Week 1 of the 2023 NFL preseason began last night with two Thursday Night Football games. With 14 more matchups this weekend, when are the preseason NFL games today? Here’s the Week 1 Friday slate, including start times and channels.
Are There NFL Games Today?
Outside of extraordinary occasions, the NFL never plays games on Fridays. However, in the preseason, that goes out the window with multiple matchups on Friday every week. Here are the Friday NFL games today for Week 1.
Green Bay Packers at Cincinnati Bengals
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET
- Channel: NFL Network
The first matchup on Friday in Week 1 of the NFL preseason sees the Green Bay Packers traveling to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. While the Bengals’ worst fears have been relieved with QB Joe Burrow’s return to practice, don’t expect the fourth-year QB to be taking the field soon in the preseason.
Expect Cincinnati to throw Trevor Siemian, Jake Browning, and Reid Sinnett out there in the preseason to determine the backup depth.
Meanwhile, Green Bay will be taking a very different approach this preseason. After having Aaron Rodgers under center for the last 15 seasons, the Packers will finally pass the baton to 2020 26th overall pick Jordan Love.
While speaking with the media Wednesday after Green Bay and Cincinnati’s joint practice, Love revealed he plans on playing in the Packers’ preseason opener. With the Packers fielding a new starting QB, this decision is unsurprising.
New York Giants at Detroit Lions
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local
The next NFL game today features the New York Giants heading to Ford Field to take on the Detroit Lions. Entering a season filled with massive expectations for both franchises, these two teams will see a lot of backups taking the field tonight.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll expects to play 15 different rookies in New York’s preseason opener. While all of the Giants’ draft picks will see playing time, undrafted rookie QB Tommy DeVito will also be splitting time with Tyrod Taylor under center.
Lions fans will have to wait a bit longer to see their rookie QB as Hendon Hooker remains sidelined as he continues to recover from the knee injury he suffered late in 2022.
The Lions will focus on a matchup between newly-signed backup QB Teddy Bridgewater and Nate Sudfeld to see who gets the spot behind Jared Goff.
Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local
Miami has watched a fascinating battle between backup QBs Mike White and Skylar Thompson in training camp.
After an abysmal performance from the QB room during Tua Tagovailoa’s missed time, the Dolphins signed White in free agency, and the two QBs have gone back and forth for the spot behind Tua. The preseason matchups will give both Thompson and White every chance to impress.
As for Atlanta, it’s the Desmond Ridder Show for 2023. The Falcons drafted Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After a mediocre season from Marcus Mariota, Atlanta turned to Ridder for the final four weeks of the season, where the rookie QB went 2-2.
With the franchise going all-in on the 74th overall pick in 2023, can the Falcons surprise people in a weak NFC South?
Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local
Kenny Pickett told Steelers.com he expects to start against the Buccaneers in Pittsburgh’s season opener.
HC Mike Tomlin stated, “All that are healthy are scheduled to play at this juncture; how much they’ll play is to be determined.”
As for Tampa Bay, the roster looks very different than a season ago. Tom Brady has officially retired, Leonard Fournette was cut, and a youth wave has taken over the roster that has seemingly gone from first to worst in the NFC South this offseason. All eyes will be on the preseason quarterback battle between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask.
Washington Commanders at Cleveland Browns
- Start time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local
After sitting out of the Hall of Fame Game last week, Deshaun Watson told reporters he expects to make his preseason debut against the Commanders.
While it’s unknown if other offensive starters will join the QB to begin the game, the snaps will be good for both Watson and the offense as they attempt to find a rhythm with a new playbook.
Meanwhile, the Commanders have had some growing pains with the new look of their offense. After hiring former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, some of the offense has had a tough time adjusting to the new intensity.
All signs point to second-year QB Sam Howell starting for the Commanders in Washington’s season opener.
Denver Broncos at Arizona Cardinals
- Start time: 10 p.m. ET
- Channel: NFL Network
Arizona still has no timetable for QB Kyler Murray’s return following an ACL tear during the 2022 season.
That means Colt McCoy is likely to see limited time to preserve his health for the start of the regular season, forcing QB David Blough and rookie Clayton Tune to see most of the snaps this preseason.
While Sean Payton and the Broncos have been working on fixing the issues from last season, Russell Wilson’s starting position is safe, granted it has to be when the Broncos signed him to a five-year, $245 million contract.
Broncos fans can expect a heavy dose of Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci under center this preseason.
