Are there preseason NFL games today? After the Hall of Fame Game a week ago, the 2023 NFL preseason is set to begin with two Thursday Night Football games to kick off Week 1. With a full 16-game slate primed and ready to go, let’s take a deeper look at who’s facing off in today’s NFL games, including start times and channels.
Are There NFL Games Today?
The NFL will air two games on Thursday night in Week 1 of the 2023 preseason. Both will be broadcast on NFL Network with live streaming options available as well. Here’s who plays in tonight’s NFL games.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET
- Channel: NFL Network
The first of two NFL games today sees the Houston Texans heading to Gillette Stadium to take on the New England Patriots at 7 p.m. ET. Both teams will send rookie quarterbacks out for their NFL debuts, but the stakes for each team are very different.
The Texans see the 2023 second-overall pick, QB C.J. Stroud, in NFL action for the first time. Stroud has impressed many throughout training camp as QB1, but the speed and difference between college and NFL offenses is massive, even in preseason. Will the former Ohio State signal-caller continue to impress the coaching staff and fans?
Meanwhile, despite seemingly having some questions under center, the Patriots are using Week 1 to check out some depth.
Taking over as quarterback for Louisville following Lamar Jackson’s incredible stint is no easy task, but Malik Cunningham scored 120 total touchdowns during his five seasons with the Cardinals. Will he be able to beat out Trace McSorley or even Bailey Zappe this preseason and stay in New England?
Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks
- Start time: 10 p.m. ET
- Channel: NFL Network
The second NFL game of the night features the Minnesota Vikings heading to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. While both teams had successful 2022 campaigns, they suffered the same fate with a first-round exit from the NFC playoffs.
While Vikings QB Kirk Cousins undoubtedly has the 2023 starting spot locked up, this is the first time Minnesota has entered a season with him on an expiring contract. While they could eventually work something out, that means QB watch this preseason if Minnesota decides to part ways with the 12-year signal-caller at the end of the season.
Enter 2023 fifth-round pick Jaren Hall. A two-year starter for the BYU Cougars, Hall cannot only throw the ball but also add explosiveness with his legs. While Nick Mullens is currently second on the depth chart for the Vikings, the sixth-year QB has only become a starter due to injury.
If anyone could challenge Cousins, it’s likely Hall instead of Mullens. Will the Vikings have an easy decision to make next offseason?
On the other hand, the Seahawks have their long-term QB situation figured out for the time being after Geno Smith’s resurgence in 2022. Drew Lock has the inside track as the backup but will be fighting off 2023 undrafted rookie Holton Ahlers from East Carolina this preseason.
Stay tuned to PFN for all the preseason NFL games today and this weekend.