10 Preseason Games To Watch

The preseason is an exciting time for football fans, offering a glimpse into the upcoming season’s potential storylines, player developments, and team strategies. While the outcomes of these games don’t count towards regular season standings, they provide invaluable experience for teams to fine-tune their rosters, test new plays, and build cohesion among players. Here are 10 preseason games to watch, selected for their intriguing matchups, potential for surprise performances, and the opportunity to see how teams address specific challenges from the previous season.

1. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Chicago Bears

• Date: Early August
• Why Watch: The Chiefs, coming off another successful season, face the Bears, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing year. This game showcases a clash between the Chiefs’ high-powered offense and the Bears’ revamped defense. Kansas City will likely use this game to test their depth, especially at wide receiver, following the departure of key players. Meanwhile, Chicago will be eager to see how their new defensive acquisitions mesh with the existing squad.

2. Los Angeles Rams vs. Los Angeles Chargers

• Date: Mid-August
• Why Watch: The battle for LA provides an interesting intra-city matchup. Both teams have questions to answer: the Rams need to rebuild their roster after significant offseason changes, and the Chargers are looking to prove themselves as contenders with a healthy roster. This game will be a test of the Rams’ ability to integrate new players and the Chargers’ capacity to capitalize on their talent.

3. Green Bay Packers vs. New Orleans Saints

• Date: Late August
• Why Watch: Aaron Rodgers and the Packers traveling to New Orleans to face Jameis Winston and the Saints offers a compelling quarterback matchup. Both teams are in transition phases, with the Packers adapting to life possibly without Rodgers and the Saints looking to stabilize their quarterback situation. This preseason game could provide insights into the future of both franchises.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Miami Dolphins

• Date: Early August
• Why Watch: The Buccaneers, following a season of change, take on the Dolphins, who are hopeful about their young core. Tom Brady’s potential absence from preseason games adds intrigue, as the Buccaneers will need to assess their quarterback depth. Meanwhile, the Dolphins will be looking to gel their offense around Tua Tagovailoa and see significant improvements in their defensive performance.

5. Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks

• Date: Mid-August
• Why Watch: This matchup pits two teams with high expectations against each other. The Broncos, with their new quarterback, and the Seahawks, looking to rebound from a down year, will both be eager to prove themselves. Denver needs to find consistency on offense, while Seattle is seeking to revive their defense to complement a potentially explosive offense.

6. New England Patriots vs. New York Giants

• Date: Late August
• Why Watch: A classic rivalry game, even in the preseason. The Patriots are in a rebuilding phase, and the Giants are hopeful for a turnaround. This game is crucial for both teams as they seek to address significant questions on both sides of the ball. The Patriots need to find their footing with a new-look team, and the Giants are aiming to become more competitive in the NFC East.

7. Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals

• Date: Early August
• Why Watch: The Cowboys, with their high-powered offense, face the Cardinals, who have been actively rebuilding. This game will be a test of the Cowboys’ defensive depth and the Cardinals’ ability to contain top offenses. Arizona is looking to make a statement in the NFC West, and a strong preseason performance could set the tone for their season.

8. San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings

• Date: Mid-August
• Why Watch: Two teams with legitimate playoff aspirations clash in what could be a preview of a future postseason matchup. The 49ers are looking to solidify their status as NFC contenders, and the Vikings are seeking to make a deep run in the playoffs. This game will offer insights into the strategic approaches of both teams, especially on defense.

9. Cleveland Browns vs. Philadelphia Eagles

• Date: Late August
• Why Watch: The Browns, with a new quarterback situation, face the Eagles, who are looking to capitalize on their strong roster. This game could indicate how both teams plan to approach the season, with the Browns needing to find stability and the Eagles aiming to make a push for the top of the NFC.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons

• Date: Early August
• Why Watch: The Steelers, in a transitional phase, take on the Falcons, who are rebuilding with a young roster. This matchup will be about each team finding its identity. The Steelers need to replace key defensive pieces and find consistency on offense, while the Falcons are looking to accelerate their rebuild and become competitive in the NFC South.

Each of these preseason games offers a unique blend of storylines, from teams looking to rebound from disappointing seasons to franchises seeking to prove their contender status. They provide fans with an early glimpse into the strategies, depth charts, and potential of their favorite teams, setting the stage for what promises to be another exciting NFL season.

In conclusion, the NFL preseason is a critical period for teams to lay the groundwork for their regular season campaigns. By watching these 10 preseason games, fans can gain insights into the strategic focuses, player developments, and potential challenges of their favorite teams. Whether it’s a team looking to dominate from the start or one seeking to rebound from a tough previous season, the preseason offers a compelling preview of what the upcoming NFL season might hold.