NFL preseason 2025: How to watch every Week 1 game, what to know for all 32 teams

• WHERE: M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore)
• WHEN: 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network, NFL+*)

COLTS: All eyes are on Indianapolis’ quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. Both are expected to play a healthy amount in the Colts' first two preseason games, though Shane Steichen announced on Tuesday that Richardson will start this opener and Jones will get the nod next week against Green Bay. While Richardson and Jones have each stacked some quality days during camp, how they fare in true game action could help tilt the position battle. For Richardson to win out -- likely the Colts’ preferred result, considering he’s their former No. 4 overall pick -- he can’t just make plays with his legs. He’ll need to show vast improvement from his career 50.6 completion percentage. As for Jones, how different will he look after spending the second half of last season in Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback school with the Vikings?

RAVENS: First-round safety Malaki Starks has taken a handful of practice reps at cornerback, adding another wrinkle to a stacked Ravens secondary. Coach John Harbaugh confirmed Starks will work primarily as a safety, but perhaps we will see him travel a bit in formation against the Colts, given the experimental nature of preseason. No matter where he lines up, the end goal is being a worthy partner to fellow safety Kyle Hamilton, a jack of all trades in coverage. It’s also worth keeping an eye on running back Keaton Mitchell, who flashed some awe-inspiring explosiveness in his 2023 rookie campaign before tearing his ACL. It took most of last year for Mitchell to get healthy, with the back receiving limited snaps in seven games (including two playoff contests). If he’s all the way back, the 5-foot-8, 191-pound blur would make a spectacular complement to Derrick Henry.

-- Bobby Kownack

• WHERE: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
• WHEN: 7:30 p.m. ET (NFL+*)

BENGALS: In the offseason, the Bengals gave contract extensions to receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. However, Cincinnati has yet to provide the league's reigning sack king, Trey Hendrickson, with the new deal that he has been seeking. While Hendrickson is hoping to get a payday soon, the Bengals addressed some defensive needs in the draft. Cincy used a first-round pick on defensive end Shemar Stewart, who had a lengthy holdout this summer but ultimately signed his rookie deal last month. Stewart is ready to make his mark on the league, and we'll get a glimpse of how impactful he could be for Cincy. If Hendrickson continues his hold-in, Stewart could be in line for a bigger role when the season begins. 

EAGLES: The Eagles' 2024 draft class was an influential one that helped Philadelphia hoist the Lombardi Trophy at the end of last season. General manager Howie Roseman is looking to have the same success with the 2025 Eagles rookies. While linebacker Zack Baun just signed a lucrative extension after a breakout season, Philadelphia still needed some depth at the position. Roseman spent the No. 31 overall pick on Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell, who was considered a steal late in Round 1. Campbell underwent shoulder surgery in March to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, but he seems to be doing just fine in training camp, with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio impressed by the small strides the Alabama product continues to make. A good preseason from Campbell could move him up the depth chart ahead of second-year pro Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

-- Christian Gonzales

• WHERE: Lumen Field (Seattle)
• WHEN: 10 p.m. ET (NFL Network, NFL+*)

RAIDERS: With the trade of Jakorian Bennett to the Eagles, the Raiders' CB picture is coming more into focus. With Eric Stokes likely working as the starter on one side, the other job could come down to 2024 fourth-rounder Decamerion Richardson and 2025 third-rounder Darien Porter. Richardson has starting experience but struggled as a rookie. One Raiders source said Pete Carroll is fascinated by the young Porter, seeing some Richard Sherman-like skills. Both Richardson and Porter will be on display in this one, with a starting job up for grabs.

SEAHAWKS: Two rookie stars from Seahawks camp thus far: TE Elijah Arroyo and WR Tory Horton. Arroyo opened up eyes early on, and Horton has come on of late, to the point where fellow rookie Nick Emmanwori called the receiver the "steal of the draft." Both pass catchers should receive plenty of opportunities against the Raiders. We also might see quite a bit of QB Jalen Milroe, who will bide his time behind Sam Darnold this season but could display enough special ability to have some packages carved out for him. That said, Milroe still needs oodles of reps. 

