Image Source: ESPN
NFL games today continue the opening week of the 2026 preseason, with three contests scheduled for Friday night. The matchups will give fans another chance to evaluate rookies, quarterback competitions and players fighting for important roster spots.
Thursday’s opening games already produced several eye-catching performances. From Pittsburgh quarterback Drew Allar’s three-touchdown debut to Arizona running back Jeremiyah Love’s explosive running, young players immediately began making their cases for larger roles.
Explosive NFL Games Today Continue Preseason Evaluations
Friday’s schedule features the Denver Broncos visiting the Atlanta Falcons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traveling to the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins facing the Washington Commanders. All three games are scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
- Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons: 7 p.m. ET
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets: 7 p.m. ET
- Miami Dolphins at Washington Commanders: 7 p.m. ET
Because preseason starters often receive limited playing time, the focus will likely shift quickly to backup quarterbacks, reserve offensive linemen and young defenders. These games can be especially important for players competing for the final roster places or trying to establish themselves on special teams.
Jeremiyah Love Makes Powerful Cardinals Debut
Arizona defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 27-14, with third overall draft pick Jeremiyah Love providing one of the night’s most encouraging performances. Love carried the ball 11 times for 58 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt, and added three receptions for 14 yards.
The rookie displayed quick feet, physical power and an ability to find running lanes. His performance could strengthen Arizona’s backfield rotation as the Cardinals continue assessing how prominently to use him during the regular season.
Arizona also saw wide receiver Reggie Virgil make a memorable contribution with a one-handed catch covering 24 yards. However, second-round offensive lineman Chase Bisontis left the game with a knee injury in the third quarter and did not return.
Fernando Mendoza Shows Resilience in Raiders Loss
The Raiders’ quarterback competition featured veteran Kirk Cousins and first overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Cousins played only the opening drive but completed five of six passes for 50 yards, finishing the possession with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Michael Mayer.
Mendoza endured an uneven start before responding with several impressive plays. He delivered a 19-yard pass to rookie Malik Benson, then connected with Jack Bech for a six-yard touchdown. Mendoza finished 10-of-16 for 97 yards.
Pressure remained a concern. According to ESPN’s analysis, Mendoza was pressured on 38.9% of his dropbacks and completed only two of six pressured attempts. Even so, his ability to recover after a difficult opening drive offered an encouraging sign for the Raiders.
Drew Allar Sparks Steelers’ Dominant Victory
Pittsburgh delivered the most decisive result of Thursday’s action, defeating Green Bay 28-9. Rookie quarterback Drew Allar led the Steelers to three touchdowns in his preseason debut.
Allar first connected with fourth-round receiver Kaden Wetjen for a 74-yard catch-and-run before scoring on a three-yard read-option keeper. The two rookies later combined for a five-yard touchdown, and Allar added another scoring pass to fullback Riley Nowakowski.
Second-round receiver Germie Bernard also impressed with a 25-yard catch-and-run while playing with Pittsburgh’s first team. On defense, rookie defensive end Gabriel Rubio recorded six tackles.
Green Bay found positives as well. Cornerback Brandon Cisse looked comfortable as a starter, while quarterback Kyle McCord completed 12 of 14 passes for 102 yards. Rookie kicker Trey Smack made field goals from 37, 58 and 38 yards, reinforcing his case after an inconsistent training camp.
More Rookie Breakthroughs Around the League
Several other young players produced notable moments in Thursday’s games:
- Luke Altmyer, Lions: The undrafted rookie passed for 130 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions as Detroit evaluates its backup quarterback position.
- De’Zhaun Stribling, 49ers: The second-round receiver caught seven passes for 62 yards against Tennessee.
- Caden Curry, Colts: The rookie pass rusher recorded a sack, five tackles, two tackles for loss and two pass deflections.
- Jake Slaughter, Chargers: The rookie left guard handled pressure well and stood out in Los Angeles’ 27-7 win over Houston.
With more preseason football ahead, the key storylines will be whether these rookies can sustain their momentum and whether Friday’s performers can change their teams’ depth charts.
FAQs About NFL Games Today
What NFL games are being played today?
Friday’s preseason schedule includes Denver at Atlanta, Tampa Bay at the New York Jets and Miami at Washington. Each game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
Who was the top rookie performer Thursday?
Drew Allar was among the biggest standouts after throwing three touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s 28-9 victory over Green Bay.
How did Fernando Mendoza perform?
Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in his Raiders debut, though he struggled when facing pressure.
Why are preseason games important?
Preseason games help teams evaluate rookies, backup quarterbacks, special teams players and competitors for starting or reserve roles before the regular season.
