Last week, we got our first look at a full NFL football roster in Week 1 of the preseason. While it doesn’t quite generate the hype of the regular season, every week of the preseason means we’re this much closer to the games that matter.
As we head into Week 2 of the preseason, this is the week we’ll likely see more starters as they prepare for the regular season. Pre-season is down to three games now, which means after this week we only have one chance for teams to whittle down their roster and make decisions on how their squad will form. .
Once again, we bring you previews of some of the best games. Here are the top five games to watch this week:
Friday, August 19 at 8 p.m. ET
TV: Regional (check local listings) Diffusion: Fubo TV
This week, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers spoke candidly about the team’s young wide receivers, criticizing stray balls and missed runs. Green Bay quarterbacks and some offensive coaches then had a meeting with receivers, who were open to learning from the former Super Bowl champion.
Rodgers won’t play again this week, but I’m curious to see what the receivers look like after some missed chances in their last game.
On the other side, I want to keep an eye on the offensive areas surrounding the Saints quarterback. Jameis Winston will need support, and for the younger ones, now is the time to prove themselves.
Saturday, August 20 at 7 p.m. ET
TV: Regional (check local listings) Diffusion: Fubo TV
The Pittsburgh Steelers are an intriguing team to watch this offseason, especially their change from long-term starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The quarterback competition between Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph is the one we’ll get more clarity on this week.
Even once the team has a fixed starter, with none of those QBs standing well above the rest, things could certainly change if that starter struggles. Having a good look at the backup quarterback is important on any team, but especially one that doesn’t have a proven player in charge.
There are so many things the Jaguars need to improve on after last season, it’s hard to pinpoint just one area to watch, but this week I’m going to take a close look at their defense. They added many pieces, including first overall pick Travon Walker, to their squad in hopes of improving.
Saturday, August 20 at 7 p.m. ET
TV: Regional (check local listings) Diffusion: Fubo TV
The Vikings have a new coach in the person of Kevin O’Connell and this change could help them move from the playoff threshold to the playoffs. Winning the division seems like a daunting task as long as Aaron Rodgers is the Packers’ quarterback, but the Vikings are that middle-of-the-road team that could improve and find themselves extending their season.
The running back situation for the Vikings is solid, with substitutes Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu both performing well in the first game of the preseason.
These teams practiced together this week, and the Niners defense had some highlights, including George Odum intercepting Kirk Cousins, and Nick Bosa, well, doing things with Nick Bosa. How many snaps new 49ers starting quarterback Trey Lance gets and what he does with those snaps is something I will be watching.
Saturday, August 20 at 7 p.m. ET
TV: NFL Network Diffusion: NFL.com, FuboTV
This week, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel spoke about Malik Willis’ game, talking about the rookie quarterback’s decision making and time out in the preseason opener, saying he needs to improve. Willis agreed he had a lot on his plate and was focused on watching movies and improving. Willis struggled during joint training in the two-minute exercise. He will have to use all the preseason reps he gets to the max.
Tom Brady has been absent from practices, giving more opportunities to Kyle Trask and Blaine Gabbert. The wides don’t get the opportunity to work with Brady as much as they normally would, but knowing how TB12 is, he’ll make sure things go smoothly at the start of the season. It’s time for players to step up the seven-time Super Bowl champion gone.
Monday, August 22 at 8 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN Diffusion: Fubo TV, ESPN
Jets quarterback Zach Wilson suffered a knee injury in the team’s first preseason game and is expected to miss several weeks while recovering. The team will now default to Joe Flacco, who is trusted by head coach Robert Saleh. Saleh thinks Flacco could still be a starter in the league at 37, calling the former Super Bowl MVP a “pro.”
How is Flacco doing? Actually do is yet to be seen, but Saleh has “all the faith in the world” in him.
Neither team is expected to be exceptional this season, so these teams should be tied. The Falcons picked up a rare preseason win over the Lions last week and the Jets are also coming off a win over the Eagles.