NFL Preseason Week 2 is heating up, and here’s what bettors and fans need to watch this Friday and Saturday:
Friday, August 15 | Matchups & Talking Points
Tennessee Titans @ Atlanta Falcons
- Kickoff: 7:00 PM ET (streaming on NFL+ in select markets)
- What to Watch: As both squads look to deepen their rosters before the regular season, keep an eye on whether key backups step up in the absence of full-strength starters. The battle in the trenches and how effectively each team rotates their offensive line will be crucial.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Seattle Seahawks
- Kickoff: 10:00 PM ET (also available via NFL+ streams)
- Preview: Following an opening-week loss, the Chiefs are expected to rest stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. This is a prime opportunity for backups and rookies—names like Gardner Minshew and Kristian Fulton may shine as the team evaluates depth.
Saturday, August 16 | Matchups & Storylines
Baltimore Ravens @ Dallas Cowboys
- Kickoff: 6:00 PM CDT (7:00 PM ET)
- Analysis: With starters like Lamar Jackson and Micah Parsons sidelined, both teams are using this stage to refine depth and test backups. The Ravens will rely on Cooper Rush while the Cowboys try to clarify their backup QB direction.
Las Vegas Raiders vs San Francisco 49ers
- Time: 1:00 PM PT
- Key Points: The Raiders aim to clean up sloppy play following a Week 1 tie. Watch for improved tackling, discipline, and stronger offensive line performance as their starters are expected to play more.
Betting Angles & Insights
- Performance of Non-Star Players: These matchups are fertile ground for bettors watching for standout performances from backups and rookies trying to carve out roles.
- Team Discipline: The Raiders’ focus on reducing penalties and cleaning up their tackling could swing both their momentum and any point spread.
- Starter Playtime: With big names sitting out, look at which teams let their starters play longer—this often signals coaching confidence and can skew betting expectations.
Quick Snapshot: Friday & Saturday Preseason Matchups
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | What to Monitor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, Aug 15 | Titans @ Falcons | 7:00 PM | Rotational depth and line performance |
| Friday, Aug 15 | Chiefs @ Seahawks | 10:00 PM | Backup QB battle & rookie debut potential |
| Saturday, Aug 16 | Ravens @ Cowboys | 7:00 PM | Depth evaluation; backup QB spotlight |
| Saturday, Aug 16 | Raiders vs 49ers | 4:00 PM | Discipline, tackling, and starter stamina |
