After one of the most scrutinized opening weeks of the preseason in recent memory – due in large part to the first appearances of numerous rookie quarterbacks – the NFL is back for the second week of the preseason.
NFL Network will broadcast six of the week’s live games, including a quadruple header on Saturday. The six games offer the potential for more exciting rookie quarterback games as Caleb Williams’ Chicago Bears, Drake Mayes New England Patriots and Bo Nix’s The Denver Broncos will be in action. FOX will also broadcast the only nationally televised game this week between the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers.
Which preseason games are on NFL Network this week?
Thursday, August 15
Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots – 4:30 p.m. ET
Maye threw the ball just three times in the Patriots’ season opener against the Panthers, completing two passes for 19 yards. This might be a better opportunity to see more from the No. 3 overall pick.
Milton III vs. Maye: Who has the higher potential?
Mike Florio compares Patriots rookies Joe Milton III and Drake Maye after the two quarterbacks made their preseason debuts in New England’s 17-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Saturday, August 17
Cincinnati Bengals vs Chicago Bears – 1:00 p.m. ET
Williams showed all the reasons he was selected No. 1 in the 2024 NFL Draft by completing four of his seven passes for 95 yards in his first NFL game against the Bills. It’s unclear how much Williams will play against the Bengals, who have already announced they will rest their starters, but Caleb is worth staying tuned for.
Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs – 4:00 p.m. ET
Think back to last year’s regular season opener, when the Lions lived up to their offseason expectations by going to Arrowhead Stadium and beating the defending champions. Now we’ll face two serious contenders: The Chiefs seeking an unprecedented third straight title and the Lions looking to move to the top of the NFC.
Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers – 7:00 p.m. ET
This is a rematch of last year’s AFC Wild Card Game, where the Bills defeated the Steelers 31-17. Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation is the topic to keep an eye on here. Russell Wilson is still recovering from a calf injury, Justin Fields received more practice repetitions and led the first team offense as a starter in the season opener against the Texans.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Raiders – 10:00 p.m. ET
This game offers insight into another quarterback competition, albeit one that is less discussed. Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said this week that he hopes to find a starter between Aidan O’Connell And Gardner Minshew after this game, so whoever does better against Dallas will get a big boost in this debate.
Sunday, August 18
Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos – 8:00 p.m. ET
Nix was another rookie playmaker who impressed in his preseason debut, completing 15 of 21 attempts for 125 yards and a touchdown against the Colts. Jarrett Stidham started that game, but Nix’s performance suggested he has a good chance of winning the quarterback spot in Denver.
NOTE: Live preseason games on NFL Network will be blacked out in the teams’ local markets. They will be televised locally.
Which NFL preseason games are broadcast on national television?
Sunday, August 18
New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers – 8:00 p.m. ET, FOX/FOX Deportes
One of five preseason games on national television, Saints QB Spencer Rattler and 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall are newcomers to watch and whose role will depend on how this season goes for both teams.
What do the 49ers want from the Steelers for the Aiyuk trade?
Chris Simms and Connor Rogers discuss what the San Francisco 49ers would have to do to trade Brandon Aiyuk to the Pittsburgh Steelers and why rookie Dominick Puni is worth keeping an eye on.
What other NFL preseason games are taking place this week?
The following games will be televised live only in their local markets:
Saturday, August 17
Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens – 12pm ET
New York Giants vs. Houston Texans – 1:00 p.m. ET
Minnesota Vikings vs Cleveland Browns – 4:25 p.m. ET
Arizona Cardinals vs. Indianapolis Colts – 7:00 p.m. ET
Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins – 7:00 p.m. ET
Seattle Seahawks vs. Tennessee Titans – 7:00 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Rams vs. Los Angeles Chargers – 7:05 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Jacksonville Jaguars – 7:30 p.m. ET
