August officially marks the start of the NFL preseason, and for fans everywhere, that means one thing: football is finally back. After months of offseason moves, roster changes, and endless speculation, teams take the field to show what all that work actually means. The preseason might not count in the standings, but it’s where championship dreams either take shape or start falling apart.
Which Teams Are Playing in Thursday’s NFL Preseason Games?
The NFL preseason got underway with the Los Angeles Chargers‘ blowout victory over the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game. Now the real preseason action begins.
Thursday, Aug. 7, brings three games that will kick off Week 1 of the preseason. These matchups aren’t just warm-ups; they’re the first chance for teams to test their depth, settle position battles, and start shaping the rosters that will chase Super Bowl glory. Here’s what to watch in each game.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens
- Start Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Channel: NFL Network
The biggest storyline surrounding the Indianapolis Colts this season is the quarterback battle. Anthony Richardson started in 2024 but failed to take full advantage of the opportunity, and now Daniel Jones has been brought in to compete for the job.
Both quarterbacks are expected to play against the Ravens, but it’s unclear who will start. What we do know is that whoever starts this week will come off the bench next week. This will be the first chance to see how each quarterback operates in Shane Steichen’s system and get a sense of who might win the starting role.
Colts Shane Steichen wouldn’t reveal which QB will start vs. Baltimore, but said Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones both will ‘play a good amount.’ Whichever starts vs. Ravens, the other probably starts Aug. 16 vs. Packers. Steichen hadn’t talked with QBs on rotation when we…
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) August 3, 2025
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens enter the season as one of the Super Bowl favorites, with a strong and stable roster that leaves little room for doubt. The preseason opener offers a first look at Cooper Rush in a Ravens uniform, while Lamar Jackson will sit out in preparation for the regular season.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Start Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local and NFL+
Things aren’t exactly smooth in Cincinnati. The Bengals dealt with several contract issues this offseason, quickly working out extensions with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but dragging out rookie Shemar Stewart’s deal until the start of training camp due to disputes over guaranteed contract clauses.
Shemar Stewart vs the Bengals oline
pic.twitter.com/z7HtQBB0Sj— Pick 6 Pack (@Pick6PackFB) August 4, 2025
All eyes will be on how the team structures its defensive depth, especially with the looming possibility of Trey Hendrickson holding out during the season if his contract situation isn’t resolved. After finishing as one of the bottom 10 defenses in the NFL in 2024, the Bengals need to show signs of a new identity heading into 2025.
For the Philadelphia Eagles, being the team to beat comes with its own pressure. The defense lost some key pieces but was smartly rebuilt, and rookie defenders Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba will be closely watched as they push for starting roles or early snaps in the rotation.
The battle for the backup running back job is also worth monitoring. Will Shipley appears to be the front-runner behind Saquon Barkley, but AJ Dillon brings a more physical style that could carve out a role in short-yardage or power packages.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks
- Start Time: 10 p.m. ET
- Channel: NFL Network
The Las Vegas Raiders were among the most active teams this offseason, making several big changes, including two centered around former Seahawks. Legendary coach Pete Carroll, who led Seattle to its only Super Bowl title, is now the Raiders’ head coach. He’s joined by quarterback Geno Smith, acquired in a trade with the Seahawks.
“He helped me change the way I spoke to myself.”
Geno Smith’s relationship with Pete Carroll is special.@Raiders (via @NFLFilms)pic.twitter.com/YUy3vSOFvn
— NFL (@NFL) March 8, 2025
Even though it’s just a preseason game, this reunion will be a storyline to follow during the snaps featuring the starters, as the Raiders look to recapture the energy that has been missing in recent seasons.
As for the Seahawks, there are still plenty of questions surrounding the offensive line and how Sam Darnold will perform at quarterback. However, the defense has fans optimistic, and expectations are high for the second season under head coach Mike Macdonald. Watching how that unit takes shape will be the biggest draw for Seattle.
The full preseason schedule can be found by clicking on this article. Week 1 will feature games from Thursday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug 10.
