We are at the preseason game that matters more than the other weeks. Week 3 usually has starters get at least a half-game of work. It’s where some starter-level competitions are decided. Week 4 won’t have many stars playing and the only drama lies in the final week of the preseason is at the end of the roster. The NFL will also have to deal with a full slate of college football in Week 4 which makes the games that don’t count less interesting. In contrast, the NFL will only go up against two games from the NCAA during Week 3. There are six nationally televised games this week. Per usual, everyone will have in-market games on local stations and everyone will be able to watch the remaining national preseason games. All times are Eastern Time Zone, and the home team is listed second.
Thursday, August 22nd
8:00 p.m.
Jacksonville Jaguars v. Miami Dolphins, Fox
The battle of Florida excluding Tampa Bay. Honestly, there’s no reason for this to be the nationally televised preseason game on Thursday. The Panthers-Patriots game or Ravens-Eagles game would probably be a little more entertaining.
This game could end up looming large as the Dolphins choose whether they will go with Josh Rosen or Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback. It’s also important for Nick Foles to get some time on the field with the Jaguars. They can’t go into the season without any work for their new starting quarterback.
Friday, August 23rd
8:00 p.m.
Buffalo Bills v. Detroit Lions, CBS
It feels as if the Bills and Lions haven’t gotten much national coverage this preseason. It’s been pretty quiet on both fronts. The last time Buffalo was part of a major news story was when there were rumors they were trying to trade for Antonio Brown. That non-trade has worked out for the Bills.
The Lions are penciled in for last in the NFC North by most prognosticators, but they could surprise some people if they can execute on what looks to be their current plan of relying on defense and ball control.
Hopefully, we get to see some extended Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford time in this game. That’s two big-armed quarterbacks who can sling it deep. We should also demand a Frank Gore appearance since he is a national treasure.
Saturday, August 24th
1:00 p.m.
Arizona Cardinals v. Minnesota Vikings, NFL Network
It’s another NFL Network Saturday trifecta. We will get a lot of talk about Kyler Murray clapping smoothly for his snap count. If he doesn’t do so, he will be flagged for a false start. What we should really be focusing on is whether Murray and Kliff Kingsbury will unleash the air raid offense that people were excited about before this preseason.
The Vikings looked okay in their nationally televised preseason game last week. The defense should be ready to get after Murray and take advantage of the Cardinals offensive line.
It’s important to note that there will be actual college football on this Saturday as well, so the NFL may not get top billing.
7:00 p.m.
Houston Texans v. Dallas Cowboys, NFL Network
It’s the battle for Texas. We definitely won’t see Ezekiel Elliott this week especially after he was reportedly angered by Jerry Jones, “Zeke who?” comments. Elliott shouldn’t be playing in the preseason anyway. We will see Dak Prescott who still hasn’t signed an extension. Dak has been a good soldier all offseason and the opposite of Elliott when it comes to showing up and not focusing on his contract negotiations in public.
It will be nice if we get the Texans starters for a full half. They are a sneaky Super Bowl pick because of their offensive skill players and big-name defensive stars. The problem is they didn’t fix their offensive line. Maybe There is a Duke Johnson appearance in this game.
10:00 p.m.
Seattle Seahawks v. Los Angeles Chargers, NFL Network
The Seahawks and Chargers are both on national television for the second week in a row.
We won’t get to see Derwin James because the Chargers are cursed and can’t have nice things. In fact, the Chargers shouldn’t play a single starter at this point. Only bad things can happen.
Sunday, August 25th
8:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh Steelers v. Tennessee Titans, NBC
Sunday Night Football on NBC. Al and Cris are the best on TV. Let’s get those Sunday Night Football vibes going again. This is the last nationally televised game of Week 3. We do not get a Monday night game this week.
The most intriguing part of this game will be the Steelers wide receiver competition and the Titans quarterback situation. We don’t know if Donte Moncrief or James Washington will take the other starting spot next to Juju Smith-Schuster. Washington has the lead because Washington has been on the field more.
As for the Titans quarterback situation, there are still some folks out there who think that Ryan Tannehill is still a slight threat to Marcus Mariota’s job security. A good performance from Mariota could quiet critics and end any rumblings of a competition.
