The dog days of August are here, but don’t sleep on the second week of the NFL preseason. This is the dress rehearsal - the week starters actually play meaningful snaps, bubble guys fight for their NFL lives, and coaches finally show a few real wrinkles. Week 1 was a mirage. Week 3 will be a fog. But Week 2? That’s the good stuff. Here’s your complete schedule for second week of NFL preseason games, plus the storylines that make each matchup worth your Saturday and Sunday.
Let’s get this out of the way: the complete schedule for second week of NFL preseason games isn’t just a list of kickoff times. It’s a roadmap to figuring out which teams are legit, which rookies are ready, and which veterans are about to get cut. Coaches will tell you they’re evaluating, but we know the truth - they’re also trying to win. Because losing in August breeds losing in September. So grab your remote, clear your DVR, and let’s break down every single game you need to circle.
The Weekend Kickoff: Thursday & Friday Night Lights (Plus the Saturday Marquee Games)
The action starts on Thursday, August 20, with the Carolina Panthers hosting the Tennessee Titans at 8:00 PM ET. The big watch here? Panthers QB Jared Casey’s second drive of the preseason after a shaky debut. Head coach Dave Canales said Casey needs to show “command and decisiveness” - code for: stop holding the ball and take the easy throws. Titans fans, meanwhile, get to see if rookie tackle Marcus Fulton can hold up against a live pass rush after a dominant but low-pressure Week 1.
Then Friday, August 21, brings a triple-header, headlined by the New Orleans Saints traveling to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers at 8:00 PM ET. Expect Packers head coach Matt LaFleur to give Jordan Love a full half - this is the first real test against an aggressive Saints blitz package. New Orleans DC Brandon Staley loves to bring pressure from everywhere, so Love’s internal clock will be tested. The night cap? Raiders at Chiefs at 10:00 PM ET - Kansas City’s revamped defense under new coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is the story. Can they generate pressure without blitzing? That’s the question.
But the true meat of Week 2 lands on Saturday, August 22. The marquee matchup is the Dallas Cowboys hosting the Philadelphia Eagles at 8:00 PM ET - a rivalry game that will feel like a regular-season atmosphere, with both teams’ first-team offenses expected to play into the third quarter. Dak Prescott vs. Jalen Hurts in August? Yes, please. Right after that, at 10:00 PM ET, the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers renew their NFC West feud under the SoFi Stadium lights. If you only watch one game this week, make it that one: expect Purdy vs. Stafford in a shootout with both offensive lines at near-full strength.
| Game | Time | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Saints at Packers | Fri, 8:00 PM | Jordan Love vs. Staley’s blitz |
| Cowboys at Eagles | Sat, 8:00 PM | NFC East bad blood, starters into Q3 |
| 49ers at Rams | Sat, 10:00 PM | Purdy vs. Stafford, potential playoff preview |
📊 Starters are expected to play 20 - 30 snaps in Week 2 - that’s roughly two full quarters, a massive jump from Week 1’s token appearances.
The Sunday Slate: Bubble Players and Backup Battles
Sunday, August 23, is the day for roster junkies. The Cleveland Browns host the Chicago Bears at 1:00 PM ET. All eyes will be on Bears rookie QB Trey Lance Jr. (yes, that name is back) to see if he can rebound from a two-interception night against the Colts. Lance has the arm, but his decision-making under pressure has been suspect. Browns fans, meanwhile, want to see if Deshaun Watson can finally stay upright behind a reshuffled offensive line that struggled in Week 1.
