The final week of the 2022 NFL preseason is here. Each of the league’s 32 teams will be in action on Thursday nights through this weekend, with varying numbers of starters participating in their teams’ games. We’ve got a handy guide for you in the space below, with kick-off times and TV listings, as well as what to look for in each competition.
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Thursday, August 25
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: The NFL Network
Kansas City’s starters figure to get at least some action in this game as they have in each of the first two preseason contests. Aaron Rodgers has yet to take the field this preseason, and it seems unlikely that he will on Thursday night. Therefore, Jordan Love is the main player to keep an eye on, along with the Packers’ rookie wideouts and rotations at receiver and running back for the Chiefs.
Time: 8:15 pm ET
TV: Prime Video
49ers running back Trey Sermon — a third-round pick in 2021 — looks like they could be on the roster bubble, so his performance is definitely something to watch out for here. San Francisco’s starters won’t play more than the first half, Kyle Shanahan said, but that should mean another look at Trey Lance. Watch out for Texas rookie Dameon Pierce to take the field. He was held out of the second preseason contest amid rumors that he will serve as the team’s RB1 from the jump.
Friday, August 26
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
Buffalo’s offense has been dominant this preseason, so it’s worth tuning in to see if that continues. Now that Baker Mayfield has officially been named Carolina’s starting quarterback, every snap he takes is worth watching. Plus, Buffalo’s starting linebackers (Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford) should see some action as they prepare for the regular season.
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: The NFL Network
With Tyron Smith out for the foreseeable future, all eyes turn to the Cowboys’ left tackle situation. Rookie Tyler Smith could get a shot, but he has been out of practice with an ankle injury this week. Josh Ball, Matt Waletzko and Aviante Collins are also options. Seattle will be without Rashaad Penny (COVID-19) and Kenneth Walker (hernia), so the running back position is one to watch.
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
The Chargers rarely play any starters in the preseason, but the way the backfield rotation shakes out here could be a clue as to who will serve as Austin Ekeler’s primary backup when the regular season begins. How Saints rookies Chris Olave and Trevor Penning look, if they play, is always worth watching.
Time: 8:15 pm ET
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
Bill Belichick vs. Josh McDaniels! Also, how is New England’s offense going with Matt Patricia calling the plays.
Saturday, August 27
Time: 3 pm ET
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne, however they play, are worthy of attention. Falcons third-round pick Desmond Ridder has looked pretty good so far in the preseason, and if that continues, he could be able to replace Marcus Mariota as the starter under center at some point this season.
Time: 6 p.m. ET
TV: The NFL Network
Undrafted free agent Lance McCutcheon has shown some fire for the Rams during the preseason, and if he can do the same against a stout Bengals defense, he could earn a roster spot. LA is unlikely to give any starters time, so players like him and the Rams’ late-round defensive tackle picks are the most important here. Jessie Bates is back in Bengals camp after being signed to the franchise tag, but rookie Dax Hill has put in a lot of preseason work and that could be a precursor to his first time during the regular season.
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
Chicago’s starters are expected to see 25-30 snaps in this contest, so the most important thing to watch is how Justin Fields handles Cleveland’s defense. For the Browns, the quarterbacks are worthy of attention, as we know Deshaun Watson will be out for at least the first 11 games of this season due to his suspension for violating the personal conduct policy after he was accused of two dozen women for sexual misconduct. .
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
Titans first-round pick Treylon Burks has been working with deep reserves in preseason games so far. Does it go on like this here? Can he get any time with the first team attack? Can Malik Willis continue to play outside the structure of the offense and can he do more within the confines of the pocket?
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
Will this game go on as planned, or will the stomach bug taking place in the Miami locker room have an effect? In all seriousness, a number of players will be fighting for the final roster spots in this game. The Dolphins are looking to see who can step up at the depleted cornerback position while also trying to see which wide receivers will make the cut. Speaking of wide receivers, Jalen Reagor may have one last chance to convince the Eagles to keep him this season.
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
The Commanders starters will see “very limited” action in this contest, but the running back position is one to keep an eye on. Antonio Gibson has seemingly been surpassed by rookie Brian Robinson for the early job, with the team talking about Gibson’s ability to contribute on special teams and as a wide receiver. Meanwhile, Baltimore is looking to extend its NFL record 22-game preseason streak.
Time: 7:30 pm ET
TV: NFL+, Check local listings
Indy’s starters will play half the game, according to coach Frank Reich. Their defense led by Gus Bradley against Tom Brady should be an interesting matchup. Meanwhile, Todd Bowles says “whoever is that healthy will play,” which means expect to see a healthy Tom Brady start the game. It’s also worth paying attention to how the interior of Tampa’s offensive line, amid a slew of injuries, stacks up against Indianapolis’ defensive front.
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: The NFL Network
The Broncos are expected to sit most of their starters for this contest. Albert Okwuegbunam has worked hard in the preseason, with the coaching staff saying he needs more reps. This could continue here. Kellen Mond and Sean Mannion are apparently battling for Minnesota’s backup quarterback job, so that’s also something to watch out for.
Sunday, August 28
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV: The NFL Network
Plenty of rookies, including first-round picks Evan Neal, Ahmad Gardner, Garrett Wilson and Jermaine Johnson. Who takes Kayvon Thibodeaux’s place along the Giants defensive line. If Daniel Jones can continue his strong preseason. And more.
Time: 4:25 pm ET
TV: CBS
Choice no. 2 overall Aidan Hutchinson and Steelers rookies Kenny Pickett and George Pickens are the most noteworthy.