The NFL’s preseason schedule continues this week with Week 2. The Chicago Bears kicked off preseason Week 2 with a 27-11 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday. What does today’s slate of Saturday football have in store?
Is there Saturday football today?
There are several games on the schedule on Saturday. Let’s take a look at each of them.
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV channel: NFL Network
Live Stream: Paramount+, Vidgo, fuboTV, NFL+
After a rough start to training camp, the Broncos finally got some good news this week as they removed both DE Randy Gregory and RT Billy Turner from the physically unable to perform list. While they likely won’t see any snaps this week, their removal is a good omen for their Week 1 status. The Broncos’ newly-tuned machine still has some work to tie everything together.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills are preparing for what they hope is another successful season. While the offense looks solid and Buffalo made some additions this offseason, the Bills are still missing a key contributor in their secondary.
CB Tre’Davious White continues to recover from his torn ACL in November. While Buffalo continues to be silent, keep an eye on the backups who fill in that slot. Both rookie CBs Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford are in a hot battle for the final starting CB slot.
Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts
Time: 1 p.m. ET
TV channel: Local
Live Stream: fuboTV, NFL+
The Lions’ preseason escapades have been broadcast through HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” While Detroit fell short a week ago, they hope to bounce back against the Colts. The latest episode of Hard Knocks highlighted 2022 sixth-round LB Malcolm Rodriguez’s journey through training camp. Can he crack the starting roster for the season opener as his play continues to excel in a group full of veterans?
Meanwhile, the Colts’ LB situation is a bit different. Shaquille Leonard is still on the PUP list after his back surgery earlier this month. Couple this with the fact that Indianapolis is installing a new defense, and missing this preseason and training camp time will not be helpful to begin the season. Outside of the defensive uncertainties, the offense is still finding its bearings with a new man under center.
Washington Commanders at Kansas City Chiefs
Time: 4 p.m. ET
TV channel: NFL Network
Live Stream: Paramount+, Vidgo, fuboTV, NFL+
QB Carson Wentz was decent in his Commanders debut, completing 10 of 13 passes for 74 yards and leading a 14-play, 82-yard touchdown drive. The real questions for Washington lie in its backfield. Rookie RB Brian Robinson and 2016 fifth-round pick Jonathan Williams thoroughly outplayed Antonio Gibson. Gibson had a rough end to the season and continues to struggle in training camp. While it seems highly unlikely the 2020 draft pick gets cut, he might get knocked down a few pegs on the depth chart.
The Chiefs will continue figuring out how to replace the void that Tyreek Hill’s departure created. Hill accounted for 25% of Kansas City’s targets in 2021. TE Travis Kelce will take off some of the load, but the Chiefs are still looking for the rest of their answers in the preseason. Offseason additions JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling should garner some looks due to their size, as well as incumbent speedster Mecole Hardman. However, keep an eye on rookie WR Skyy Moore in this one who has turned heads in training camp.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV channel: NFL Network
Live Stream: Paramount+, Vidgo, fuboTV, NFL+
These two franchises have held joint practices all week in preparation for their Week 2 preseason game. WR Chris Godwin has participated in 7-on-7 drills for the Buccaneers this week. Tampa’s decision to remove the WR from the PUP list in late July seems optimistic for a Week 1 debut. He might get some help from an undersized newcomer, WR Deven Thompkins.
While the Bucs are hoping for Godwin to be available, an added boost from Thompkins’ contributions can let Tampa ease Godwin back. As for the Titans, while Tennesee tries to diagnose the QB room behind Ryan Tannehill, keep an eye on the starting QB’s chemistry with new TE Austin Hooper.
Las Vegas Raiders at Miami Dolphins
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV channel: Local
Live Stream: fuboTV, NFL+
Dolphins rookie HC Mike McDaniel got his first preseason win in Week 1 and hopes for the second week of success. After many positives from camp over the opening weeks, McDaniel got after his team following a poor practice on Tuesday, and they responded. These are great signs for a first-year HC to get these types of responses from a locker room of grown men.
Meanwhile, the Raiders will continue to figure out some solutions along the offensive line. Pro Football Network has the Las Vegas offensive line ranked 30th overall. The Raiders have one true starter in Kolton Miller and a bunch of pieces everywhere else. One of the primary concerns should be determining where Alex Leatherwood will play and stay long-term. The offense has so much talent at the skill positions, but if they can’t protect Derek Carr or create running lanes, what good is the talent?
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV channel: Local
Live Stream: fuboTV, NFL+
The Trey Lance era in San Francisco saw a two-drive debut in the preseason resulting in 10 points. Lance uncorked a 76-yard rocket to rookie Danny Gray for a touchdown. While there’s still some work for Lance to do, it seems evident why the 49ers finally decided to transition from Jimmy Garoppolo. Lance will surely see more action over the next two contests, so keep an eye on the in-game chemistry he is building with his receivers.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV channel: Local
Live Stream: fuboTV, NFL+
Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett came in and won the game for Pittsburgh in their first preseason game. While offseason addition Mitchell Trubisky remains the front runner, Pickett has gained ground on the backup battle against Mason Rudolph. Pickett won’t start the second preseason game. However, HC Mike Tomlin said he wants to get him more playing time earlier.
On the other side of the field, the Jaguars await the return of their RBs. James Robinson should be ready by Week 1 of the regular season. For the time being, it’s the Travis Etienne Jr. show as Robinson works his way back from his Achilles injury.
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Chargers
Time: 10 p.m. ET
TV channel: NFL Network
Live Stream: Paramount+, Vidgo, fuboTV, NFL+
The final Saturday football game of the Week 2 preseason slate sees the Dallas Cowboys heading to SoFi Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Chargers. The big news out of Los Angeles this week was Derwin James’ four-year, $76.4 million extension, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history. Chargers HC Brandon Staley has echoed his intent to make James the cornerstone of this defense to be built upon for years to come.
As for the Cowboys, watch the progression of their rushing attack throughout the preseason. After a lackluster performance to end the season, can the talented playmakers in Dallas’ backfield crack the source of their struggles?
