For the second consecutive week, all 32 NFL teams are scheduled to play preseason games. Traditionally, the next-to-last week of preseason is when teams tend to let their starters play the most.
After getting a look at every team last week, here are some storylines to monitor for the second of three preseason games, as well as this week’s schedule.
Lions: Another Round of Jameson
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams turned seven targets into just 18 yards in the preseason opener. The deep threat should stay busy on Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars as he looks to sharpen his game before serving a six-game gambling suspension to begin the regular season. The 12th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft is expected to be a key piece for the Lions this year after missing most of his rookie season due to a torn ACL.
Jaguars -3.5 over Lions, Over/Under 39.5 at (-110 at BetRivers)
Watch: Saturday, 1 p.m. EDT, NFL Network and fuboTV
Texans: Next Steps for Stroud
Houston Texan rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud’s coming off a forgettable debut in which he had just two completions on two drives, as well as an interception. The Texans would like to see some improvement from the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft before giving him the Week 1 starting job. He gets that chance when they host the Miami Dolphins on Saturday.
Texans -2.5 over Dolphins -110, Over/Under 39.5 (O-112, U-109) at BetRivers
Watch: Saturday 4 p.m. EDT, NFL Network and fuboTV
Steelers: More Pickett to Pickens, please
After showing promising chemistry as rookies last year, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett and WR George Pickens picked up where they left off by connecting on a 33-yard TD to cap Pittsburgh’s first preseason possession. They’ll look to keep building that chemistry here against the Buffalo Bills.
Bills -1.5 over Steelers, Over/Under 42.5, (O-105, U-117) at BetRivers
Watch: Saturday 6:30 p.m. EDT, fuboTV
Bears: Was Last Week a Fluke?
The Chicago Bear’s offense couldn’t have drawn up its two-drive stint from the offensive starters any better last week, as QB Justin Fields found new top WR DJ Moore for a 62-yard score. He then added a 56-yard passing TD to RB Khalil Herbert. Fields’ 129 passing yards on those two drives were more than his full-game total in six of 15 starts last year. They both came on short passes. Some might start believing in the Bears if they replicate last week’s success here.
Colts -3.5 over Bears, Over/Under 40.5, (O-112, U-109) at BetRivers
Watch: Saturday, 7 p.m. EDT, NFL Network and fuboTV
Make your first-time deposit with BetRivers in West Virginia and Pennsylvania and place your first sports wager. If your first wager loses, receive a Free Bet, equal to your stake, up to a maximum of $250. Free Bet will be awarded within 24 Hours of your qualifying wager settling as a loss.
Buccaneers: Trask vs. Mayfield
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield started Tampa Bay’s preseason opener and threw a touchdown pass while Kyle Trask was picked off. Trask will get the start this time around in what appears to be the league’s most competitive preseason QB battle.
Jets -3.5 over Bucs, Over/Under 40.5 (O-115, U-105 at BetMGM)
Watch: Saturday, 7:30 p.m., EDT, fuboTV
Chiefs: Whom will Mahomes Target?
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suited up last week and will likely do so again. The star QB doesn’t need the practice reps, but it will be interesting to see which members of a KC receiving corps he’ll look toward this week, whether it be Skyy Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, rookie Rashee Rice, or others.
Chiefs -7.5 over Cardinals Over/Under 40.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
Watch: Saturday 8 p.m. EDT, fuboTV
Broncos: Javonte’s return
Denver Broncos starting RB Javonte Williams didn’t suit up last week, but coach Sean Payton said Williams will make his preseason debut this week. This will mark Williams’ first game action since he tore his ACL last October. He will face a stout San Francisco 49ers defense.
Broncos -4 over 49ers Over/Under 39.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
Watch: Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EDT, fuboTV
