Preseason Football Kicks Off Today: Everything You Need to Know

Get Ready for Gridiron Action

Football fans rejoice! Preseason football kicks off today, marking the unofficial start of the NFL season. With the regular season just around the corner, these exhibition games provide a glimpse of what's to come, offering coaches a chance to evaluate their rosters and players an opportunity to showcase their skills.

Key Matchups to Watch

* **Dallas Cowboys vs. Denver Broncos:** Two storied franchises face off in the Hall of Fame Game, a traditional curtain-raiser for the preseason. * **Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans:** A clash of AFC rivals with playoff aspirations. * **Los Angeles Rams vs. Los Angeles Chargers:** A battle for bragging rights in the City of Angels.

Players to Watch

* **Justin Fields (QB, Chicago Bears):** The second-year quarterback looks to build on a promising rookie season. * **Kenny Pickett (QB, Pittsburgh Steelers):** The first-round pick makes his NFL debut after a successful collegiate career. * **Evan Neal (OT, New York Giants):** The highly touted rookie tackle aims to protect Daniel Jones. * **Sauce Gardner (CB, New York Jets):** The No. 4 overall pick in the draft hopes to make an immediate impact in the secondary. * **Jordan Davis (DT, Philadelphia Eagles):** The 6-foot-6, 341-pound behemoth could be a force on the defensive line.

Preseason Expectations

While preseason games are traditionally less competitive than regular season contests, they still offer valuable insights for fans and analysts alike. Here are some expectations: * **Teams will experiment with different schemes and personnel:** Coaches will use preseason to experiment with new plays, formations, and lineup combinations. * **Injuries are a concern:** With players eager to impress, the risk of injuries is higher in preseason games. * **Rookies will make an impact:** Preseason provides a platform for rookies to showcase their abilities and earn a place on the roster. * **Fans will get a taste of the regular season:** Despite being exhibition games, preseason games offer fans a glimpse of the excitement and intensity of the NFL season.