NFL · 1 month ago

10 Storylines to Watch for in Week 1 of the NFL Preseason

David Connelly

Host · Writer

10) A Handful of Exciting Rookie Debuts
We've got some other rookie debuts that will be worth watching, such as Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty, Titans QB and first overall pick Cam Ward, and Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan. We're expecting to see some flashes from all of these first-round picks in the early August action, and each fan base ought to be eager to see their young stars make an immediate impact.
1) Are Teams Going to Be More Aggressive with Starters?
Over the past few seasons, we have seen a handful of teams struggle to get off to slow starts compared to their preseason expectations. It has led many to consider whether the lack of preseason reps is contributing to the slower starts, which could mean more aggressive personnel usage from head coaches in this year's preseason. It's an overarching theme that extends beyond Week 1, but it's one to monitor as August progresses.
2) Andy Reid Will Continue to Be Aggressive in Preseason
Perhaps teams should look towards the Chiefs as a good reason to be a bit more aggressive with their starters in the preseason. Head coach Andy Reid is notorious for playing his first-stringers in almost every preseason game for a quarter or two, and this year will be no different. The defending AFC champions will play their starters for a full quarter in Saturday's matchup against the Cardinals.
3) Bengals Starters to Get Serious Playing Time
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor refuses to let his team get off to a slow start for another season. After being quite cautious with starters in the preseason for the past three seasons, Cincinnati went 4-8 in the opening four games of the previous three years combined. Taylor told the media this week that the starters will be getting the entire first quarter, so expect to see a few drives from Burrow and Co.

Update: Joe Burrow finished 9 of 10 passing for 123 yards and two touchdowns, including four completions to Ja'Marr Chase for 77 and a score.
4) Richardson vs. Jones QB Battle Begins for Indianapolis
In perhaps the most intriguing quarterback competition this preseason, Anthony Richardson will get the first crack at winning the gig on Thursday night. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that he will get the starting nod on the road against the Ravens and could put a stranglehold on the job if he delivers a quality performance. Steichen also mentioned that he expects Richardson to play most of the first half, while Daniel Jones will come in for a drive or two as well. Then, Jones gets the start in Week 2 vs. the Packers.

Update: Richardson left the game with a dislocated finger after three passes. Jones finished 10 of 21 for 144 yards.
5) Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Gets the Nod vs. Panthers
It's Shedeur Sanders' time in Cleveland after head coach Kevin Stefanski made the surprising announcement that the rookie will be the team's starting quarterback on Friday night against the Carolina Panthers. While Joe Flacco looks like the man for the job - at least for Week 1 - a convincing outing from Sanders here could force the Browns' coaching staff to reconsider the pecking order among their signal-callers.
6) Could Kaleb Johnson Make a Strong First Impression?
After a historic season at Iowa in 2024, Steelers fans are ecstatic to have Kaleb Johnson in their backfield. The rookie has been showing some serious flashes in training camp as well, leading to speculation from reporters that Johnson could end up at the top of the depth chart at some point this season. It's still very likely that Jaylen Warren will be the lead back in Week 1, but Johnson could give head coach Mike Tomlin something to think about with a strong performance against the Jaguars on Saturday.
7) Jaydon Blue Looks to Continue Depth Chart Climb
It's no secret that the Dallas backfield is a big question mark entering the 2025 season. Javonte Williams has been an uninspiring starter throughout his career, while Miles Sanders is currently battling a knee injury. That leaves the runway potentially clear for Jaydon Blue to make a real statement against the Rams on Saturday night and start to dig into the first-team workload out of the backfield for the Cowboys.
8) Who Will Win the Starting Job in New Orleans?
This is the least predictable quarterback competition we have seen in the NFL in some time. There is a case to be made that Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, or even Jake Haener could be in the running for the starting job. We are likely going to see all three of them under center at some point on Sunday afternoon against the Chargers, which means the full 60 minutes will be worth watching as the drama unfolds.
9) Travis Hunter to Play Both Sides of the Ball vs. Steelers
Jaguars head coach Liam Coen told reporter Kay Adams on the Up & Adams Show on Friday that rookie wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter will play in the team's opening preseason matchup against the Steelers, and he will be getting reps on both sides of the football. He has reportedly played nearly 250 reps on offense and defense each throughout training camp, and it looks like Jacksonville is ready to see their two-way star in action right away. Saturday night's game in Duval County becomes must-watch television with Hunter set to take the field.
10) A Handful of Exciting Rookie Debuts
We've got some other rookie debuts that will be worth watching, such as Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty, Titans QB and first overall pick Cam Ward, and Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan. We're expecting to see some flashes from all of these first-round picks in the early August action, and each fan base ought to be eager to see their young stars make an immediate impact.
1) Are Teams Going to Be More Aggressive with Starters?
Over the past few seasons, we have seen a handful of teams struggle to get off to slow starts compared to their preseason expectations. It has led many to consider whether the lack of preseason reps is contributing to the slower starts, which could mean more aggressive personnel usage from head coaches in this year's preseason. It's an overarching theme that extends beyond Week 1, but it's one to monitor as August progresses.