NFL preseason Week 1: 16-game slate puts roster battles and new faces in the spotlight

The NFL preseason shifts into full gear this week with all 32 teams in action, beginning with the Detroit Lions visiting the Cincinnati Bengals and continuing through a 16-game schedule that will give rookies, newcomers and players fighting for roster spots their first major opportunity of August.

Wins and losses may not carry into September, but Week 1 offers the first real look at how teams are taking shape after weeks of training camp.

Thursday night opens the weekend

The opening night features six games, with the Lions visiting the Bengals at Paycor Stadium and the Green Bay Packers traveling to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers.

The Indianapolis Colts meet the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, while the Arizona Cardinals head to Las Vegas for a nationally televised matchup against the Raiders.

One player certain to draw attention in Las Vegas is Fernando Mendoza, with the Raiders planning to give their top pick plenty of work in his preseason debut.

The night also sends the Los Angeles Chargers to Houston to face the Texans, while the Tennessee Titans close the slate against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.

Friday offers three more matchups

Friday’s schedule starts with the Denver Broncos visiting the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Jets, while the Miami Dolphins visit the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.

For all six teams, the night offers another important evaluation opportunity as coaches begin sorting through crowded depth charts.

Saturday takes center stage

Saturday brings the busiest portion of the weekend.

The Carolina Panthers visit the Buffalo Bills, while the Cleveland Browns meet the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field and the Minnesota Vikings take on the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

Later, the Los Angeles Rams visit the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, and the Jacksonville Jaguars face the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome.

The night continues with the Philadelphia Eagles traveling to Baltimore to meet the Ravens.

Cowboys and Seahawks close the slate

Week 1 wraps up in the Pacific Northwest as the Dallas Cowboys visit the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.

For established starters, playing time could be limited throughout the weekend. For rookies, backups and players sitting near the roster bubble, however, these games carry considerably more weight.

The final scores will quickly be forgotten. The performances that determine who moves up the depth chart — and who survives the next round of roster decisions — will not.