NFL Games Today: Preseason Week 2 Saturday Schedule, Start Times, How To Watch, and More

After the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots got Week 2 of the 2024 NFL preseason kicked off on Thursday, are there more NFL games today?

The league features a massive Saturday schedule, with 13 matchups kicking off today. Here’s how to watch the NFL games today, including start times, TV channels, live stream options, and more.

Are There Any NFL Games Today? Saturday’s Massive Schedule

The second day of Week 2 of the 2024 NFL preseason features 13 matchups. The Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens kick off the day’s action at noon ET, while the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders wind things down in Sin City at 10 p.m. ET.

With a jam-packed Saturday of action, here’s how to watch the NFL games today.

Atlanta Falcons at Baltimore Ravens

• Start time: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, Noon ET
• Channel: Local
• Live stream options: NFL+
• Radio stations: 92.9 The Game, Ravens Gameday Coverage
• Starting QBs:
• Betting lines:
  • Spread: BAL -1
  • Total: 37
  • Moneyline: BAL -122, ATL +102

Saturday’s packed slate begins early in the afternoon as the Atlanta Falcons head to M&T Bank Stadium to take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL preseason. Falcons fans got a glimpse of the future as rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. made his NFL preseason debut and efficiently moved the Falcons offense. In two drives of action, the rookie was able to cook up two scoring drives to start the game.

With a 10-3 lead, Atlanta replaced Penix with Taylor Heinicke, and the lead slowly evaporated. Heinicke and the Falcons’ other QB, Nathan Rourke, struggled for much of the game, combining for seven completions on 24 attempts for just 48 yards. As for the defense, Miami could move pretty freely, scoring 20 points and winning the game.

Meanwhile, the Ravens had a much worse time, struggling to get much going against the Philadelphia Eagles. Two early field goals from Justin Tucker were the only Ravens points for quite some time before a touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter tied the game.

While it looked like the game was destined for a tie, the Eagles forced the contest’s only turnover, stripping Ravens QB Emory Jones and converting a 49-yard field goal as time expired to win the matchup 16-13. After winning an NFL-record 24 straight preseason games, the Ravens have lost three in a row.

No one is hoping for a rebound in Week 2 of the preseason more than Ravens QB Jones. Here’s to more drives for the rookie quarterback whose first NFL snap ended in disaster. He’ll need to make some plays to climb past Devin Leary and Josh Johnson in the backup QB depth chart. On the other side of the ball, the defense will look to contain the Falcons a little better than the Eagles’ offense.

Speaking of the Falcons, how will Penix look in his second week of action? The rookie’s first two drives were promising, and while Kirk Cousins may be the planned starter for the time being, having Penix waiting in the wings may not be such a bad idea after all. If his performance continues, Atlanta will have one of the more solid backup QB plans in the NFL, and that’s always an underrated asset.

2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

• QB:
  • Falcons: Michael Penix Jr., nine cmp/16 att, 104 yards
  • Ravens: Josh Johnson, four cmp/12 att, 62 yards
• RB:
  • Falcons: Jase McClellan, nine carries, 30 yards
  • Ravens: Owen Wright, seven carries, 33 yards
• WR:
  • Falcons: Chris Blair, two rec/three targets, 45 yards
  • Ravens: Dayton Wade, four rec/five targets, 27 yards

Cincinnati Bengals at Chicago Bears

• Start time: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, 1 p.m. ET
• Channel: NFL Network
• Live stream options: NFL App, NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV,
• Radio stations: Bengals Gameday Radio, WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
• Starting QBs:
• Betting lines:
  • Spread: CHI -6
  • Total: 37.5
  • Moneyline: Bears -258, Bengals +210

The Cincinnati Bengals head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears in the next NFL matchup. Bengals fans lit up with joy as they watched QB Joe Burrow march down the field on the first drive of Cincinnati’s preseason opener and throw a touchdown for the first time since injuring his wrist last season. The Bengals didn’t score again until late in the fourth quarter.

Last year’s signal-caller in Burrow’s stead, Jake Browning, had a night to forget, completing 10 of his 18 passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. On the other hand, Logan Woodside helped the Bengals fight back, including throwing a 37-yard TD to Jermaine Burton to take the lead.

While Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB John Wolford answered right back with a touchdown drive of his own, Woodside made another valiant effort to get the win, coming up just short. While the passing game was rolling, the rushing game was disappointing. The Bengals coaching staff will be looking for a better performance than 36 yards on 13 carries.

Meanwhile, Chicago whooped the Buffalo Bills in their second preseason matchup, downing Buffalo 33-6 in rookie QB Caleb Williams’ NFL preseason debut. The 2024 first-overall pick directed two scoring drives to start the game as the Bears kicked two field goals. But after an uninspiring first half, the Bears broke loose. QB Tyson Bagent led an eight-play, 59-yard drive capped by a Velus Jones Jr. rushing TD.

While the Bills responded with a field goal, the Bears intercepted quarterback Shane Buechele and returned the ball 53 yards for a touchdown. They scored two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter as the Bills had no answers.

Will Chicago keep the momentum going and win a third preseason game in a row? Despite only preseason action, the Bears look much better on both sides of the football heading into the regular season.

2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

• QB:
  • Bengals: Logan Woodside, eight cmp/12 att, 149 yards, one TD
  • Bears: Brett Rypien, 12 cmp/17 att, 176 yards, three TDs
• RB:
  • Bengals: Chase Brown, five carries, 10 yards
  • Bears: Khalil Herbert, 13 carries, 66 yards
• WR:
  • Bengals: Jermaine Burton, three rec/four targets, 82 yards, one TD
  • Bears: Tommy Sweeney, five rec/five targets, 76 yards, one TD

New York Giants at Houston Texans

• Start time: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, 1 p.m. ET
• Channel: Local
• Live stream options: NFL+
• Radio stations: WFAN 101.9FM/660AM, SportsRadio 610
• Starting QBs: Daniel Jones,
• Betting lines:
  • Spread: HOU -3
  • Total: 39.5
  • Moneyline: HOU -175, NYG +145

The next matchup sees the New York Giants heading to NRG Stadium to take on the Houston Texans. The Giants surprised some people, holding the Detroit Lions to just three points in their preseason debut. Despite two turnovers — although the Giants snagged an interception of their own and 10 penalties for 102 yards — New York came away with the win thanks to two Eric Gray rushing touchdowns.

Offseason addition Drew Lock had a tough night under center, completing only four of his 10 passes for a measly 17 yards and one interception. Last year’s rookie, Tommy DeVito, led the charge for the Giants, helping move the ball down the field in their touchdown drives. The star of the night by far was Gray, though. The second-year RB rushed for 52 yards and two touchdowns on four carries while adding 46 receiving yards.

Heading into Week 2 of the preseason, the Giants are making some important decisions following an injury to Lock. After getting knocked out of the matchup against the Lions with an oblique injury, there’s no confirmation Lock will play today. Given the QB room and the Giants’ decision not to sign another QB this week, Giants fans can expect to see Daniel Jones’ preseason debut as he returns from a torn ACL.

The Texans also won their Week 1 preseason matchup, taking down the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-12. Houston fans were treated to fireworks early as C.J. Stroud connected with WR Tank Dell for a 34-yard touchdown strike. After breaking his fibula last December and getting shot in the leg in the offseason, seeing Dell’s return to the field is inspiring and promising.

Davis Mills entered the matchup and faired just as well, leading another touchdown drive early as RB Dare Ogunbowale punched in a four-yard touchdown late in the second quarter to take a 17-0 lead. The Steelers scored two quick touchdowns to start the second half but failed to convert an extra-point and two-point attempt.

While Houston won, it will look for a better performance from the defense, as it allowed the Steelers to gain 344 yards of offense. The late interception was promising, but shutting down some more drives will help in the long run. The Giants came out swinging, but will they be able to keep that up against a team that showed it can score out of the gate?

