NFL Preseason Week 1 2024-25

The NFL preseason week 1 is an exciting time for all 32 fan bases as they get to see the players on the field for the first time after a six-month hiatus. The fans are busy with their analysis of how their team is shaping up - be it for a long-term rebuild or having aspirations for a Super Bowl outing. This is their chance to get a first glimpse of their free agency additions. It is also an important time for coaches and general managers to get a glimpse of the roster they have put together. Players can use this time to improve their fitness or showcase why they should be on the field for the upcoming season. On that note, let us take a look at the key games to watch on NFL Preseason Week 1.

Key Games to Watch on NFL Preseason Week 1

August 8, 2024 - Carolina Panthers @ New England Patriots

It is an important matchup for the New England Patriots as we will likely get a first glimpse of quarterback Drake Maye. This game will also feature two first-time head coaches in Dave Canales and Jerod Mayo.

August 9, 2024 - Atlanta Falcons @ Miami Dolphins

This will be an important game for the Atlanta Falcons.Their new head coach, Raheem Morris, who was previously the assistant coach, might use this game to test out one of their two new quarterbacks.

On one hand, they have the experienced QB Kirk Cousins, who will look to get some game time under his belt after his season-ending injury in the previous campaign. On the other end, the fans will also be curious to see if they can get a glimpse of rookie QB Michael Pennix Jr, who was drafted as the eighth overall pick earlier this year.

August 9, 2024 - Washington Commanders @ New York Jets

The second overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, Jayden Daniels, will possibly get to test himself against an NFL defense for the first time in this preseason clash. Daniels could be a long-term solution to the revolving quarterback situation for the Commanders since Kirk Cousins left back in 2018.

As for the Jets, they will be keen to get Aaron Rodgers on the field ahead of the new season. The four-time MVP missed the majority of the 2023 NFL season after being injured in Week 1 in a game against the Buffalo Bills.

August 10, 2024 - Las Vegas Raiders @ Minnesota Vikings

Both teams will get a chance to test out their respective quarterback positions in this game. The Vikings parted ways with Kirk Cousins and brought in Sam Darnold and rookie JJ McCarthy. The Raiders will also have to pick between second-year signal caller Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew for their QB position in this game, making it an important contest in the pre-season.

August 10, 2024 - Denver Broncos @ Indianapolis Colts

With the American Football Championship (AFC) loaded with quarterbacks across teams, the Broncos and the Colts will also want to solve their QB situation for the new season. Both teams have had a revolving-door policy for the better part of a decade, a situation which could hurt their chances in the league in the new season.

The Broncos will be hoping that Bo Nix is the answer while the Colts will want to see Anthony Richardson in action since his season-ending injury last October. Having let go of Gardner Minshew (who joined the Las Vegas Raiders in the free agency), the Colts now only have Sam Ehlinger as the safety blanket should Richardson go missing again. On this note, we can see that there is a possibility that the NFL preseason week 1 could see six rookie quarterbacks take the field.