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NFL preseason games Saturday: Matchups, times, how to watch and what to know

Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY
·9 min read

Editor's note: For everything you need to know about Sunday's NFL preseason game between the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers, click here.

Who's ready for a full day of preseason football?

Saturday marks one of the most loaded days of the NFL's August schedule, as 22 teams will take the field for the second week of preseason action.

There are several storylines to look for on Saturday, such as seeing if some of the top rookie quarterbacks can bounce back after less than stellar debuts, including one that was officially named the team's starter. Eight of last season's playoff teams will also be taking the field, hoping to find out which players will be instrumental in getting back into the playoff hunt.

Here's everything you need to know about Saturday's NFL preseason games, including how to watch and the matchups.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nathan Rourke (18) runs away from Dallas Cowboys defenders and throws a touchdown pass during the second half at AT&T Stadium.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nathan Rourke (18) runs away from Dallas Cowboys defenders and throws a touchdown pass during the second half at AT&T Stadium.

NFL preseason schedule on Saturday

All times Eastern

How to watch Saturday's NFL preseason games

Four of the 11 matchups will air on NFL Network, while the rest of the games will depend on regional coverage. The exhibition games can be live streamed on NFL+, which requires a subscription of $9.99 a month.

Can you watch preseason games with NFL Sunday Ticket?

No. NFL Sunday Ticket, which moved to YouTube TV this year from DirecTV, only broadcasts regular season NFL games.

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Jacksonville Jaguars at Detroit Lions: What to know

Doug Pederson hasn't decide how much time starters will play, but there's one player Jaguars fans want to see: Nathan Rourke.

The reserve quarterback was the star of the Jaguars' preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys, highlighted by what is likely the best play of the preseason. He even has a nickname now as "Steezy Nate." The former Ohio quarterback has a tough road to make the final roster, but fans will be excited to see if Rourke can deliver another great preseason performance.

The Lions will get their first look at newly acquired quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who signed with the team on Monday. Bridgewater will play Saturday as he competes with Nate Sudfeld, who struggled in the preseason opener against the New York Giants, for the backup job in Detroit.

Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans: What to know

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel hasn't revealed if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will play, but there is a battle between Skylar Thompson and Mike White for the backup job, as both signal-callers had disappointing performances last week. The cornerback room also will be something to look at; Jalen Ramsey remains sidelined, and rookie Cam Smith was injured against the Falcons, putting pressure on the position.

No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud will look to have a better performance than what he did against the New England Patriots, throwing an interception and constantly facing pressure. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has yet to name a starting quarterback between Stroud and incumbent Davis Mills, but the rookie signal caller could come closer to securing the job with a better performance against Miami.

Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers: What to know

Damar Hamlin's return was the highlight of the Bills' preseason opener, but there is now a backup quarterback battle brewing in Buffalo. Newcomer Kyle Allen didn't have a great first outing against Indianapolis, but Matt Barkley was stellar. Head coach Sean McDermott admitted the two are battling to backup Josh Allen, so it remains to be seen who will earn the spot. Josh Allen and starters will also play about a quarter and a half.

The Steelers will continue to examine the development of first-round pick Broderick Jones, as he has yet to be named the starting left tackle, which is held by Dan Moore Jr. Jones played 78% of offensive snaps in the team's preseason opener, the most of any offensive player, but didn't get the start. If Jones starts, he could get some reps in with quarterback Kenny Pickett.

Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts: What to know

The Bears offense looked on fire last week, as Justin Fields had one of the best days of any quarterback during the preseason, while seeing how dangerous weapons like DJ Moore and Khalil Herbert can be. The starting unit likely will get some more playing time this week, looking to build some more momentum heading into the regular season.

This will be the Colts first game since naming rookie Anthony Richardson the starting quarterback for the season. He a decent game against the Bills last week, showing off his elusiveness but making some simple mistakes. This will be another chance for him to get accustomed to the NFL before he starts the regular season opener against the Jaguars.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets: What to know

Baker Mayfield gave himself a great audition for the starting quarterback job last week against the Steelers, and this week it will be Kyle Trask who will get his chance. Trask is expected to be the starter on Saturday, and will need to match Mayfield's performance if he wants a shot to be the Week 1 starter. Another player to watch for Tampa Bay is rookie receiver Trey Palmer, who had great joint practices against Sauce Gardner, and will be looking to be another option with Russell Gage out.

