Overview

Week 2 of the NFL preseason offers fans 16 key matchups across four days, packed with developmental intrigue. It’s prime time for rookies to shine, backups to battle for roster spots, and coaching staffs to fine‑tune game plans before the regular season kicks off on September 4.The Times of IndiaWhat to WatchNFL.comNFL Football Operations

Friday, August 15

• 7:00 p.m. ET: Tennessee Titans at Atlanta Falcons (NFL Network, NFL+)

  • Titans spotlight rookie QB Cam Ward, the No. 1 pick, who is set to play extensively.NBC4 WashingtonNFL.com

  • Falcons sit QB Michael Penix Jr.; Easton Stick looks to build on a strong first outing in camp.NBC4 WashingtonNFL.com

• 10:00 p.m. ET: Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks (NFL Network, NFL+)

  • Chiefs’ Tyquan Thornton and Robert Tonyan aim to stake claims in the offense.NFL.com

  • Seahawks back WR Tory Horton and QB Jalen Milroe continue to make waves after promising preseason debuts.NFL.com

Saturday, August 16 — The busiest day

A full slate of 11 matchups, including several on national TV:

1:00 p.m.

• Dolphins at Lions

  • Miami’s backups (Zach Wilson, Quinn Ewers) must overcome a rough opener marked by sacks and poor protection.NFL.com

  • Lions' QB Hendon Hooker needs to prove more after shaky performance and stalled trust.NFL.com

• Panthers at Texans

  • Panthers’ rookie DBs—Corey Thornton and Lathan Ransom—are battling for roles amid defensive injuries.NFL.com

  • Texans may still hold out starters but continue to audition DBs after losses in secondary depth.NFL.com

• Packers at Colts

  • Packers rookie Matthew Golden looks to build momentum; kicker Mark McNamee brings UFC‑esque distance to the role.NFL.com

  • Colts' Daniel Jones expected to start after last week’s struggle from Anthony Richardson.NBC4 WashingtonNFL.com

• Patriots at Vikings

  • Patriots rookies like TreVeyon Henderson, Will Campbell, and Craig Woodson aim to impress.NFL.com

  • Vikings face receiver depth issues, with Jeshaun Jones and Lucky Jackson poised for more opportunities.NFL.com

• Browns at Eagles

  • With Shedeur Sanders doubtful, rookie Dillon Gabriel and veteran Kenny Pickett battle for time.NFL.com

  • Eagles' line depth under scrutiny; CB Adoree’ Jackson needs a bounce-back effort amid roster shaking.NFL.com

4:00 p.m.

• 49ers at Raiders

  • 49ers searching for WR depth with Aiyuk out and Demarcus Robinson potentially suspended.NFL.com

  • Raiders likely to feature Ashton Jeanty and rookie WRs to evaluate their future roles.NFL.com

7:00 p.m.

• Ravens at Cowboys

  • Baltimore's secondary reshuffle ramps up, with Jaire Alexander and other DBs likely to feature.TalkSportNFL.com

  • Cowboys searching for depth at DT and CB—watch for Jay Toia and Perrion Winfrey stepping up.NFL.com

• Chargers at Rams

  • Chargers’ Caleb Murphy continues making his case; standout perimeter defender and special-teams ace.NFL.com

  • Rams QB situation murky: Stafford’s health, Garoppolo out, likely Stetson Bennett taking snaps.NFL.com

• Jets at Giants

  • Jets rookie Malachi Corley needs stability after a shaky first outing.NFL.com

  • Giants to showcase Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter in front of home fans.NFL.com

• Bucs at Steelers

  • Bucs could turn to Sean Tucker if Rachaad White is limited with a groin issue.NFL.com

  • Steelers may see Aaron Rodgers or first-unit snaps after resting in Week 1.NFL.com

9:30 p.m.

• Cardinals at Broncos

  • Cardinals' defense sees a push from LB hopefuls—Ojulari’s absence opens the door for others.NFL.com

Sunday, August 17

• 1:00 p.m. ET: Jaguars at Saints

  • Jaguars' Travis Hunter remains a dual‑threat focal point—expect more snaps and production.NFL.com

  • Saints’ QB battle gets wilder: Tyler Shough had a roller‑coaster opener (FG, pick‑six, long TD). Can he smooth it out?NFL.com

• 8:00 p.m. ET: Bills at Bears (FOX, NFL+)

  • Bills' James Cook returns from extension; Bosa and White could see starter snaps.Buffalo RumblingsNFL.com

  • Bears rollout of Ben Johnson’s offense in focus—rookies Luther Burden III and TE Colston Lovelandspotlighted.NFL.com

Monday, August 18

• 8:00 p.m. ET: Bengals at Commanders (ESPN, NFL+)

  • Bengals’ Joe Burrow nets two TD-starts in opener; reserves like Jermaine Burton on audition mode.NFL.com

  • Commanders focus on rising rookie CB Trey Amos, with WR and OT roles still fluid.NFL.com