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NFL Preseason Week 1 begins Thursday with a full slate of games and plenty of compelling storylines. Although many established starters may remain on the sideline, the opening week offers an important first look at new quarterbacks, rookies, reshaped rosters and teams dealing with significant injuries.
According to NFL.com, 17 preseason games are scheduled from Thursday through Saturday. Here are 10 developments worth watching as the league returns to game action.
10 Explosive NFL Preseason Week 1 Storylines
1. Browns quarterback battle takes center stage
Deshaun Watson is expected to start Cleveland’s preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, marking his first game action in nearly two years. Shedeur Sanders remains part of the conversation, but the Browns announced that the rookie quarterback is scheduled to start in Week 2 of the preseason.
Watson appears to have the inside track, though head coach Todd Monken has not officially closed the competition. His performance Saturday could provide an early indication of how Cleveland’s quarterback hierarchy will develop.
2. J.J. McCarthy faces a critical spotlight
After Minnesota named Kyler Murray its starting quarterback for Week 1, attention turns to J.J. McCarthy. The former first-round pick has made only 10 career starts and could receive extended playing time against the New York Giants.
A strong showing would help McCarthy rebuild confidence and potentially increase his value if the Vikings explore trade possibilities. Carson Wentz is positioned to become Murray’s primary backup if Minnesota moves on from McCarthy.
3. Rookie quarterbacks make their debuts
Las Vegas Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza, the first overall pick, will be one of the biggest attractions against the Arizona Cardinals. Kirk Cousins remains projected to start the regular season, but a sharp performance from Mendoza could create genuine intrigue.
Rams first-round selection Ty Simpson will also draw attention against the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, Carolina Panthers rookie Carson Beck will not play Thursday after suffering a rib injury in the Hall of Fame Game, although the injury is not considered serious.
4. Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy create drama
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ matchup with Green Bay carries extra meaning because Aaron Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy previously won a Super Bowl together with the Packers.
McCarthy reportedly wants Rodgers to play during the preseason, while the 42-year-old quarterback has questioned the value of exhibition snaps. Whether Rodgers appears against his former team could offer an early glimpse into the power dynamics in Pittsburgh.
5. Washington must protect Jayden Daniels
The Commanders face a difficult challenge after left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps and is expected to miss a significant portion of the season. Brandon Coleman is likely to take over at left tackle when Washington hosts Miami.
Coleman has starting experience at the position, but protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels will be the priority. The Dolphins have also indicated that their players should be prepared to participate following joint practices.
6. Bears hope to avoid more secondary injuries
Chicago’s defensive backfield has been hit hard during training camp. Kyler Gordon remains on the physically unable to perform list, while Coby Bryant is expected to miss four to six months after knee surgery.
Elijah Hicks is also unavailable, and Dallis Flowers is out for the season. The Bears will be eager to escape their game against Cleveland without further damage to an already depleted secondary.
7. Rookie wide receivers get their first test
Tennessee’s Carnell Tate and San Francisco’s De’Zhaun Stribling headline the rookie receiver debuts in Thursday night’s Titans-49ers matchup. Tate was the first pass catcher selected in the draft, while Stribling could compete for a starting slot role.
8. Giants try to become more physical
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh has spoken extensively about building a tougher identity. Fullback Patrick Ricard said the team wants to “bully” opponents at MetLife Stadium.
The Giants’ first test comes against Minnesota. After years of inconsistency, New York hopes its new culture produces immediate signs of progress.
9. Ravens rookie Ja’Kobi Lane attracts major buzz
Baltimore’s third-round pick Ja’Kobi Lane has reportedly become one of training camp’s biggest standouts. His size and red-zone ability were never in question, but his ability to separate against press coverage was a concern.
The Eagles will provide a useful test Saturday night, particularly if Philadelphia’s defensive backs challenge Lane physically at the line of scrimmage.
10. Miami searches for a clear WR1
The Dolphins enter the preseason with an open competition at wide receiver. Caleb Douglas, Malik Washington and free-agent addition Jalen Tolbert are among the players hoping to establish early chemistry with quarterback Malik Willis.
One preseason game will not settle the position, but a standout performance could influence the depth chart and attract significant fantasy football attention.
What to watch during the opening weekend
- Quarterback performances and playing-time decisions
- Rookie players competing for starting roles
- Offensive line protection and injury updates
- Wide receiver chemistry with new quarterbacks
- Defensive depth in teams dealing with injuries
Frequently asked questions
When does NFL Preseason Week 1 begin?
NFL Preseason Week 1 begins Thursday, Aug. 13, with games continuing Friday, Aug. 14, and Saturday, Aug. 15.
Which Browns quarterback is starting the opener?
Deshaun Watson is scheduled to start Cleveland’s first preseason game against the Chicago Bears. Shedeur Sanders is expected to start in Week 2.
Will Aaron Rodgers play against the Packers?
Rodgers’ status remains a major storyline. Mike McCarthy reportedly wants him to play, while Rodgers has expressed skepticism about taking preseason snaps.
Why is Laremy Tunsil’s injury important?
Tunsil’s torn triceps leaves Washington searching for a replacement at left tackle and places added pressure on Brandon Coleman to protect Jayden Daniels.