The Jets' defensive line made it a debut to forget for Bryce Young last week, even without its starting unit. Facing another team with a shaky quarterback room, New York might put out another dominant effort that could put a scare into the AFC. If you watch "Hard Knocks," this will also be time to watch the offensive line after head coach Robert Saleh ripped the unit apart.

New England Patriots at Green Bay Packers: What to know

Patriots fans will be eager to see if newly signed running back Ezekiel Elliott will suit up and play against the Packers. He was very limited in his first practice Wednesday, but if he gets up to speed, could see some snaps. The Patriots will also be working toward developing a young offensive line with some starters out with injuries.

Jordan Love looked good in his first game of the season, but he still needs work on his deep passes, something Aaron Rodgers was known for being able to deliver. Love and other offensive starters will likely see some more time against the Patriots.

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Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings: What to know

Things are suddenly interesting at the quarterback position after second-year quarterback Malik Willis showed off why the Titans drafted him last year, while rookie Will Levis didn't have much of a special performance. Ryan Tannehill's starting job seems safe, so Willis and Levis will spend another week battling for the backup job. Tennessee will also be looking for any standout receivers after Treylon Burks was injured.

Vikings second-year cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. had a forgettable performance against Seattle in the preseason opener, and will need to bounce back if he wants to stay in the mix for significant playing time this season. Jordan Addison will not be in action after head coach Kevin O'Connell said the first-round receiver is in concussion protocol.

Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals: What to know

Saturday will be another chance for the Chiefs' receivers group to get some playing time, although some players are dealing with injuries heading into the weekend. Regardless, two players to watch are Justyn Ross and Richie James, who are quickly rising up the depth chart after big performances against New Orleans.

Colt McCoy looked good in his lone series against the Broncos, a positive sign for a Cardinals team with a new offense to implement and with Kyler Murray likely out for the beginning of the regular season. Still, McCoy might need more reps in the second week, as the Cardinals try to determine who will be starting on this rebuilding team.

Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers: What to know

New Broncos head coach Sean Payton has been adamant about playing his starters in the preseason, but Saturday will be the first time he gets to see running back Javonte Williams in game action. Williams had season-ending knee injury in Week 4 last season, and Payton said he will be getting some snaps in.

The backup battle most people are paying attention to in the NFL is in San Francisco. Trey Lance didn't look good against the Raiders, while newcomer Sam Darnold looked more comfortable. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the plan is for Darnold to start and play a majority of the first half before Lance takes over. It'll be a crucial time for Lance if the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL draft wants to stay out of the third-string spot.

Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Rams: What to know

Las Vegas is glad to see their first-round pick Tyree Wilson was able to practice for the first time coming off a foot injury he suffered in his final season at Texas Tech. Head coach Josh McDaniels said the team is working toward his participating in team drills, so there's a slight chance he could see his first game action Saturday. The Raiders will also get another chance to look at rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell with Jimmy Garoppolo still out.

Las Vegas' Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby wreaked havoc on the Rams during joint practices, so Los Angeles will be put to the test to see if they developed. The Rams are embracing the youth movement, as the team's 36 rookies will get another chance to see playing time and the chance to make the regular season roster.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks: What to know

Deuce Vaughn was the star of the Cowboys' preseason opener, rushing for 50 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. After his breakout performance, Vaughn saw much more time with the first- and second-team offense in practice, so he could get more playing time this week as he looks to be the second option in the backfield behind Tony Pollard.

Drew Lock looked like a solid backup option for Seattle after putting on a spectacular two-touchdown performance last week. A receiver is also making the case to make the roster, as undrafted rookie Jake Bobo caught one of Lock's touchdown passes and had one of the best receiving performances of the week.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL preseason games today: Times, matchups, what to know for Saturday