NFL Quarterback Notes for Preseason Week 1 (for Saturday-Sunday)
NFL Quarterback Notes for Preseason Week 1 (for Saturday-Sunday)
The best thing about preseason is that many coaches will give out gameplans and discuss how much their starters will play (if they play). Let’s take a look at Saturday and Sunday’s game with crucial information to help you make a profit in Week 1.
Saturday, August 12
Tennessee at Chicago:
The Titans have a veteran quarterback in Ryan Tannehill, but this game should be about rookie Will Levis. If he’s a lot better than Malik Willis, that’s not a good sign for Willis’ future. Mike Vrabel needs to rebuild the offensive line so you might a starter or two play.
The Bears will start Justin Fields and some other starters according to head coach Matt Eberflus. Those starters will play 10-15 reps according to media reports. After Fields, there’s PJ Walker and Nathan Peterman. Not too appetizing.
Indianapolis at Buffalo:
Rookie Anthony Richardson will get the start and most of the other starters will go about a quarter. They have a good backup in Gardner Minshew and a new coach in Shane Steichen so this will be his first game overall as a head guy.
There’s no reason for Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs to play in any game in preseason. But most of the Bills’ starters will play along with Kyle Allen and Matt Barkley at quarterback.
NY Jets at Carolina:
The Jets will not and should not play Aaron Rodgers in a preseason game. But Zach Wilson will play and should play a lot. Tim Boyle will also get time, most likely the entire second half. Chris Streveler, who played in the Hall of Fame Game, has been released.
Carolina will go with rookie Bryce Young along with key starters. RB Miles Sanders is not expected to play due to a groin injury. Matt Corral is also expected to get a lot of playing time. Andy Dalton may not play in this one.
Jacksonville at Dallas:
Jacksonville will play their starters 1-2 series according to coach Doug Pederson. That means Trevor Lawrence will get time with the first-string offensive line. They also get WR Calvin Ridley on the field after a one-year suspension. C.J. Beathard and Nathan Rourke should still get most of the playing time at quarterback.
It’s Cooper Rush time for Dallas and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Dak Prescott gets the day off along with the rest of the starters.
Philadelphia at Baltimore:
The Eagles might play their starters a series or two because they did that last season in the first game. Nick Siriani still has not announced who will play, but expect a lot of Tanner McKee and Ian Book. Marcus Mariota could start this game if they don’t use their starters. His legs will help him move around since the first-string offensive line will only play if Hurts starts.
Baltimore is resting all “established” starters according to John Harbaugh, which means some young guys will play. At quarterback, Tyler Huntley needs to play well as Josh Johnson could push him off the roster. They’ll be playing for a new OC in Todd Monken.
LA Chargers at LA Rams
This is a game for backups since neither head coach has ever played their key starters in the preseason. There’s not a lot behind Justin Herbert. But watch for rookie Max Duggan, who is Mr. Irrelevant. Easton Stick will battle it out with Duggan for the backup job.
Rookie Stetson Bennett should get a lot of time for the Rams, who had dismal backups last season. Brett Rypien is also in the mix as a backup.
Sunday, August 13
Kansas City at New Orleans:
The Chiefs usually play their starters in the preseason opener. That means Patrick Mahomes get a series or two. Blaine Gabbert should play the rest of the first half and Shane Buechele cleans up.
Derek Carr starts in this game and could play two possessions, depending on how things go. The second-stringers should get around 25 snaps.
San Francisco at LA Raiders:
With Brock Purdy coming off an injury, there’s no chance he plays for the 49ers. But, Trey Lance, Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen should all play. Darnold and Lance are battling it out for the backup job.
Josh McDaniels hasn’t announced whether his starters will play, but it wouldn’t make much sense to pay injury-prone Jimmy Garoppolo. Brian Hoyer has some experience and rookie Aidan O’Connell should get a lot of time in this game.
