Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Aug 20

NFL Releases TV Listings for 16 Preseason Week 2 Games, With 9 on National Broadcasts

Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Aug 20

NFL Releases TV Listings for 16 Preseason Week 2 Games, With 9 on National Broadcasts

Q: With Mahomes sidelined by an ACL tear, who will step up to save the Chiefs' offense this preseason?

Justin Fields is the likeliest answer, with rookie Garrett Nussmeier the other key name to watch. With Patrick Mahomes being held out or heavily limited as he recovers from last season’s ACL tear, Kansas City’s preseason offense is expected to run primarily through Fields. He opened as the Chiefs’ top backup in camp and got the first crack in the preseason opener against the Rams. Fields brings the most experience and the best chance to stabilize the offense because of his starting background and dual-threat ability, even if he is still adapting to Andy Reid’s system. Nussmeier, however, may be the most intriguing option. The seventh-round rookie showed some composure in the opener, finishing 13 of 19 for 98 yards and leading a scoring drive. Reid said afterward that Nussmeier “handled it well” and made some nice throws, especially in difficult down-and-distance situations. His processing and operational command have made him a legitimate contender for meaningful preseason reps. Chris Oladokun remains part of the depth picture, but the competition is mainly about Fields versus Nussmeier. If the question is who can “save” the offense in preseason, Fields is the safest bet because he is expected to get the bulk of the work with the top unit. If the question is who could emerge, Nussmeier is the developmental name gaining momentum. The bigger takeaway is that Kansas City is using the preseason to evaluate its post-Mahomes insurance plan, not to replace him.

Q: Will rookie Shedeur Sanders finally steal the starting quarterback job from Deshaun Watson in Cleveland's intense preseason battle?

Not yet. Shedeur Sanders has a real chance to tighten the race this weekend, but the available evidence still points to Deshaun Watson as Cleveland’s best option right now. The Browns have kept the competition open under first-year coach Todd Monken, and the unofficial depth chart even lists “Deshaun Watson OR Shedeur Sanders” at No. 1. Sanders is set to start Saturday against Buffalo and play the first half, which gives him his clearest opportunity yet to make a push. He and Watson have also been splitting first-team reps in camp, and Monken has not set a deadline for naming the starter. But Watson has the stronger on-field case so far. In the preseason opener against Chicago, he completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, posted a 98.2 rating and led two scoring drives. Multiple reports, including outside evaluations from Bears personnel cited in national coverage, said Watson looked clearly better on tape. Sanders, by contrast, went 6 of 11 for 79 yards with an interception in limited work. That does not mean the battle is over. Sanders’ start against the Bills matters because Monken may use the preseason finale as a dress rehearsal, and strong joint-practice work could also influence the decision. Still, if Sanders is going to “steal” the job now, he likely needs a clearly better showing than Watson has delivered to date. So the answer is no for now: Sanders can still change the trajectory, but he has not overtaken Watson yet.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 20

Sixteen NFL preseason Week 2 games will run from Aug. 20-23, with all 32 teams in action and nine matchups carried on national TV.
Thursday opens with Raiders-Texans at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and 49ers-Chargers at 10 p.m. ET on NFL Network; Sunday closes with Seahawks-Titans at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.
Saturday carries the heaviest slate, including Bills-Browns, Giants-Dolphins, Eagles-Patriots and Cowboys-Cardinals on NFL Network, while out-of-market viewers can use NFL+ or ESPN Unlimited for several games.
The listings follow an opening preseason weekend that spotlighted No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza's debut, Ty Simpson's two touchdown passes and Drew Allar's three total TDs, while injuries hit Arizona's Jeremiyah Love and ended Vikings safety Jamal Adams' season.