Get the full scoop on the NFL preseason – its purpose, excitement, impact on players, coaches, and fans, and why it’s more than just warm-up games.
What Is the NFL Preseason?
The NFL preseason is like the appetizer before the main course. It’s a series of exhibition games held before the regular NFL season kicks off. But don’t let the term “exhibition” fool you. These games matter—just not in the way that wins and losses do during the regular season.
During the NFL preseason, teams typically play a few games (usually three per team after recent adjustments from four). These matchups don’t count toward the standings, but they’re crucial in setting the stage for the regular season. It’s a time when coaches evaluate players, tweak strategies, and test out different formations. For the fans, it’s a sneak peek at what to expect from their team, and for the players, especially the rookies and undrafted free agents, it’s often make-or-break time.
While the NFL preseason doesn’t hold the same weight as the playoffs or even a regular-season game, it’s a fundamental part of the NFL ecosystem. It’s where underdogs can rise, and where stars can fall — at least temporarily.
Why the NFL Preseason Still Matters
Let’s be real — many fans skip the NFL preseason games thinking they don’t matter. But that’s a misconception. If anything, these games offer more drama behind the scenes than what’s immediately visible on the field.
One of the biggest reasons the NFL preseason is still relevant is because of roster cuts. Each NFL team starts training camp with 90 players. By the time Week 1 rolls around, only 53 make the cut. That’s a massive drop. And the only way to make those cuts fairly is to see players in real-time action. That’s where the preseason steps in.
Moreover, the preseason is where new talent often shines. Every year, there’s a breakout player who earns a spot on the team thanks to a few dazzling preseason performances. Remember when Victor Cruz came out of nowhere during the Giants’ preseason? The NFL preseason is packed with stories like that — it’s a proving ground.
Veterans use the NFL preseason too, albeit differently. They might not play much, but it’s a valuable tune-up. Whether it’s shaking off rust or getting used to new teammates or playbooks, these games offer a real-time, low-risk environment to adjust before the intensity ratchets up.
The Evolution of the NFL Preseason
The NFL preseason hasn’t always looked the way it does now. Over the years, it’s undergone a lot of changes, reflecting both player safety concerns and shifting fan interest.
In the past, teams played up to six preseason games. That’s right — almost half a dozen games that didn’t even count toward the standings. The thought process was different back then. Training camps were shorter, conditioning wasn’t as advanced, and coaches needed that time to get players game-ready.
Fast forward to today, and player health is front and center. The league reduced the number of preseason games to three for most teams, with only those playing in the Hall of Fame Game getting a fourth. This change reflects a new attitude — one that balances preparation with preservation.
And it’s not just about the number of games. The intensity of preseason games has dropped for veterans. You won’t often see star quarterbacks playing more than a series or two. Why risk injury when the real action is just around the corner?
That said, for younger players and those fighting for a spot, the NFL preseason is as intense as ever. And that’s what keeps it interesting.
Preseason vs Regular Season: Key Differences
It’s easy to lump preseason games in with regular-season games if you’re not paying attention. But once you dig in, the differences are crystal clear.
First and foremost — the stakes. NFL preseason games don’t count in the standings. Win or lose, it has no bearing on playoff hopes. But that doesn’t mean they’re meaningless. For individuals trying to make the team, every snap can be a career-defining moment.
Another key difference is who plays. In the regular season, starters dominate the field. In the preseason, the spotlight often shifts to backups, rookies, and unsigned hopefuls. This shift offers fans a chance to discover new favorites and see future stars before they break out.
Schemes and playbooks are also toned down in the preseason. Coaches aren’t trying to reveal their best strategies before the real games begin. You’ll see more vanilla offenses and basic defenses — just enough to evaluate talent without showing your hand.
Still, there’s an authenticity to these games. The players are fighting for their futures, and the passion is real.
Standout Moments in NFL Preseason History
Though the NFL preseason isn’t about legacy games, it’s given us some unforgettable moments.
Take Tom Brady, for instance. Drafted in the sixth round, he made his first impressions during the NFL preseason. Coaches saw something special in those early reps — something that might’ve gone unnoticed without preseason snaps.
Or how about Dak Prescott? With Tony Romo sidelined, Prescott got the start in a preseason game and never looked back. That one game changed the Cowboys’ trajectory for years to come.
Then there are the moments that go viral — the insane one-handed catches, the bone-rattling hits, the trick plays no one saw coming. They might not make SportsCenter every night, but fans in the know keep their eyes glued to the preseason for this very reason.
Coaches and the NFL Preseason: Strategy Behind the Scenes
For NFL coaches, the preseason is part puzzle, part crystal ball. They need to evaluate talent, preserve health, and install playbooks — all in a matter of weeks.
