2026 NFL Preseason Week 1: 10 things to watch

Key Points:

• The NFL preseason Week 1 begins Thursday, featuring key storylines such as the Browns' quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, with Watson favored but no decisions finalized.
• Rookie quarterbacks like Fernando Mendoza, Carson Beck, and Ty Simpson will have opportunities to impress, potentially influencing their roles despite established starters ahead of them.
• The Vikings' J.J. McCarthy faces a critical preseason to improve his trade value amid uncertainty about his future with the team, as Carson Wentz awaits as a backup option.
• Injury concerns loom for teams like the Washington Commanders, who lost key left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and the Chicago Bears, whose secondary is heavily impacted by multiple injuries.
• Wide receiver battles and rookie debuts, including Tennessee's Carnell Tate and San Francisco's De’Zhaun Stribling, will be closely watched, along with the emergence of potential stars like Ravens’ Ja’Kobi Lane and the Dolphins’ wide receiver group.