The NFL preseason schedule will start July 31, with the common season to comply with on Sept. 4.
Forward of the beginning of video games, Yardbarker NFL writers highlight the most well liked place battles in coaching camp for every AFC workforce.
AFC East
BUFFALO BILLS | No. 3 receiver | Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir are penciled in as the highest two receivers, however the lack of Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins, who led Payments receivers with 5 TD catches in 2024, leaves room on the No. 3 spot. Joshua Palmer appears to be the favourite after signing a three-year, $29M contract with the workforce. Nonetheless, Elijah Moore, Curtis Samuel and Laviska Shenault Jr. supply a mixed 17 years’ NFL expertise ought to the previous Charger falter.
MIAMI DOLPHINS | Cornerback | Not like years previous, cornerback is large open with the commerce of Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers. Former UDFAs Storm Duck and Kader Kohou, who began 9 video games in 2024, will look to carry off present UDFAs BJ Adams and Ethan Bonner, in addition to fifth-round decide Jason Marshall Jr.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | No. 1 operating again | Rhamondre Stevenson led the workforce with 801 yards speeding however led all operating backs with a career-high seven fumbles final season. In the meantime, second-round decide TreVeyon Henderson had no fumbles and averaged 7.1 yards per carry (and rushed for 1,016 yards) with Ohio State final season. He might be ultimate for the Patriots, who averaged the second-fewest yards (291.9) per sport in 2024.
NEW YORK JETS | No. 2 receiver | A former observe star with 4.36 velocity, fourth-round decide Arian Smith had 48 catches for 817 yards and 4 touchdowns for Georgia final season, however he dropped 10 passes. If he can maintain on to the ball, Smith, who has 4.36 velocity within the 40-yard sprint, ought to play. In any other case, the workforce will lean on much less dynamic, sure-handed veterans, together with Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds, to enhance No. 1 receiver Garrett Wilson. —Bruce Ewing
AFC West
DENVER BRONCOS | No. 1 RB | J.Ok. Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey are anticipated to compete for RB1. Dobbins rushed for a career-high 905 yards in 13 video games with the Chargers final season, however Harvey’s versatile talent set might higher go well with head coach Sean Payton’s offense. The second-rounder had 1,844 yards (1,577 speeding and 267 receiving) in 12 video games at Central Florida in 2024.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS | Left deal with | The Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore in free company and took Josh Simmons (decide No. 32) within the NFL Draft to offer extra move safety for QB Patrick Mahomes. Simmons possible has extra upside than Moore. Ex-Philadelphia Eagles heart Jason Kelce has in contrast the previous Ohio State star to San Francisco OT Trent Williams, an 11-time Professional Bowler.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS | Left guard | The Chargers signed proper guard Mekhi Becton in free company, displacing Trey Pipkins III. He’ll battle Bradley Bozeman for the opposite guard spot. Bozeman struggled to guard QB Justin Herbert final season, posting a below-average 52.3 pass-blocking grade in 17 regular-season video games (per Professional Soccer Focus).
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS | Cornerback | Cornerback Jakorian Bennett has no interceptions coming into his third season with the Raiders, presumably permitting rookie Darien Porter to climb the depth chart. New head coach Pete Carroll is excessive on the Iowa State product. After taking him with decide No. 68 within the draft, the coach stated the nook reminded him of former Seattle Seahawks star Richard Sherman. —Clark Dalton
AFC North
BALTIMORE RAVENS | Kicker | The Ravens had a substantial benefit in shut video games with Justin Tucker at kicker for over a decade. Nevertheless, after dealing with authorized points and struggling in 2024, he was lower, opening the door for a recent face. Rookies Tyler Loop and John Hoyland will compete for the extremely necessary spot.
CINCINNATI BENGALS | Line of defense | The Bengals had the NFL’s worst protection in 2024, and after making no vital enhancements this offseason on that unit, they’ve even greater points coming into coaching camp on the defensive position. With star edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson and first-round decide Shemar Stewart every holding out amid a contract dispute, the Bengals have a wide-open combat.
CLEVELAND BROWNS | QB | The Browns have 4 quarterbacks on their roster, but it surely’s unknown if any of them shall be serviceable. Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are vying for the beginning spot, with Flacco and Pickett starting camp atop the depth chart.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS | No. 2 large receiver | The Steelers swapped out No. 1 large receivers by buying DK Metcalf from Seattle and buying and selling George Pickens to Dallas. That may be an improve, however they lack a confirmed No. 2 large receiver. Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson and Robert Woods determine to duel it out. —Adam Gretz
AFC South
HOUSTON TEXANS | Large receiver | Nico Collins is the clear-cut high possibility within the passing sport, however there needs to be a whole lot of competitors for the No. 2 WR spot with Tank Dell recovering from a knee damage. Christian Kirk, acquired in a commerce this offseason, has the veteran edge. Houston additionally drafted former Iowa State large receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel within the second and third rounds, respectively, and each can have a possibility to carve out a major position.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS | QB | Anthony Richardson has recovered from his newest shoulder damage to battle Daniel Jones for the beginning job. Head coach Shane Steichen insists the competitors is open, however reviews point out Jones already has the sting. Even when Jones wins the job, there’s a good probability Richardson can have a possibility to play. The 2023 No. 4 total decide had higher benefit from it, or his time in Indy might finish quickly.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS | Operating again | Travis Etienne’s manufacturing fell off a cliff in his third NFL season, opening the door for Tank Bigsby to take over because the workforce’s lead again down the stretch. Etienne averaged simply 3.7 yards per carry final season to Bigsby’s 4.6, however the former is the a lot better receiving again. Jacksonville used a fourth-round decide on former Virginia Tech speedster Bhayshul Tuten, who might push for touches in new HC Liam Coen’s offense.
TENNESSEE TITANS | Wideout | Calvin Ridley is locked in as Tennessee’s high wideout, however the depth chart is crammed with uncertainty after that. Although he’ll flip 33 on Sept. 28 and is coming off a down season, Tyler Lockett might thrive as a downfield menace for rookie QB Cam Ward. The Titans drafted former Florida star Chimere Dike within the fourth spherical and are hoping for a breakout from 2022 first-round decide Treylon Burks, who has struggled to stay wholesome. —Steve DelVecchio