-- Eric Edholm

• WHERE: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
• WHEN: 7 p.m. ET (NFL+*)

LIONS: Kyle Allen received the first crack at earning the backup job behind Jared Goff in the Hall of Fame Game and didn't gain much ground, throwing two ugly interceptions in an unproductive outing for Detroit's offense. Next up: Hendon Hooker, a third-round pick in 2023 who needs to start proving he's worthy of a roster spot. Hooker fared worse than Allen in the preseason opener, but he was playing with roster-bubble teammates. If he performs better with the preseason starters, it could swing the QB2 battle in his favor.

FALCONS: Those hoping to see $45 million backup Kirk Cousins take the field will be disappointed, because neither he nor Michael Penix Jr. will play on Friday, according to coach Raheem Morris. There's intrigue elsewhere, though, especially on the other side of the ball. Atlanta spent two first-round picks on edge rushers in an attempt to address their weakest defensive position group in one night, taking Jalon Walker in their original draft slot of No. 15 overall and then trading back into the first round to grab James Pearce Jr. at No. 26. Walker missed some time with a minor hamstring injury, but Raheem Morris said the rookie's back to full action on Wednesday and will play in Friday's game.

-- Nick Shook

• WHERE: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, N.C.)
• WHEN: 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network, NFL+*)

BROWNS: Cleveland's four-man quarterback competition has been cursed by injuries. Kenny Pickett suffered a mild hamstring strain late last month, Dillon Gabriel has been limited due to hamstring tightness, and Shedeur Sanders dealt with arm soreness over the weekend -- though he's returned. It's a frustrating situation that required the Browns to sign yet another signal-caller, Tyler Huntley. Joe Flacco is currently leading the way and the only QB who has been fully healthy, but he's slated to sit against Carolina. That decision and the aforementioned injuries leave Sanders starting, a huge opportunity for him to rebut his draft slide. A successful outing will be contingent on Sanders processing more quickly and nipping his sack-taking habit in the bud. If he does that and adds some highlight plays, fans undoubtedly will clamor for him to get more first-team looks.

PANTHERS: This will be our first glimpse of this offense in Year 2 under Dave Canales, who said most starters will play in Carolina’s first two preseason games. Bryce Young finished last season scorching, with seven touchdown passes and no interceptions over his final three games. It would seem he has the pass-catching weapons to continue that momentum. The main event is Tetairoa McMillan’s preseason debut. He’s a big, smooth-moving wideout -- the highest-ever drafted by the Panthers at No. 8 overall -- and how he plays could provide an ETA on his ascendancy to top dog. Don’t forget to monitor the potential Year 2 leap for last season’s first-rounder Xavier Legette and/or undrafted breakout Jalen Coker, too.

-- Bobby Kownack

• WHERE: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Mass.)
• WHEN: 7:30 p.m. ET (NFL+*)

COMMANDERS: The Commanders and Terry McLaurin have encountered a bump in the road, with the Pro Bowl wide receiver requesting a trade out of Washington as he seeks a contract extension. The team added more depth at the position when it acquired Deebo Samuel. With McLaurin's contract talks stalled in Washington, the Commanders could rely on Noah Brown, Michael Gallup, K.J. Osborn, Luke McCaffrey and fourth-round pick Jaylin Lane. Head coach Dan Quinn and Co. will get an opportunity to see who could step in if needed. Gallup, among the group, owns the experience and has familiarity with Quinn from their time together in Dallas. Osborn is also a veteran who has filled in nicely when called upon in previous seasons.

PATRIOTS: New England hopes quarterback Drake Maye can take his production to another level in Year 2. In order to help out Maye, the new regime needs to get a much better effort from the ground game. In 2024, Rhamondre Stevenson seriously struggled to protect the ball with seven fumbles (three lost). This week, head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Stevenson, along with other returning players, have a "fresh, clean slate," but everyone has to be better in 2025. The Patriots also kept Antonio Gibson and drafted TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson, a dynamic player for Ohio State, brings plenty of intrigue to Foxborough. Despite Henderson being listed No. 3 on the unofficial team depth chart, a strong preseason could see him leap ahead of Gibson -- if not Stevenson, too -- before Week 1.

-- Christian Gonzales

• WHERE: Highmark Stadium (Orchard Park, N.Y.)
• WHEN: 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network, NFL+*)

GIANTS: All eyes will be on Jaxson Dart in his NFL debut. The Giants' first-round QB is almost sure to start at some point this season, barring a turn-back-the-clock campaign from Russell Wilson. The Giants likely want to give Dart as many preseason reps as possible. (How many snaps does Jameis Winston really need?) Dart is the main attraction for Giants fans -- along with Abdul Carter, the preseason favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. What could be an excellent Giants draft class will be on display, but sadly, you'll likely have to wait to see camp darling Cam Skattebo, as the running back is currently dealing with a hamstring issue.

