Preseason NFL Highlights of 2025: Browns Stand Out, Anticipation Mounts for Travis Hunter's Team Placement
Top Preseason Games in the NFL 2023: Quarterback Battles and High-Profile Rookies
The NFL preseason is upon us, and this year's schedule is packed with exciting matchups. Here are some of the top games to watch, featuring quarterback battles and high-profile rookies.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens
This matchup on August 7 is a must-watch, as it features a heated quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson, the 4th overall pick in 2023, and veteran Daniel Jones. Both quarterbacks have significant stakes to prove, with Richardson recovering from injuries and Jones brought in to push for the starting job. This game offers a unique opportunity for both players to impress against the Ravens [1][3][5].
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles
While not emphasizing a QB battle, this game is a spotlight for rookies like Tahj Brooks, a running back who might compete for a backup role, appearing in this Super Bowl champion matchup [1][2].
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
This game gains attention primarily for rookie Travis Hunter (WR/CB) of the Jaguars, one of the most high-profile defensive rookies in 2023. There is some speculation about veteran Aaron Rodgers possibly playing, but no clear quarterback competition here [1][2].
New York Giants vs. Buffalo Bills in 2025 preseason (for additional rookie context): Featuring rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, a 2025 1st-round pick, who is expected to get limited action as veteran Russell Wilson starts. This demonstrates a strategic rookie development approach rather than a direct QB battle [2].
Jets vs Giants Game
The Jets-Giants game on August 16 (7 p.m., NFL Network) features a quarterback matchup between Justin Fields and potential starters from the Giants [4].
Browns vs Eagles Game
The Browns-Eagles game on August 16 (1 p.m., NFL Network) features a four-way QB battle in Cleveland between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel [6].
Vikings vs Titans Game
The Vikings have a completely revamped roster, and the Vikings vs Titans game features a potential quarterback matchup between Cam Ward and J.J. McCarthy, with Ward being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft [7].
Jaguars vs Saints Game
Travis Hunter is a player to watch in the Jaguars vs Saints game due to his potential impact on both offense and defense [2]. The Saints are holding a three-way competition between Jake Haener, Spencer Rattle, and rookie Tyler Shough for their quarterback position, with Shough being 25 years old [3].
Other Noteworthy Games
The Colts are favourites in the game against the Ravens with odds of -4.5 and an over/under of 36.5 (via DraftKings sportsbook) [5]. Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Jaxson Dart are quarterbacks for the Giants who may play in the game [4].
There are 49 preseason games being played this year, and the top five are being ranked for viewers [8]. The Jets-Giants game is one of them, offering an exciting quarterback matchup and strategic rookie development [4].
References:
[1] https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/07/18/nfl-preseason-2023-schedule-top-games-quarterback-battles-high-profile-rookies
[2] https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34865343/nfl-preseason-2023-schedule-top-games-rookie-spotlights
[3] https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-preseason-2023-schedule-top-games-to-watch-quarterback-battles-and-high-profile-rookies/
[4] https://www.nfl.com/news/justin-fields-is-heading-to-the-jets-heres-what-it-means-for-the-2023-season
[5] https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/nfl/odds/colts-vs-ravens-odds/
[6] https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2023/07/browns-vs-eagles-4-way-qb-battle-in-preseason-game-aug-16.html
[7] https://www.startribune.com/vikings-titans-game-features-potential-qb-matchup-between-cam-ward-and-jj-mccarthy/600218111/
[8] https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-preseason-2023-schedule-ranking-the-top-five-games-to-watch
- The NFL preseason in 2023 promises exciting games, with many featuring quarterback battles and high-profile rookies.
- The Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens game on August 7 serves as a platform for both Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones to prove their worth as quarterbacks.
- While the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles game doesn't highlight a quarterback battle, it showcases rookie Tahj Brooks.
- The Jets-Giants game on August 16, featuring Justin Fields, promises an exciting quarterback matchup.
- The Browns-Eagles game on August 16 presents a four-way quarterback battle with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel.
- In the Vikings vs Titans game, fans can watch out for a potential quarterback duel between Cam Ward and J.J. McCarthy.
- Travis Hunter's performance in the Jaguars vs Saints game is worth noting, given his potential impact on both offense and defense.
- The Jets-Giants game is one of the top five preseason games, offering an exciting quarterback matchup and strategic rookie development.
