tagovailoa isn’t expected to play.
Saints in Texas
Time: 20:00
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
New Orleans has two coaches in new roles with former defensive coordinator Dennis Allen taking over as head coach and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael inheriting the play-calling duties from Sean Payton. Rookies Chris Olave and Trevor Penning should see some action, and running back Tony Jones Jr. is worth a look. and Abram Smith, should one or both be pushed into action in the event of an Alvin Kamara suspension. Unfortunately, Houston’s first round picks Derek Stingley and Kenyon Green are not expected to play. Davis Mills should get some action, though, and it will be interesting to see how he looks in Year 2.
Cowboys to Broncos
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: NFL+, NFL Network
Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott won’t play in this game, and it’s likely that CeeDee Lamb, Tyron Smith, Zack Martin and many of Dallas’ defensive starters won’t either. Therefore, attention should be focused on first-round pick Tyler Smith on the offensive line, as well as the team’s young receivers, including third-round pick Jalen Tolbert and undrafted free agent Dennis Houston. Nathaniel Hackett has yet to reveal whether Russell Wilson and the rest of Denver’s starting lineup will play at all against Dallas, but how different his offense looks from his predecessor’s, as well as what Ejiro Evero’s defensive structure looks like. -s, must be paid. attention to
Rams at Chargers
Time: 10 p.m. ET
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
These are two of the teams that give their players the least amount of preseason action, so we’ll mostly look at which lower-roster players show up and give ourselves a chance to make the 53-man roster. players.
Sunday, August 14
Vikings at Raiders
Time: 4:25 pm ET
TV: The NFL Network
After last week, I think we need to pay attention to the Raiders backfield, and how the snaps between Josh Jacobs, Kenyan Drake, Ameer Abdullah, Zamir White and Brandon Bolden are created. Plus, there’s the Derek Carr-to-Davante Adams connection, if they end up playing. Vikings quarterback Kellen Mond will likely see an extended run as he tries to endear himself to new head coach Kevin O’Connell more than Mike Zimmer. Minnesota rookie defensive backs Andrew Booth Jr., Lewis Cine and Akayleb Evans are worth watching.