2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

• QB:
  • Giants: Tommy DeVito, eight cmp/15 att, 92 yards
  • Texans: Davis Mills, 18 cmp/26 att, 191 yards, one TD
• RB:
  • Giants: Dante Miller, 12 carries, 63 yards
  • Texans: Cam Akers, 11 carries, 30 yards
• WR:
  • Giants: Eric Gray, four rec/four targets, 46 yards
  • Texans: Xavier Hutchinson, six rec/nine targets, 60 yards

Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs

• Start time: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, 4 p.m. ET
• Channel: NFL Network
• Live stream options: NFL App, NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV
• Radio stations: 97.1 The Ticket, 106.5 The Wolf
• Starting QBs:
• Betting lines:
  • Spread: KC -7
  • Total: 39
  • Moneyline: KC -305, DET +245

The next NFL game today sees the Detroit Lions heading to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. The Lions served up a stinker in Week 1 of the NFL preseason, losing to the New York Giants 14-3. Nate Sudfeld was largely ineffective, completing just 54% of his passes while getting intercepted and sacked four times.

Meanwhile, second-year QB Hendon Hooker made his NFL preseason debut and didn’t look too bad. He completed five of his nine passes for 36 yards but looked great on the ground, gaining 34 yards on four carries. He appeared unaffected by his knee injury in his final collegiate season at Tennessee. Unfortunately, Hooker was knocked out of the game with a concussion but returned to the field Wednesday and should be good for reps in today’s matchup.

Unfortunately, the Chiefs did not have quite as nice an NFL preseason debut. They lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 26-13 and lost one of their offseason weapons. WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown suffered a dislocated clavicle and was taken to a local Jacksonville hospital. The official diagnosis was a dislocation of the sternoclavicular shoulder joint, and while he will not need surgery, he is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

The injury could be a significant setback for the Chiefs’ plans to become the first NFL team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Along with rookie first-round pick Xavier Worthy, Brown was supposed to help revamp the Chiefs WR group after a disappointing performance last season.

While Worthy will still be a part of the plan, the Chiefs will need one of last year’s familiar bunch to fill the void until Brown returns. However, Worthy wasn’t even targeted in his NFL preseason debut. He’ll hope to get some looks to show off his skill set in Kansas City’s offense. Given the Lions’ struggles in Week 1, the Chiefs may be in for a rebound performance.

2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

• QB:
  • Lions: Nate Sudfeld, 13 cmp/24 att, 96 yards, one INT
  • Chiefs: Chris Oladokun, seven cmp/10 att, 85 yards
• RB:
  • Lions: Hendon Hooker, four carries, 34 yards
  • Chiefs: Carson Steele, four carries, 29 yards, one TD
• WR:
  • Lions: Isaiah Williams, four rec/four targets, 35 yards
  • Chiefs: Nikko Remigio, three rec/five targets, 35 yards

Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns

• Start time: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, 4:25 p.m. ET
• Channel: Local
• Live stream options: NFL+
• Radio stations: KFAN FM 100.3, 92.3 The Fan 
• Starting QBs:
• Betting lines:
  • Spread: CLE -3
  • Total: 37
  • Moneyline: CLE -162, MIN +136

The next NFL game today sees the Minnesota Vikings heading to Ohio to take on the Cleveland Browns. The Vikings won a thriller in their 2024 NFL preseason debut, taking down the Las Vegas Raiders 24-23 with a field goal from Will Reichard as time expired. However, it might have come at a massive cost.

While rookie QB J.J. McCarthy had an incredible debut, throwing two touchdowns, the Vikings’ first-round pick was held out of practice Monday after reporting knee soreness following the game. After an evaluation, tests revealed the Vikings rookie had a tear in the meniscus of his right knee and will get surgery this week.

After receiving the procedure, the doctors were forced to do a full repair, knocking the rookie QB out for the remainder of the 2024 season. Unless second-year QB Jaren Hall massively outdoes himself over the next two weeks, Sam Darnold has all but secured his status as the Vikings’ QB1.

The Browns dropped their preseason opener to the Green Bay Packers 23-10. While the Packers got some minutes from their starters, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski elected to rest most of his starters, giving his reserves a chance to prove themselves. While they didn’t come out on top, there were a couple of bright spots.

QB Jameis Winston got to start the game, but second-year QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson played well after some rough performances during his rookie season. He’s fighting Tyler Huntley for the Browns’ third QB spot, and two more performances like that will practically seal it for the former UCLA Bruin.