BILLS: Second-round DT T.J. Sanders has started to settle in, according to reports, potentially assuming a big role on this defense in Year 1. Buffalo lacked interior depth by the end of last season and could use another pile pusher. First-round CB Maxwell Hairston (knee injury) appears unlikely to play, so Sanders could be in the spotlight against a Giants team that’s still sorting out its OL depth chart. The Bills also have OL concerns, too, with starting RT Spencer Brown and Alec Anderson (their top reserve OL) missing some time due to health issues. Anderson was a weapon as a sixth offensive lineman last season, so Buffalo will want to take long looks at 2024 sixth-round pick Tylan Grable and 2025 sixth-rounder Chase Lundt.

-- Eric Edholm

• WHERE: U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis)
• WHEN: 4 p.m. ET (NFL Network, NFL+*)

TEXANS: The preseason will be all about the offense for these Texans. In a week's time, DeMeco Ryans apparently figured out who will fill out his starting offensive line, and those guys have been getting plenty of work against Houston’s ferocious defense in practice. But the first preseason game presents them with their first real test, and Ryans' first opportunity to evaluate his chosen five (and their projected backups). It should also give us a chance to sort out the Texans' receiver situation, which remains rather murky beyond Nico Collins, and get a look at where the Texans stand at running back with Joe Mixon sidelined.

VIKINGS: J.J. McCarthy's only NFL experience came in this same week of the preseason one year ago. He dazzled in that game but suffered a knee injury that required season-ending surgery. We know what has happened since then; now, though, the preseason will be about establishing confidence in and for McCarthy, who has ascended to the top job despite never taking a regular-season snap. If he's going to find his footing, it will begin this week, even if coach Kevin O'Connell -- who historically doesn't play starters much in the preseason -- limits his snaps.

-- Nick Shook

• WHERE: EverBank Stadium (Jacksonville, Fla.)
• WHEN: 7 p.m. ET (NFL+*)

STEELERS: This team has a ton of big-name additions, such as Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith, Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay. It would be nice to see how they fit into the Pittsburgh puzzle, but considering their experience, it’s no guarantee any of them play a ton (if at all) on Saturday. Fans should, however, get a good introduction to first-round defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, who has impressed general manager Omar Khan with his work ethic and is learning under Steeler great Cam Heyward. On offense, rookie running back Kaleb Johnson boasts enticing ability as a rusher, but his pass blocking needs polish. While he could very well deliver highlight runs Saturday, how he slows down a free blitzer might be more crucial.

JAGUARS: The most important element of the Jaguars’ 2025 season overall is likely how Liam Coen’s scheme influences Trevor Lawrence. But the most exciting element of preseason game No. 1? That’s a no brainer: Travis Hunter splitting time between WR and CB. The Heisman-winning two-way star took 17 snaps at wideout before switching to corner for 21 more during Friday’s team scrimmage. That’s at least a couple series on both sides of the ball if he logs a similar snap count against the Steelers. Hunter’s goal of continuing to play both positions at the NFL level -- and what it will look like in Jacksonville -- has been discussed ad nauseam since the day he was drafted. It’s finally time to see it in action. Sit back and enjoy.

-- Bobby Kownack

• WHERE: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, Calif.)
• WHEN: 7 p.m. ET (NFL+*)

COWBOYS: Frustrated by the lack of progress on a new deal, Micah Parsons requested a trade last week, but Jerry Jones downplayed the drama over the weekend, telling Cowboys fans, "Don't lose any sleep over it." On Tuesday, though, the team owner said he's uncertain if the star edge rusher will play in the regular-season opener against the rival Eagles. We'll have to wait and see what transpires on that front. But looking at the other side of the ball, the Cowboys lost their 2024 leading rusher, Rico Dowdle, in free agency. Dallas signed veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in hopes of solving its backfield issue. It's been a while since there's been a true RB1 in Dallas, but Williams and Sanders have shown that they can be effective with good blocking. Another back in the mix: explosive fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue. It's a position battle that hasn't been getting much attention lately, especially with Parsons' contract stalemate sucking up all the air in Dallas, but the Cowboys' RB competition is about to heat up.