A lot of decisions happen off the field, but preseason games provide the live reps coaches need to evaluate players in a competitive setting. A player might look like a superstar in practice, but fold under the lights. Or vice versa — some guys just turn it on during game time.
Another big piece is installation. While full schemes aren’t unleashed during the preseason, coaches use these games to start layering in the basics. Timing, communication, situational awareness — all of these things matter, and preseason reps are invaluable for ironing out wrinkles.
And of course, there’s special teams. Often overlooked by fans, special teams are a key part of preseason evaluations. Many players win roster spots not by catching touchdowns or intercepting passes, but by excelling on kickoffs and punts.
NFL Preseason for Players: Opportunity and Pressure
The NFL preseason is like a job interview — except it’s happening in front of millions of people.
For undrafted free agents and rookies, this is their shot. They’re not guaranteed anything. No flashy contracts, no endorsements, no playing time unless they earn it. Every snap, every tackle, every route matters.
Even for more established players, the NFL preseason can bring pressure. Maybe they’re coming off an injury. Maybe a younger, cheaper player is nipping at their heels. The depth chart is constantly shifting during the preseason, and complacency isn’t an option.
Yet there’s also opportunity. One great preseason can change a player’s life. Every year, we see preseason heroes earn long-term contracts, Pro Bowl nods, and even Super Bowl rings.
The NFL Preseason Through a Fan’s Eyes
NFL fans have a mixed relationship with the preseason. Some love it — they enjoy scouting young talent, watching position battles unfold, and getting back into the rhythm of football Sundays. Others skip it altogether, saving their energy for the regular season.
But there’s something special about preseason football. Stadiums might not be packed, but the energy is still electric. You get a different vibe — more intimate, more raw, more hopeful.
It’s also a time for fantasy football fans to get the inside edge. Who’s climbing the depth chart? Who looks explosive? Watching preseason games gives fantasy owners a leg up on draft day.
And let’s not forget the die-hards who simply love football, no matter what. For them, any football is good football — and the NFL preseason is a welcome return to action.
How to Watch and Enjoy the NFL Preseason
Watching the NFL preseason isn’t just about turning on the TV. It’s about knowing what to look for.
Focus on the rookies and unknowns. The starters might not play much, but there’s plenty of action in the second and third quarters. Pay attention to who’s getting reps — especially late in games. That can indicate who’s in the coach’s good graces.
Also, listen to the broadcasters. They often share insider info during preseason games that you won’t hear during the regular season. Player backgrounds, locker room vibes, injury updates — it’s all fair game during these broadcasts.
If you’re attending in person, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Tickets are usually cheaper, and the vibe is more family-friendly. It’s a great time to introduce young fans to the NFL.
Table: Preseason vs Regular Season Breakdown
| Aspect | NFL Preseason | NFL Regular Season |
|---|---|---|
| Games Count | 3 (most teams) | 17 per team |
| Starters’ Play Time | Limited | Full games |
| Game Importance | Evaluation-focused | Counts toward playoffs |
| Ticket Prices | Lower | Higher |
| Fan Attendance | Moderate | High |
| Playbook Complexity | Simplified | Full schemes |
Expert Quote on the NFL Preseason
“The preseason might not count in the standings, but it counts where it matters most — in the hearts and careers of players fighting for a dream.”
– Former NFL Coach and Analyst
FAQs About the NFL Preseason
Q: Do preseason games count toward the NFL standings?
A: No, NFL preseason games do not count toward the regular-season standings. They’re strictly for evaluation and preparation.
Q: Why do starters play so little in the NFL preseason?
A: To minimize the risk of injury. Coaches prefer to keep their top players fresh and healthy for the games that count.
Q: Are preseason stats tracked officially?
A: Yes, but they are not included in regular season stats. Preseason stats are considered separate and mostly used for internal evaluations.
Q: How long is the NFL preseason?
A: The NFL preseason typically spans about three weeks, with each team playing three games, except those in the Hall of Fame Game who play four.
Q: Is the NFL preseason necessary?
A: While opinions vary, most coaches and players agree it’s essential for evaluating talent, installing systems, and getting game-ready.
Conclusion: The NFL Preseason Is More Than Just Practice
The NFL preseason might not bring the same fireworks as the playoffs or the intensity of a division rivalry game, but it’s a vital part of the football calendar. It’s where stars are born, careers are defined, and rosters are shaped.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a fantasy football junkie, or just someone waiting for Week 1, the preseason has something to offer. It’s not about the scoreboard — it’s about the journey. And for many players, that journey starts here.
