5 NFL Preseason Must-Watch Tips | A to Z Sports Newsletter

Key Highlights from Week 1 of the NFL Preseason

The NFL preseason is officially underway, and fans are eager to see how teams shape up before the regular season begins. While the Hall of Fame Game might be the most anticipated event, Week 1 offers a glimpse into the future of the league, including the first action for the 2025 NFL Draft class and free agents who have changed teams this offseason. Here are five key things to watch during this weekend’s games.

Travis Hunter: A Dual-Threat Rook

One of the most intriguing storylines involves Jacksonville Jaguars’ wide receiver and cornerback, Travis Hunter. Known for his versatility, Hunter is expected to play both offense and defense, a rare feat in the modern NFL. The Jaguars have listed him as a starting wideout and a second-string cornerback, which raises questions about how the coaching staff will manage his workload. His performance at each position will likely determine how much time he spends on the field, making it a must-watch for fans and analysts alike.

Cam Ward's Debut with the Titans

Tennessee Titans made a bold move by selecting quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, signaling their commitment to him as the franchise's future. Ward has shown flashes of brilliance during training camp, but his performance in the preseason will give a clearer picture of his abilities. Beyond just making accurate throws, Ward will need to demonstrate command of the offense, such as efficiently moving through the huddle and properly aligning teammates. His ability to handle these responsibilities could set the tone for his career in Tennessee.

Aaron Rodgers' Final Chapter with the Steelers

After months of speculation, Aaron Rodgers finally signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking what could be the final chapter of his legendary career. Fans are eager to see if the 21-year veteran still has enough left in the tank to lead the Steelers to the Super Bowl. While it's early, a strong debut could ease concerns about his readiness and provide a positive start to what many believe will be his last season.

Saints QB Competition Heats Up

New Orleans Saints are keeping their starting quarterback competition close, with Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler battling for the top spot. The team has even brought in Jake Haener as a potential wildcard, though he seems unlikely to challenge the frontrunners. The battle between Shough and Rattler is expected to continue throughout the preseason, with the player who performs best in Sunday’s game likely gaining an edge. However, the competition could stretch beyond this week, adding suspense to the entire preseason.

Ben Johnson's Leadership in Chicago

Ben Johnson, the new head coach of the Chicago Bears, is under pressure to make an immediate impact. Paired with 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, Johnson is tasked with leading a revamped offense. The Bears have also made significant upgrades to their offensive line and added rookie weapons like tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III. Johnson’s success in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether he can elevate the Bears’ offense and set the stage for a strong regular season.

ESPN Acquires NFL Network

In a major development, the NFL and ESPN have reached a non-binding agreement where ESPN will acquire NFL Network and certain other media assets, including RedZone and NFL Fantasy. In exchange, the NFL will receive a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN. This deal marks a significant shift in how football content is distributed and consumed.

Under the terms of the agreement: - NFL Network will be owned and operated by ESPN and fully integrated into ESPN DTC. - NFL RedZone will remain available on NFL+, but ESPN will distribute it on traditional television. - NFL Fantasy Football will merge with ESPN Fantasy Football. - ESPN's platforms will license an additional three NFL games per season to air on NFL Network.

The NFL will retain ownership of its other media businesses, including NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com, the NFL Podcast Network, the NFL FAST Channel, and the official sites for all 32 clubs. This partnership is expected to reshape the landscape of sports media, offering fans more access to football content across various platforms.