NFL Preseason Week 1: Coaching Overhauls and Roster Battles Define Opening Slate
New head coaches Mike McCarthy, Robert Saleh, Kevin Stefanski, and Jesse Minter take the field, while teams including the Chiefs, Rams, Saints, and Jaguars rest starters to assess depth ahead of the regular season.
The National Football League has commenced Week 1 of the 2026 preseason with a slate of 16 games, following the Hall of Fame Game where the Carolina Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 33-30 on 6 August. According to CBS Sports, this opening week serves as a critical evaluation period for franchises navigating significant offseason changes, including coaching hires, trades, and internal roster competitions. While these fixtures do not impact regular season records, they provide the primary opportunity for teams to establish identity and assess new relationships before the competitive season begins.
A central theme of this week’s action is the debut of several new head coaches. Mike McCarthy assumes leadership of the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking the first time since 2007 that the franchise has played without Mike Tomlin. McCarthy will face his former team, the Green Bay Packers, alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has stated he will not participate in the game. In Tennessee, Robert Saleh makes his debut as head coach of the Titans, aiming to implement a new defensive structure after his tenure as defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers. Similarly, Kevin Stefanski begins his first season with the Atlanta Falcons, while Jesse Minter takes the helm in Baltimore, becoming the first Ravens head coach since John Harbaugh.
Quarterback competitions remain a focal point for several franchises. In Cincinnati, Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins are expected to play as the Bengals seek to improve their offensive output following a playoff drought since 2022. The Atlanta Falcons have named Tua Tagovailoa the starter for this week’s contest against the Los Angeles Chargers, giving him his debut with the team while Michael Penix Jr. continues recovery from an ACL injury. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns face a high-stakes evaluation with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders competing for the starting role, both having struggled with penalties and turnovers during training camp.
Rookie debuts and player returns also feature prominently in the schedule. The Las Vegas Raiders host the Arizona Cardinals, where Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is expected to make his NFL debut. However, Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck will sit out due to rib discomfort, handing the start to Jacoby Brissett. In Carolina, running back Jonathon Brooks makes his first game appearance since suffering a second ACL tear in 2024, aiming to validate his potential after limited career action. The Minnesota Vikings also feature a notable storyline, with Kyler Murray starting after losing the quarterback job to J.J. McCarthy, who is seeking to regain form following a season marred by multiple injuries.
Strategic rest for key players is evident among several playoff contenders. The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams will both rest their starters, including Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, to evaluate backup quarterbacks such as Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier. The New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars are similarly expected to sideline their primary players, providing extended playing time for rookies and depth players like Spencer Rattler. This approach allows coaching staffs to assess offensive line adjustments and defensive alignments without the risk of injury to their core roster.