RAMS: Matthew Stafford is dealing with an aggravated disc in his back. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday that the 37-year-old quarterback has been receiving epidurals to aid in dealing with the injury, but he hasn't participated in team drills throughout training camp. The team has been calling Stafford week to week, but the plan is for him to be ready for the regular season, per Rapoport. Backup Jimmy Garoppolo could get some preseason action this week, along with third-string QB Stetson Bennett IV. In terms of the rookie class, tight end Terrance Ferguson and running back Jarquez Hunter could turn into preseason darlings for L.A.

-- Christian Gonzales

• WHERE: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Fla.)
• WHEN: 7:30 p.m. ET (NFL+*)

TITANS: The two teams are meeting first for joint practice, so it remains to be seen how much Cam Ward and the starting offense will see the field in this game, but Brian Callahan has indicated that everyone will play. With the injury to Will Levis, the Titans are down to Ward, Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle at QB. The latter two are fighting for one spot if the Titans opt to keep two QBs. Three rookie pass catchers -- wide receivers Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor and tight end Gunnar Helm -- figure to receive a lot of chances in this one, and they'll likely be facing a lot of young Tampa DBs.

BUCCANEERS: With Baker Mayfield just returning from a hand injury and Michael Pratt sidelined by a back issue, the Bucs were down to Kyle Trask and Connor Bazelak as the only healthy passers prior to signing Teddy Bridgewater. We'll see if Bridgewater plays in this game. Trask might have a battle on his hands and could use a sharp outing. On defense, as mentioned, the Bucs are flush with young DBs trying to crack the rotation. Tykee Smith and Christian Izien broke in last year, but each is being used in a different role this season. Kaevon Merriweather has opened eyes in his second run with the team. Rookies Benjamin Morrison, Jacob Parrish and Shilo Sanders also have made good early impressions. 

-- Eric Edholm

• WHERE: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Ariz.)
• WHEN: 8 p.m. ET (NFL+*)

CHIEFS: The entire football world knew the Chiefs needed to fix their offensive line since halftime of Super Bowl LIX. To their credit, they threw plenty of resources at the problem and have since watched at least one blocker -- rookie tackle Josh Simmons -- emerge from the pack. Simmons seems to have taken a firm hold on the LT job, while competitions continue at left guard (2024 second-rounder Kingsley Suamataia and fourth-year pro Mike Caliendo) and right tackle (incumbent starter Jawaan Taylor and free-agent addition Jaylon Moore). Although it's only preseason, I'd expect Andy Reid to let these guys prove themselves on the field for at least a couple of series. Plus, for all the buzz Simmons has generated in camp, it's about time we get a look at him in a game setting.

CARDINALS: There's no guarantee we'll see much of them, but the Cardinals invested heavily in defenders this offseason, signing Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, Calais Campbell and Akeem Davis-Gaither before drafting Walter Nolen, Will Johnson and Jordan Burch. An injury at corner (Starling Thomas V suffered a torn ACL) has increased the importance of Johnson's role on this team, even as a rookie, and he's gaining steam in camp. While the most notable additions might not see a ton of reps this week, it should provide us with our first look at this revamped unit -- which is also ambitiously trying out a three-OLB package of Sweat, Zaven Collins and Baron Browning to get after quarterbacks on passing downs.

-- Nick Shook

• WHERE: Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wis.)
• WHEN: 8 p.m. ET (NFL Network, NFL+*)

JETS: Justin Fields made it known he wants to play in all three preseason games. That decision will ultimately be up to coach Aaron Glenn, who's yet to disclose his plan. While it would be encouraging to see Fields out there shaking off some sloppy practices and zooming around after his injury scare, he's had the keys to this offense for months now. The wide receiver position is far more in flux. Although Gang Green's first unofficial depth chart is out, the pecking order behind Garrett Wilson remains firmly up in the air. Josh Reynolds likely has a safe grip on a starting role, but don't forget that Allen Lazard received permission to seek a trade this offseason. Someone could usurp him, with contenders including Tyler Johnson, Malachi Corley, Arian Smith and Xavier Gipson.