Stenfanski and the coaching staff will need to improve several aspects of the team, including the rushing attack. Although it was one of the most vital aspects of Cleveland’s offensive unit last season, they only mustered 56 yards on 21 carries and a lost fumble. They had some of the offensive line out, but neither team had entire first strings.

Both franchises will whittle down the roster to 53 players as the preseason continues. With the Vikings’ predicament, a new plan under center will be necessary for the preseason. Will a new signal-caller’s first action with the Vikings come against the Browns? Meanwhile, Browns fans await to see some of their starters in action.

2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

• QB:
  • Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, 11 cmp/17 att, 188 yards, two TDs, one INT
  • Browns: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, 14 cmp/18 att, 134 yards
• RB:
  • Vikings: Kene Nwangwu, five carries, 52 yards, one TD
  • Browns: John Kelly Jr., four carries, 15 yards
• WR:
  • Vikings: Trishton Jackson, four rec/five targets, 100 yards, one TD
  • Browns: Jamari Thrash, three rec/five targets, 43 yards

Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans

• Start time: Saturday, Aug. 12, 2024, 7 p.m. ET
• Channel: Local
• Live stream options: NFL+
• Radio stations: Seahawks Radio Network, 104.5 The Zone
• Starting QBs:
• Betting lines:
  • Spread: TEN -1.5
  • Total: 35.5
  • Moneyline: TEN -135, SEA +114

The Seattle Seahawks‘ next Week 2 preseason matchup sees them heading to Nissan Stadium to take on the Tennessee Titans. QB Sam Howell and the Seahawks marched into SoFi Stadium and spoiled Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers preseason debut. The former Washington Commanders quarterback led the Seahawks’ offense to two touchdowns, including a 13-yard touchdown pass to Brady Russell.

The Seahawks’ defense was on fire, too, holding the Chargers to just 21 yards on the first six offensive drives. As the first game in the Mike Macdonald era, it’s a solid base to start. While Howell didn’t have any offensive starters at his disposal, Seattle fans anxiously await to see the likes of Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf, and Kenneth Walker III hit the field.

Meanwhile, the Titans had a great preseason debut, taking down the reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers down 17-13. QB Will Levis led the Titans onto the field after ending the season under center and led Tennessee to two touchdown drives to take a 14-7 lead. While RB Tyjae Spears punched in the second touchdown, Levis punched in the first from one yard out one play after taking a brutal hit from the 49ers defense.

While the Titans’ defense was largely untested due to several 49ers starters sitting, Tennesee fans saw quite a few pieces of the upcoming offense and did not disappoint. Newly acquired RB Tony Pollard had a couple of big runs while also providing Levis a lucrative option in the passing game out of the backfield. Free agent WR Calvin Ridley also popped a big play as the newest member of the WR group.

While DeAndre Hopkins got a week of rest and Tyler Boyd didn’t receive any targets, it was a promising start for the Titans’ new playmakers. Will they be able to keep up the momentum against another NFC West opponent? Their confidence has to be high after taking down the NFC West champion. Which rookie head coach will reign supreme tonight?

2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

• QB:
  • Seahawks: Sam Howell, 16 cmp/27 att, 130 yards, one TD
  • Titans: Mason Rudolph, 10 cmp/17 att, 126 yards
• RB:
  • Seahawks: Kenny McIntosh, eight carries, 40 yards
  • Titans: Malik Willis, four carries, 42 yards
• WR:
  • Seahawks: Dareke Young, three rec/four targets, 44 yards
  • Titans: Julius Chestnut, two rec/three targets, 37 yards

Arizona Cardinals at Indianapolis Colts

• Start time: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, 7 p.m. ET
• Channel: Local
• Live stream options: NFL+
• Radio stations: KMVP FM98.7, 93.5 & 107.5 The Fan
• Starting QBs:
• Betting lines:
  • Spread: IND -3.5
  • Total: 38
  • Moneyline: IND -192, ARI +160

The Arizona Cardinals head to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the Indianapolis Colts in the next NFL game today. The Cardinals will hope for a better performance from their team. While the New Orleans Saints weren’t much better, the offense flowed throughout the game well compared to Arizona’s below-average performance.

