The third week of NFL preseason used to be a bit of an intrigue. It was the so-called “dress rehearsal”, with many teams starting until the second half.
That is no longer the case. Some teams may see the light at the end of the preseason tunnel and will not use starters in the last game this week. Other teams do see value in getting starters one last tune-up before the regular season.
Here’s a play-by-play look at what teams have said about their plans for the starters, along with the point distribution. by BetMGM:
Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers (-4.5)
The Lions have been starters in preseason and coach Dan Campbell said of Friday’s game that “it’s going to be looks a lot like the first two games.” The Panthers they are playing quarterback Bryce Young, which means the first-team offense will also play. Carolina’s starting offensive line hasn’t been able to protect Young this preseason. One can only imagine how bad it would be with backups.
New England Patriots (-2) vs. Tennessee Titans
The Patriots haven’t said much about the headlines on Friday, but ESPN’s Mike Reiss wondered if the team could sit QB Mac Jones after taking some hard hits last week. the titans have left open the possibility of some starters, including quarterback Ryan Tannehill, playing.
Los Angeles Chargers against the San Francisco 49ers (-7.5)
The Chargers are without starters in the preseason and it is expected to be the same again on Friday. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said the starters will play, including quarterback Brock Purdy. via the 49ers web zonebut the real intrigue will be the third quarterback Trey Lance, who San Francisco could trade.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers (-3)
The Packers are giving Jordan Love and the rest of the starters more work. Coach Matt LaFleur said they will play. via Packers Wire. The Seahawks haven’t played much with starters in the preseason and it looks like that will continue. Coach Pete Carroll said second-string QB Drew Lock play a lot.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota Vikings (-1.5)
With the teams having joint practices this week, the expectation is that both teams will have plenty of starters in Saturday’s game. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell wasn’t planning on doing it play as starters this preseason. The cardinals still hasn’t settled on a starting quarterback and Saturday’s game-time rotation will offer clues as to how they’re leaning.
Cleveland Browns (-3.5) at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs usually play the starters and coach Andy Reid indicated they would play again on Saturday, although it may not be for long. Most Browns starters will play 20-25 playssaid coach Kevin Stefanski.
Buffalo Bills (-2.5) against Chicago Bears
Invoices will use starters including quarterback Josh Allen after a sloppy performance against the Steelers last week. The Bears they will play starters also. They used starters, including Justin Fields, in the preseason opener, then sat them out last week after joint practices against the Indianapolis Colts.
New York Jets (-6) vs. New York Giants
The big news is that Aaron Rodgers will be playing for the first time in preseason, and the first time for the Jets. Coach Robert Saleh thought it best to put his new quarterback and the rest of the starters to work.
“You can’t train scared, you can’t play scared,” Saleh said. via ESPN.com. “You can get out of your car and have something happen to you. Knock on wood, everyone will be fine.
The Giants will probably make most of the starters.
Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Commanders (-5.5)
the bengalis no starter will play. with the commanders seeing what they needed to see Without quarterback Sam Howell, their starters may sit around as well.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1)
No more Ravens winning streak worry about. the buccaneers plans to play starters. The Ravens haven’t started, but Lamar Jackson wants to play Saturday according to Ravens coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh hasn’t said whether his starters will play.
Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars (-6.5)
Jaguars coach Doug Pederson indicated his the holders will play, maybe half. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said he wants his starters to play “more than a series, less than half” according to the Sun Sentinel.
Las Vegas Raiders (-4.5) at Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys haven’t had any starters in the preseason and it looks like they will I won’t use any starter neither on Saturday. And while Raiders coach Josh McDaniels seems to care a lot about winning in preseason, he hinted that the starters will not play.
Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos (-5.5)
The Rams and Broncos had joint practices this week. Therefore, Broncos coach Sean Payton said his starters will play a series at most. via Broncos Wire. The Rams won’t play with their stars but have been using some starters in the preseason, and some headlines could see limited time on Saturday night.
Houston Texans vs. New Orleans Saints (-3)
Saints quarterback Derek Carr will not play the only game on Sunday, and presumably most of the Saints’ starters will sit out as well. Houston coach DeMeco Ryans will play rookie quarterback CJ Stroud and other starters for about two series. according to KADN in Houston.