Pre-season football in the NFL can create a bit of a paradox for NFL fans. Pro football fans anticipate the start of the NFL season. After a long off-season of combines, drafts, mini-camps, and contract negotiations, it is excellent to see NFL teams back on the field. However, after all the wait and buildup of the return of NFL football, the first pre-season games feature a small sprinkling of the best players in games that do not count toward the season. The contrast between expectations and reality of the NFL pre-season schedule can deter fans from paying close attention to the numerous games that do not involve their teams. On the other hand, fans who know what to look for can gain a much deeper understanding of every team in the league from studying pre-season football games.
1. Effects of New NFL Rules Changes
This year, the NFL has implemented three significant rule changes, and the preseason games provide an opportunity for referees to work out any issues that may arise from interpreting the new rules. The first rule change is the league’s decision to continue using the dynamic kickoff model introduced in 2024. Now, if a team kicks the ball into the end zone for a touchback, the opposing team receives the ball at the 35-yard line, rather than the 30-yard line. Second, the NFL is introducing a “Referee Assist” replay system that will enable officials to review penalties such as illegal contact, horse-collar tackles, and facemask calls. Third, in the NFL, when a game goes to overtime during the regular season, both teams have a chance to possess the ball, regardless of the outcome of the first team’s possession to start overtime.
2. Impact Made by Rookies on Each NFL Team
A popular argument that seems to carry on all summer in anticipation of the NFL season is, “What impact will this year’s rookies make for fantasy football owners?” The answer to that question varies based on several variables for each rookie whom each team selected in the 2025 NFL draft. The only safe bet to have a big season this year for fantasy owners is running back Ashton Jeanty for the Raiders. Outside of Jeanty, the preseason games can give fantasy players great insight into how each team views its rookies. Does the rookie wide receiver only take reps with the starters in preseason games? Do the rookies play an extra quarter, or do they only play at the end of the game? The way each NFL team deploys its rookies during the preseason provides some insight into how those teams will utilize their rookies during the regular season.
3. Position Battles
Another area where fans and fantasy owners can gain insight into how a team will approach the 2025 NFL deals is in positions on their depth chart where there is competition for the starting position. A notable example of a key position battle is the quarterback position for the Cleveland Browns. The Browns have four quarterbacks who are available to play this season, and it is unlikely that they will keep all four. So which quarterback will get cut? Each team will answer that question based on how each player performs in Cleveland’s preseason games. Another example is the offensive guard positions for the Cincinnati Bengals, where returning players are in direct competition with draft picks and free agents selected to compete at those positions. For those players, the preseason games are critical to their future in the NFL.
4. Player Depth and Backup Personnel
Before the season starts, most fans of NFL teams can find a way to make a logical argument about why their team could be a contender to win their division, make the playoffs, or even win the Super Bowl. But what separates championship contenders from teams that fail to make the playoffs comes down to the quality of depth each team possesses. Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles were a great example of a team built to sustain injuries, and they also had enough luck to avoid a critical mass of their star players getting injured. During the preseason, each team demonstrates its depth at all positions, including key details such as whether a team has a starter-quality backup quarterback in case their starting quarterback misses time during the season.
5. New Offensive and Defensive Schemes
SSeveral NFL teams made significant coaching changes this offseason, and with those coaching changes, a corresponding shift in strategy or philosophy often occurs on offense, defense, or both. The Lions had one of the top offenses in the NFL in 2024, with much of that success attributed to offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Johnson is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, so will the Bears suddenly have a great offense? Can the Lions re-create last year’s success without Johnson? The team’s identity under the new leadership will be apparent during the preseason. While there is not always a direct relationship between preseason and regular season success, it is unlikely for a player or team to have a great season if they cannot at least show a flash of potential during the preseason.
6. Emergence of Sleepers and Hidden Gems
Another common preseason topic involves predicting which role players are in a position to become excellent sleeper picks for fantasy football. It is also common for a player who was a late-round draft pick or signed as an undrafted free agent to play beyond expectations. A great example of playing better than expected is San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Suppose a player battling for a roster spot during the preseason unexpectedly begins to produce explosive plays. In that case, that is evidence that the player may become a breakout star in the NFL. Another great example is quarterback Tom Brady, who was a late draft pick but went on to become one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. Players who exceed expectations tend to show glimpses of their potential during those preseason games.
7. Quarterback Play and Development
It is rare for a young quarterback to come into the NFL during their rookie season and separate themselves as an elite player. An exception would be Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who led his team to the NFC championship game during his rookie season. Most quarterbacks are a work in progress for several seasons and eventually emerge as elite quarterbacks. Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers is an example of a player who consistently makes improvements every season, and those improvements are evident in the preseason, even with limited playtime. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is an excellent example of a player who had to develop over a few years to become a top player in the league. If you look back, you will see that Manning had an improved performance in the preseason each year of his career.
8. Special Teams Play
The quality of NFL teams’ special teams play during the preseason is a notable barometer for the quality of management and organization within that coaching staff. During preseason games, more players participate on special teams compared to the limited number typically used on special teams during the regular season. If a coaching staff fails to get their third kickoff team onto the field promptly, or if a team takes a delay of game penalty when punting the ball, it can be an indicator of inconsistent leadership. During the regular season, those situations are commonly the difference between winning and losing a game in the NFL. Similar to players trying to make a team’s roster, a head coach who is on the hot seat will not save his job in the preseason, but that coach can lose his career based on his preseason performance.
9. In-Game Injuries
The most common driving factor for changes in a fantasy owner’s approach to building their team is injuries to key players. For example, suppose a fantasy owner is counting on 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey to have a big comeback season, but he gets reinjured during the preseason. In that case, adjustments must be made that affect the NFL and the fantasy team. That is also true for a dual-threat quarterback or a wide receiver who has built a reputation for creating big catches in traffic. Suppose that the player takes a chance in a preseason game because it is part of the player’s identity. In that case, there is a chance that an injury could occur in a meaningless game, altering the outlook for that player’s team and fantasy football owners.
10. Overall Performance and Chemistry
Winning and losing preseason games rarely translate to regular-season success or failure for most NFL teams. What translates is how cohesive a team is during its preseason games. If teams are inconsistent and prone to mistakes during the preseason, then that tends to be a problem that persists into the regular season. If a team can bounce back from a bad call, play, or turnover in the preseason, then they usually continue to have that ability during the regular season. Fundamental skills like tackling and blocking are a significant part of a successful NFL team’s success, and these skills are evident in the preseason, regular season, and postseason. Although preseason games do not count toward the season, they are crucial for a team to establish a foundation for a successful season.
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