PACKERS: Matthew Golden ended the Packers’ 22-year drought of not drafting a wide receiver in Round 1, and he did it on location in Green Bay. His preseason debut will naturally draw attention. He’s a speedster capable of filling in for Christian Watson as the fourth-year vet recovers from a torn ACL, and Golden has exhibited quick chemistry with Jordan Love and displayed a capacity to do more than simply stretch the field while putting together a handful of impressive practices. On the UDFA front, defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse has made noise in camp and received some first-team reps. Meanwhile, safety Omar Brown -- a 2024 undrafted free-agent signee -- just snagged three interceptions during Packers Family Night. Don’t be surprised to see either splash again, further making the case for a roster spot.

-- Bobby Kownack

• WHERE: Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, Calif.)
• WHEN: 8:30 p.m. ET (NFL+*)

BRONCOS: The Broncos' rushing leader from a year ago, Javonte Williams, is no longer with the team. Denver signed veteran J.K. Dobbins and drafted RJ Harvey, who will likely serve as the top two backs in 2025. Harvey, a second-round pick, is a hard-nosed back who provided stellar production over the past two seasons at UCF. Meanwhile, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, Blake Watson and Audric Estimé are the other backs fighting for a job. Even though it's a crowded RB group, the first preseason game could provide a better sense of how head coach Sean Payton views the pecking order. 

49ERS: It appears that one position battle in the Bay Area has come to an end. On Monday, the 49ers released kicker Greg Joseph, who was brought in to challenge former third-round pick Jake Moody. Kyle Shanahan said the parting of ways with Joseph was partially due to injuries on the roster. San Francisco's top two receivers, Brandon Aiyuk (recovering from a torn ACL/MCL) and Jauan Jennings (calf injury), are missing time during training camp. With Aiyuk and Jennings sidelined, the 49ers have brought in a series of vets, including Demarcus Robinson, Robbie Chosen and Russell Gage. Second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall is a name to watch, as the 2024 first-rounder is showcasing at camp that he's ready for a bigger role. And with Jennings wanting a new contract, fantasy managers should pay close attention to Pearsall.

-- Christian Gonzales

• WHERE: Soldier Field (Chicago)
• WHEN: 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network, NFL+*)

DOLPHINS: The Dolphins are trying to sort through their secondary pieces to try to determine which players they can count on by Week 1. Keep an eye on CB Storm Duck, who is making a push for one of the open starting roles. Miami also has a pecking order to figure out at running back. De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright are probably locked into roles, but veteran Alexander Mattison has looked reborn in camp. He's making a strong push for one of the top three RB spots. Rookie Ollie Gordon II also will have a chance to win back some momentum in that battle.

BEARS: The Bears have multiple offensive rookies whose roles could be in flux, depending on their preseason performance. Ozzy Trapilo is gunning to start at LT over Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie, so a positive first preseason impression against the Dolphins could vault Trapilo headlong toward winning that job. Two rookie pass catchers, TE Colston Loveland and WR Luther Burden III, will be making their debuts. Both are trying to carve out regular work in Ben Johnson's offense and each is coming on after offseason injury delays.

-- Eric Edholm

• WHERE: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, Calif.)
• WHEN: 4:05 p.m. ET (NFL Network, NFL+*)

SAINTS: Count the Saints among the teams using training camp to determine who will be their starting quarterback in Week 1. Second-round pick Tyler Shough would appear to be the favorite, but New Orleans is giving second-year pro Spencer Rattler a real chance to compete for the job. I expect to see both on the field in their first opportunity to create some separation in the battle, which hasn't inspired a ton of confidence to this point.

CHARGERS: Trey Lance took all of the quarterback snaps in the first three quarters of the Hall of Fame Game and produced some of the best tape we've seen from him since his earliest days in San Francisco. If he follows that up with another strong outing, he may lock down the backup job behind Justin Herbert before we even reach Week 2 of the preseason. Everyone should also keep an eye on the receiver position for the Chargers, which needs to answer some questions beyond Ladd McConkey. Four guys to watch: Quentin Johnston, Tre' Harris (who received an endorsement from NFL Daily's Jourdan Rodrigue over the weekend), Jalen Reagor and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Lastly, while the Bolts’ offensive linemen didn't seem to be in sync getting off the ball in the Hall of Fame Game (at least from my press box vantage point), they held up pretty well against the Lions. Jim Harbaugh has since said he's bullish on the starting five, which he's determined will include last year's starting left guard and center pairing of Zion Johnson and Bradley Bozeman (plus offseason addition Mekhi Becton at right guard).

-- Nick Shook