NFL Preseason Week 2 runs August 20–23, with all 32 teams playing their second exhibition game. This is an important evaluation weekend as coaches begin narrowing roster battles and determining which players deserve more extended work before the regular season.
Thursday Night Doubleheader
Raiders at Texans opens the week in Houston. Las Vegas will be looking for continued progress from its quarterbacks and young offensive players, while Houston gets another opportunity to evaluate C.J. Stroud and an offense that needs to rebound from last season’s disappointment.
49ers at Chargers follows in Los Angeles. The Chargers’ new offensive approach under Mike McDaniel is one of the more intriguing preseason storylines, while San Francisco will continue evaluating its depth behind its established starters.
Games to Watch Saturday
Bills at Browns is an important matchup for Cleveland, particularly with its quarterback competition. Shedeur Sanders remains one of the most closely watched young quarterbacks in the league, while Buffalo will use the game to evaluate depth on both sides of the ball.
Commanders at Lions should provide another useful test for Detroit’s roster battles. The Lions are evaluating several players competing for jobs, including at center, running back and defensive line.
Eagles at Patriots is another intriguing matchup, with the teams also holding joint practices. Philadelphia’s starters and young defensive players will be worth monitoring after an intense week of practices.
Chiefs at Buccaneers gives Kansas City another opportunity to evaluate rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane, the sixth overall pick, who has recently returned to full-contact work.
Cowboys at Cardinals will provide another look at Dallas’ revamped defense, while Arizona continues evaluating its young players and depth.
Sunday Night Finale
Seahawks at Titans closes Week 2 on Sunday night. The defending Super Bowl champions have a particularly interesting roster situation at running back after Kenneth Walker III departed for Kansas City and Zach Charbonnet continues recovering from a torn ACL. Rookie Jadarian Price is expected to receive significant attention.
Top Storylines
Quarterback competitions: Cleveland’s situation remains one of the biggest preseason questions.
Seattle’s running game: The Seahawks must identify their post-Kenneth Walker solution.
Young players:
Week 2 provides extended opportunities for rookies and players fighting for roster spots.
New offensive systems: The Chargers and several other teams are using preseason games to evaluate new schemes.
Injury management: Coaches will balance meaningful evaluation with protecting key starters.
My Games to Watch
Best matchup: Eagles at Patriots
Most intriguing QB situation: Bills at Browns
Best young-player showcase: Chiefs at Buccaneers
Most interesting defending champion:
Seahawks at Titans
Best Thursday night matchup: 49ers at Chargers