The offensive line let plenty of pressure through, as Clayton Tune and Desmond Ridder were sacked twice. However, the rushing attack found some headway, amassing 145 yards on 31 carries. With most starters out, head coach Jonathan Gannon is getting a feel for his reserves, but Cardinals fans will be itching to see their starters hit the field.

The Colts also dropped their preseason opener, falling to rookie Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos, 34-30. All eyes were on QB Anthony Richardson and RB Jonathan Taylor as they got their first prolonged playing time together as injuries limited snaps for the pair last season. However, the duo was unable to do much in their two drives.

Rookie Jason Bean made the most of his preseason snaps, completing four of his six passes for 51 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown to WR Laquon Treadwell. He also added four carries for 24 yards as Indianapolis’ lead rusher. With a very crowded QB room, every standout performance counts. While Richardson is a lock, it will be a fight between Bean, Sam Ehlinger, Kedon Slovis, and Joe Flacco.

Ehlinger may be ahead in the box score, but Bean has the inside track in his limited snaps. With two more preseason matchups, which backup QBs will make their presence known? Given the Cardinals’ poor performance in Week 1, this could be an opportunity for Indianapolis’ signal-callers to have a big game.

2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

• QB:
  • Cardinals: Clayton Tune, 15 cmp/24 att, 163 yards, one TD
  • Colts: Sam Ehlinger, five cmp/six att, 80 yards, one INT
• RB:
  • Cardinals: Michael Carter, seven carries, 41 yards, one TD
  • Colts: Jason Bean, four carries, 24 yards
• WR:
  • Cardinals: Dan Chisena, five rec/five targets, 63 yards
  • Colts: D.J. Montgomery, two rec/four targets, 45 yards

Washington Commanders at Miami Dolphins

• Start time: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, 7 p.m. ET
• Channel: Local
• Live stream options: NFL+
• Radio stations: BIG 100.3, Dolphins Radio Network
• Starting QBs:
• Betting lines:
  • Spread: MIA -1
  • Total: 37.5
  • Moneyline: MIA -122, WAS +102

The next matchup involves the Washington Commanders heading south to Hard Rock Stadium to face the Miami Dolphins. While the Commanders came up short against the New York Jets in Week 1, there were some promising signs. Most importantly, the poised and impressive play of rookie QB Jayden Daniels. The 2024 second-overall pick only played one drive but led Washington to an opening touchdown.

The former LSU Tiger completed two of his three attempts for 45 yards before punching in a three-yard TD on the ground. While only an 11-play sample size in the preseason, the first glimpses of Daniels look promising for the Commanders. Miami’s defense allowed Atlanta’s rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. plenty of space to work in his snaps a week ago. Will Daniels be able to do the same?

While the offense looked slightly improved from last season’s efforts, the defense struggled to contain the Jets’ offense. While Miami may have let Penix find his way on some drives, the Dolphins countered with some scoring of their own. Miami’s offense has an advantage over the Jets, giving Washington a tougher challenge in Week 2. How will the Commanders respond?

Miami hopes to repeat its matchup with Washington last regular season. In one of the last defining wins for the Dolphins, Miami downed Washington on the road 45-15, with WR Tyreek Hill catching two 60+ yard TDs and LB Andrew Van Ginkel returning a Sam Howell interception 33 yards to the end zone. While Howell is in Seattle and Van Ginkel is in Minnesota, Miami still has the talent to pile up some points on Washington.

Miami will be looking for someone in the vast group of WRs to step up and take hold of the fourth and fifth positions behind Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Odell Beckham Jr. The TEs and RBs hogged all the targets last week, but someone has to emerge from the gaggle of receivers. However, rookie RB Jaylen Wright looked like he would fit right in Miami’s high-octane offense, leading the team in rushing yards.

Both rosters have many promising pieces, and it will be interesting to see how each team approaches the game. Getting Daniels some more reps would likely be beneficial, but given his success and some of the injuries this week, the cause for concern could be valid. Meanwhile, Miami fans are itching to see some of their starting players, and Week 2 could provide some more snaps — but don’t get hopes too high.

