Last week, we got our first taste of a full NFL football schedule during Week 1 of the preseason. While it doesn’t generate quite the hype of the regular season, every week of the preseason means we are that much closer to the games that matter.
As we head into the second week of the preseason, this is the week we’ll likely see more starters as they prepare for the regular season. The preseason is just three games in now, which means that after this week we have just one more opportunity for teams to narrow down their rosters and make decisions about how their squad will be formed.
Once again we have you covered with previews of some of the best games. Here are the top five matches to watch this week:
Friday, August 19 at 8:00 PM ET
TV: Regional (Check local listings) Transmission: FuboTV
This week, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers got candid about the team’s young receivers, criticizing dropped balls and missed routes. Green Bay’s quarterbacks and several offensive coaches then had a meeting with the receivers, who have been open to learning from the former Super Bowl champion.
Rodgers won’t play again this week, but I’m curious to see how the players will look after some missed opportunities in their last game.
On the other hand, I want to keep an eye on the offensive zones surrounding the quarterback for the Saints. Jameis Winston will need support, and for the younger guys it’s time to prove themselves.
Saturday, August 20 at 7:00 PM ET
TV: Regional (check local listings) Transmission: FuboTV
The Pittsburgh Steelers are an intriguing team to watch this offseason, especially their turnaround from long-term quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The quarterback race between Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph is one we’ll get more clarity on this week.
Even when the team has a set starter, with none of these QBs standing out much above the others, things can certainly change if that starter struggles. Getting a good look at the backup quarterback is important for any team, but especially one that doesn’t have a proven player leading the offense.
The Jaguars need to improve a lot after last season, it’s hard to pinpoint just one area to watch, but this week I’ll be taking a close look at their defense. They added many pieces, including No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker, to their squad in hopes of improving.
Saturday, August 20 at 7:00 PM ET
TV: Regional (check local listings) Transmission: FuboTV
The Vikings have a new head coach in Kevin O’Connell, and this change could help push them from the brink of the playoffs to actually making the postseason. Winning the division seems a tall order as long as Aaron Rodgers is the Packers quarterback, but the Vikings are that middle of the road team that could improve and find themselves extending their season.
The Vikings’ running back situation is solid, with reserves Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu both having solid performances in the first preseason game.
These teams had joint practice this week, and the Niners’ defense had some highlights, including George Odum intercepting Kirk Cousins and Nick Bosa, well, doing Nick Bosa things. How many new snaps 49ers rookie quarterback Trey Lance gets and what he does with those snaps is something I’ll be watching.
Saturday, August 20 at 7:00 PM ET
TV: The NFL Network Transmission: NFL.com, FuboTV
This week, Titans coach Mike Vrabel talked about the play of Malik Willis, talking about the decision-making and timing of the starting quarterback’s release in the preseason opener, saying it needs to improve. Willis admitted he has a lot to work on and is focused on watching film and getting better. Willis struggled during the joint drill in the two-minute drill. He’ll have to use every preseason rep he gets to the max.
Tom Brady has been absent from practice, giving Kyle Trask and Blaine Gabbert more opportunities. The pundits don’t get a chance to work with Brady as much as they normally would, but knowing how TB12 is, he’ll make sure things run smoothly until the season starts. This is a time for players to thrive with the seven-time Super Bowl champion.
Monday, August 22 at 8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN Transmission: FuboTV, ESPN
Jets quarterback Zach Wilson injured his knee during the team’s first preseason game and is expected to miss several weeks while he recovers. The team will now feature Joe Flacco, who head coach Robert Saleh has confidence in. Saleh believes Flacco can still be a starter in the league at age 37, calling the former Super Bowl MVP a “pro.”
As Flacco wants it Actually has yet to be seen, but Saleh has “all the faith in the world” in it.
Neither team is thought to be outstanding this season, so these teams should be evenly matched. The Falcons had a rare preseason win last week against the Lions and the Jets are also coming off a win against the Eagles.