NFL Preseason Week 1 Produces Early Standouts as Attention Turns to Week 2

The first full week of the 2026 NFL preseason is in the books, giving teams their first extended opportunity to evaluate rookies, backup quarterbacks and players fighting for roster spots.

Sixteen games were played from Thursday through Saturday, with several young players making strong first impressions. While preseason results carry little weight once the regular season begins, performances can influence depth charts and provide bettors with an early look at teams’ roster depth.

One of the biggest performances came from Los Angeles Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson. The first-round pick threw two touchdown passes as the Rams defeated Kansas City 20-12. Simpson’s performance offered an encouraging early glimpse of a quarterback the Rams hope can eventually become a long-term answer at the position.

The Chicago Bears also produced one of the weekend’s most convincing results, beating Cleveland 34-10. Browns quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders produced mixed results as Cleveland continues evaluating its quarterback situation.

Denver was another impressive team, defeating Atlanta 27-7, while Washington beat Miami 20-7. The Chargers, Ravens and Steelers also posted victories of at least 16 points.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Results

Players and Teams Making an Early Impression

Beyond Simpson’s debut, the opening week provided important evaluation opportunities across the league. Dallas opened with a 17-7 victory over defending Super Bowl champion Seattle, while Arizona beat Las Vegas 27-14 and the Chargers rolled past Houston 27-7.

San Francisco receiver De’Zhaun Stribling was among the young players receiving attention following his preseason debut, even though the 49ers fell 19-13 to Tennessee.

Cleveland’s quarterback competition remains particularly interesting. Watson directed two scoring drives against Chicago, but the Browns still have questions to answer as the preseason continues.

NFL Preseason Week 2 Ahead

NFL preseason Week 2 begins Thursday, Aug. 20, and offers another round of important roster evaluations. Las Vegas visits Houston in an ESPN nationally televised matchup, while San Francisco plays the Chargers later Thursday. Friday features the Jets at Pittsburgh, Carolina at Jacksonville and Green Bay at Denver.

Saturday brings a larger slate that includes Buffalo-Cleveland, Baltimore-Minnesota, Philadelphia-New England, Chicago-Cincinnati, Kansas City-Tampa Bay and Dallas-Arizona. The week concludes Sunday night when Seattle visits Tennessee.

Week 2 may also offer more meaningful quarterback information as teams move closer to determining starting jobs and final roster configurations.

Betting Outlook

Preseason NFL betting requires a different approach than regular-season wagering. Starters often play limited snaps, making quarterback rotations, coaching plans and roster depth particularly important.

Week 1 showed how quickly preseason games can become lopsided, with Chicago, Pittsburgh, the Chargers, Denver and Baltimore all winning comfortably. Bettors looking toward Week 2 should monitor announcements about starting quarterbacks and expected playing time before heading to sportsbooks.

Rather than relying heavily on regular-season power ratings, preseason bettors may find more value evaluating backup quarterbacks, offensive-line depth and coaches’ willingness to play starters. Late roster and playing-time news can also produce substantial movement in preseason point spreads and totals.