2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

• QB:
  • Commanders: Jeff Driskel, seven cmp/15 att, 87 yards
  • Dolphins: Skylar Thompson, eight cmp/19 att, 95 yards, one TD, one INT
• RB:
  • Commanders: Michael Wiley, eight carries, 34 yards, one TD
  • Dolphins: Jaylen Wright, 10 carries, 55 yards, one TD
• WR:
  • Commanders: Ben Sinnott, three rec/three targets, 57 yards
  • Dolphins: Tanner Conner, three rec/four targets, 70 yards

Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers

• Start time: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, 7 p.m. ET
• Channel: NFL Network
• Live stream options: NFL App, NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV
• Radio stations: WGR 550 AM, WDVE 102.5 FM
• Starting QBs:
• Betting lines:
  • Spread: PIT -4
  • Total: 37
  • Moneyline: PIT -192, BUF +160

The Buffalo Bills travel to Acrisure Stadium to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the next preseason Week 2 matchup. Both franchises lost their preseason debuts. However, the Bills would rather that not get brought up. In the biggest blowout from Week 1 of the 2024 preseason, Buffalo failed to find the end zone, settling for two Tyler Bass field goals.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears’ offense had its way with the Bills’ defense, scoring 24 points. The defense tacked on seven of its own with a pick-six of Shane Buechele. While QB Josh Allen got some play time, he did alright, getting Buffalo to the 43 before the end of the first quarter and getting pulled for Mitch Trubisky.

That drive ended in a field goal, but Buffalo struggled to sustain drives, with seven ending in a punt or turnover on downs within two series or less. Right off the bat, the Bills will be hoping for a better performance, as just about everyone failed to execute the game plan.

Meanwhile, the Steelers also struggled in their preseason debut, losing to the Houston Texans 20-12. While the score seemed close, the Texans had a 17-0 lead at halftime. The Steelers scored two quick touchdowns in the second half, but after missing the first extra point, they failed the two-point conversion on the second to try and get back to 14 points.

QB Justin Fields looked good in his first appearance as a Steeler, though, completing five of six passes for 67 yards in Pittsburgh’s first three drives. If Fields can continue to improve as a passer, the Steelers might find themselves with an interesting scenario should Russell Wilson struggle out of the gate. How long would it take for Fields to take over as the starter? It’s way too early to tell.

However, if Fields can show the coaching staff and fans he’s stepped up from his time in Chicago, Wilson’s leash can only be so long. In the meantime, it looks like the Steelers will be set up with one of the better backup QB options in the league.

2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

• QB:
  • Bills: Mitchell Trubisky, 10 cmp/18 att, 82 yards
  • Steelers: Kyle Allen, 17 cmp/23 att, 193 yards, one TD, one INT
• RB:
  • Bills: Shane Buechele, three carries, 22 yards
  • Steelers: Daijun Edwards, three carries, 28 yards, one TD
• WR:
  • Bills: Khalil Shakir, three rec/three targets, 28 yards
  • Steelers: Calvin Austin III, two rec/three targets, 49 yards

New York Jets at Carolina Panthers

• Start time: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, 7 p.m. ET
• Channel: Local
• Live stream options: NFL+
• Radio stations: Q104.3, 99.7 The Fox
• Starting QBs:
• Betting lines:
  • Spread: NYJ -4
  • Total: 34.5
  • Moneyline: NYJ -218, CAR +180

The next Week 2 preseason NFL game today sees the New York Jets heading to Bank of America Stadium to take on the Carolina Panthers. The Jets hosted the Washington Commanders in their preseason debut, and despite a good appearance from rookie Jayden Daniels, New York scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to steal the win.

Former UFL MVP and UFL Championship Game MVP Adrian Martinez helped lead the Jets down the field at the end of the game as one of two young signal callers who shined for New York. Rookie Andrew Peasley also had an excellent NFL debut, completing eight of 11 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown to WR Jason Brownlee.

With Jordan Travis still nursing a broken leg suffered late last season, Peasley and Martinez are getting extra snaps, but only one will likely make the roster. If they continue to perform like this, they will make the Jets coaching staff’s decision challenging.

Meanwhile, the Panthers struggled like last season, scoring just three points against the New England Patriots in their preseason debut. Second-year QB Bryce Young got the week off, but Jack Plummer and Jake Luton struggled to move the offense up and down the field as New England held Carolina to just 151 yards.

