NFL preseason Week 3 viewer's guide: Starters, rookie QBs in spotlight

Jim Reineking | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Making sense of the NFL helmet rule SportsPulse: NFL reporter Lorenzo Reyes attempts to explain the helmet rule that is causing chaos this preseason and if the NFL plans on making any adjustments to rule ahead of the regular season.

The third week of the NFL preseason is the "dress rehearsal" for the regular season, with many teams expected to give projected starters extended playing time.

THURSDAY

(All times Eastern.)

Philadelphia Eagles at Cleveland Browns, 8 p.m. (FOX)

After an impressive preseason debut, No. 1 draft pick and Baker Mayfield looked more like a rookie last week against the Buffalo Bills. The Eagles will hardly be in "dress rehearsal" mode with several starters out, but at least Nick Foles is fine after a shoulder injury scare.

FRIDAY

New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers, 7:30 p.m.

Tom Brady played the entire first half in last week's preseason game against the Eagles, so it's questionable he sees that much action against the Panthers. In another preview of what can be expected this season, Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey had 120 yards from scrimmage, including a 71-yard TD run, last week against the Dolphins.

New York Giants at New York Jets, 7:30 p.m.

Sure, Josh McCown currently is listed as QB1 on the Jets' depth chart, but rookie Sam Darnold and newcomer Teddy Bridgewater are making strong cases to start Week 1. Eli Manning sat out last week's game against the Lions, which allowed backup Davis Webb to restore confidence that he can be a capable backup.

Denver Broncos at Washington Redskins, 7:30 p.m.

This could be the first glimpse at Adrian Peterson in Washington after the four-time all-pro running back signed on Monday to aid an injury-riddled backfield. New Broncos quarterback Case Keenum is still looking for the passing attack to jell.

Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings, 8 p.m.

The Vikings' kicker competition is now complete (rookie Daniel Carlson beat out veteran Kai Forbath), but there's a much bigger concern regarding the rest of those responsible for scoring points. Kirk Cousins and the offense had a forgettable performance against the Jaguars last week, and the unit will look to rectify some of its issues against Seattle.

Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8 p.m. (CBS)

With Jameis Winston suspended for the first three games of the regular season, expect Ryan Fitzpatrick to see extended playing time.

Green Bay Packers at Oakland Raiders, 10:30 p.m. (NFL Network)

If one preseason series is any indication, the Aaron Rodgers-Jimmy Graham combo is going to be a handful for opposing defenses. The Raiders played their Week 1 opponent, the Rams, last week, and most players of consequence never saw the field. That likely will change against Green Bay.

SATURDAY

Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. (NFL Network)

First-round picks from last year's draft square off as the Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes and the Bears' Mitchell Trubisky continue their development.

Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams, 4 p.m.

Deshaun Watson directed a touchdown drive in his lone series last week. He should receive much lengthier playing time against the Rams. Los Angeles rested key contributors last week and should give Jared Goff and Co. plenty of reps.

Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers, 4 p.m. (NFL Network)

Marcus Mariota led touchdown drives in his lone possessions in the previous two preseason games, and he could be in line for more work more opportunities. With Le'Veon Bell still not having signed his franchise tender, backup running back James Conner has looked impressive, rushing for 57 yards and a touchdown on five carries last week.

San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts, 4:30 p.m.

After a promising return in the preseason opener, Andrew Luck looked more like a player who missed an entire season in the Colts' next game against the Ravens. Indianapolis will be looking to iron out several of the issues that plagued him and the rest of the offense.

Atlanta Falcons at Jacksonville Jaguars, 7 p.m.

Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense will get a true test on the road against the stingy defense of the Jaguars.

Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins, 7 p.m.

The Ravens suspended top cornerback Jimmy Smith for the first four games of the season, so that development opens the door for Marlon Humphrey, Tavon Young, Maurice Canady and Anthony Averett to either earn the starting spot opposite Brandon Carr or earn a substantial bump in playing time.

New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers, 8 p.m. (CBS)

Drew Brees sat out the Saints' first two preseason games, but a national television audience will get to see one of the NFL's all-time leading passers make his preseason debut this year against the Chargers.

SUNDAY

Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills, 4 p.m. (FOX)

Rookie Josh Allen gets a shot to prove he's worthy of starting in the Bills' season opener against the Ravens. Andy Dalton, meanwhile, regressed after an impressive preseason opener and the Bengals will be looking for more as he acclimates to the revamped offense.

Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys, 8 p.m. (NBC)

Newcomer Sam Bradford and rookie Josh Rosen have provided a promising start for a revamped quarterback position for the Cardinals. One of their receiving targets — rookie Christian Kirk — has drawn a comparison to Odell Beckham Jr.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Jim Reineking on Twitter @jimreineking.

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