While Panthers rookie head coach Dave Canales made it a night for the rookies, Panthers fans will be anxious to see some of their starters hit the field for more excitement. Although Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen are set to lead the WR core, the Panthers need some of the younger options like Jonathan Mingo and rookie Xavier Legette to fill in behind the veterans to make the Panthers QBs’ life more manageable.

2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

• QB:
  • Jets: Adrian Martinez, six cmp/10 att, 104 yards
  • Panthers: Jack Plummer, 11 cmp/21 att, 86 yards
• RB:
  • Jets: Braelon Allen, six carries, 54 yards
  • Panthers: Mike Boone, eight carries, 34 yards
• WR:
  • Jets: Brandon Smith, two rec/two targets, 70 yards
  • Panthers: Jordan Matthews, three rec/three targets, 48 yards

Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers

• Start time: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, 7:05 p.m. ET
• Channel: Local
• Live stream options: NFL+
• Radio stations: ESPNLA 710 AM, ALT FM-98.7
• Starting QBs:
• Betting lines:
  • Spread: LAC -1
  • Total: 33.5
  • Moneyline: LAC -120, LAR +100

The Los Angeles Chargers take on the Los Angeles Rams for a battle of the city in SoFi Stadium tonight. Talk about an up-and-down NFL debut for former Georgia QB Stetson Bennett IV. For most of the game, Bennett looked like an overwhelmed and inexperienced signal-caller seeing the field for the first time.

The former College Football Playoff National Champion threw four interceptions in Los Angeles’ Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. However, when the lights were the brightest, the second-year QB pulled it all together to drive the Rams down and throw the game-winning touchdown to TE Miller Forristall. While quite the up-and-down performance, Bennett seems ready to put the rough parts behind him and focus on the positives.

Meanwhile, the Rams’ defense held it down, keeping Dallas out of the end zone and forcing three drives to turn over on downs. On three trips into the red zone, the Rams held the Cowboys scoreless, a promising sign with DT Aaron Donald retiring in the offseason.

On the other hand, the Chargers had a disappointing debut in Jim Harbaugh’s return to NFL coaching. The Chargers were held to just one field goal late in the second quarter. Harbaugh’s squad was held under 200 yards as Luis Perez, Max Duggan, and Easton Stick struggled under center. The rushing attack was also underwhelming, with Jaret Patterson leading the group with 38 yards.

After years of disappointing campaigns, Chargers fans seem slightly discouraged by Harbaugh’s start with the team. However, with quite a few starters getting some rest and Justin Herbert continuing to rehab his foot injury, the final form has yet to be seen. However, the coaching staff will look for improvement on all levels in Week 2 of the preseason against the Rams.

2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

• QB:
  • Rams: Stetson Bennett IV, 24 cmp/38 att, 224 yards, one TD, four INTs
  • Chargers: Luis Perez, five cmp/12 att, 61 yards
• RB:
  • Rams: Boston Scott, 15 carries, 68 yards
  • Chargers: Jaret Patterson, seven carries, 38 yards
• WR:
  • Rams: Jordan Whittington, six rec/nine targets, 74 yards
  • Chargers: Jaylen Johnson, one rec/four targets, 36 yards

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars

• Start time: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Channel: Local
• Live stream options: NFL+
• Radio stations: 98ROCK Tampa, 1010 XL 92.5 JAX Sports Radio
• Starting QBs:
• Betting lines:
  • Spread: JAX -3
  • Total: 37.5
  • Moneyline: JAX -185, TB +154

The next matchup in Week 2 of the NFL preseason features a battle of Florida as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to EverBank Stadium to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Buccaneers grabbed a win in Week 1, taking down the Cincinnati Bengals with a last-minute touchdown run from Ramon Jefferson.

While Baker Mayfield got to rest, Kyle Trask and John Wolford kept the offense afloat as they both completed 12 passes to move the offense down the field easily. The rushing attack also gained some ground, rumbling its way to 136 yards and two TDs, the game-winner from Jefferson, and one from rookie RB Bucky Irving.

While Bucs fans may want to see Mayfield, he is no longer in a quarterback competition as opposed to last season. He firmly took hold of Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback position last season. But the battle for backup quarterback will be the hotly contested battle this offseason. After the first performance from both Wolford and Trask, it’s going to be a tight one.

The Jaguars also won their preseason debut, taking down the Kansas City Chiefs 26-13. Jacksonville got the excitement started early as WR Parker Washington took back the longest kick return of the weekend, 73 yards, under the NFL’s new kickoff rule. Four plays later, QB Trevor Lawrence connected with RB Travis Etienne Jr. for a nine-yard score. It is a good sign to start the season after the offense’s struggles toward the end of 2023.

Washington’s contributions on special teams will help solidify his position on a roster in a crowded group of WRs. He did catch one of his three targets for 10 yards, but from his performances in training camp and his ability as a return man, Washington is slotting in as WR4 for Jacksonville.

While Lawrence looks smooth, as expected, the battle between C.J. Beathard and Mac Jones will be interesting. While Jones’ stats looked good on paper, he didn’t look the most confident at times on the field, reminiscent of his time with the Patriots. Jones must step up to show he deserves the backup slot over Beathard.

• QB:
  • Buccaneers: Kyle Trask, 12 cmp/20 att, 144 yards, one INT
  • Jaguars: C.J. Beathard, seven cmp/14 att, 125 yards, one TD
• RB:
  • Buccaneers: Sean Tucker, 10 carries, 68 yards
  • Jaguars: D’Ernest Johnson, five carries, 31 yards
• WR:
  • Buccaneers: Ryan Miller, three rec/five targets, 42 yards
  • Jaguars: Josiah Deguara, three rec/four targets, 42 yards

Dallas Cowboys at Las Vegas Raiders

• Start time: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, 10 p.m. ET
• Channel: NFL Network
• Live stream options: NFL App, NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV
• Radio stations: 105.3 The Fan, Raider Nation Radio 920AM
• Starting QBs:
• Betting lines:
  • Spread: LV -7
  • Total: 39
  • Moneyline: LV -325, DAL +260

The final matchup of the day sees the Dallas Cowboys heading to Allegiant Stadium to take on the Las Vegas Raiders. After a largely uninspiring offseason with very few moves surrounding the team, the Cowboys followed it up with a rough preseason debut, getting held out of the end zone and losing to the Rams 13-12.

While the defense forced four turnovers, the offense failed to turn those opportunities into touchdowns, which, in the end, caused the Cowboys to come up short when Rams QB Bennett IV finally put everything together. While the Cowboys faced Bennett most of the night, Trey Lance got his first action as a Cowboy.

The former San Francisco 49ers QB completed 25 of his 41 passes for 188 yards while leading the Cowboys in rushing with 44 yards on six carries. However, the Cowboys could dial back the risk meter as they went 2-of-5 on fourth-down completions. While the attempt from the Rams’ three-yard line makes sense, two failed attempts from the 30s could’ve been field goal attempts and possible game-winners instead.

The Raiders also came up short in Week 1 of the NFL preseason as the Minnesota Vikings kicked a last-second field goal as time expired to take the lead 24-23. The battle for starting QB rages strong between Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O’Connell as the Raiders have yet to determine a starter for the regular season.

Minshew took Round 1. He completed just 50% of his passes but amassed 117 yards and threw a touchdown. On the other hand, O’Connell completed seven of his nine attempts but only gained 76 yards and was sacked. The receivers looked good, but the rushing attack could use some work. Despite gaining 120 yards, it took 37 carries to get there, giving the Raiders an average of 3.2 yards per carry.

With Josh Jacobs in Green Bay, the Raiders will need someone to fill the void left by his absence on the offense. While Zamir White is the slotted RB1, he’ll have to fight off Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah for carries. Hopefully, a better performance against Dallas in Week 2 can give a clearer picture of the backfield for the starting QB and RB today.

2024 Preseason Stats Leaders

• QB:
  • Cowboys: Trey Lance, 25 cmp/41 att, 188 yards
  • Raiders: Gardner Minshew II, six cmp/12 att, 117 yards, one TD
• RB:
  • Cowboys: Trey Lance, six carries, 44 yards
  • Raiders: Sincere McCormick, 11 carries, 32 yards
• WR:
  • Cowboys: Jalen Brooks, two rec/two targets, 49 yards
  • Raiders: Tre Tucker, two rec/four targets, 73 yards