The clock is about to strike midnight on the 2025 NFL preseason. As teams conclude their exhibition games on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, players on the roster bubble are eager to impress front offices before the crucial cutdown day on Tuesday. Saturday's games featured the largest slate of action over the three-day window, showcasing a mix of starting lineups and reserve players. Notably, while some teams like the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns opted to play their starters, others, including the Buffalo Bills, chose to rest their key players like NFL MVP Josh Allen. The same strategy was employed by the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Regardless of who took the field, the final week of the preseason delivered numerous storylines worth exploring.
Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was one of the standout stories of the 2025 preseason, particularly following his impressive debut. However, after missing Week 2 due to injury, his return on Saturday was underwhelming. Sanders entered the game as the third quarterback after Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, both of whom performed admirably. Unfortunately, Sanders struggled, completing just three of six passes for a mere 14 yards and enduring five sacks. He was replaced by Tyler Huntley with just over two minutes left in the game, casting doubt on his chances of making the opening 53-man roster.
The Denver Broncos chose to play their starters in the final preseason game, and quarterback Bo Nix delivered a strong performance. He completed 10 of 14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown, connecting with top wide receiver Courtland Sutton on a 19-yard touchdown pass. Sutton finished the game with four receptions for 83 yards, including a crucial 43-yard reception that set up the touchdown. It’s clear that Nix and Sutton are ready to take on the challenges of the regular season.
Despite the Detroit Lions resting their starters in the preseason finale, rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa made a name for himself. He caught two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown in the matchup against Houston, showcasing his potential. Throughout the preseason, TeSlaa has caught 10 of 13 targets for 146 yards and three touchdowns, positioning himself as a potential WR3 on the Lions’ depth chart as the season progresses.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is known for playing his starters throughout the preseason, and that strategy paid off with quarterback Patrick Mahomes displaying impressive form. In the preseason finale, Mahomes completed 8 of 13 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown, including a vintage deep ball to Tyquan Thornton for 58 yards. He also connected with Travis Kelce for a 20-yard gain and a touchdown pass to Rashee Rice. The Chiefs scored on all three series during Mahomes' time on the field, indicating he is primed for a remarkable season ahead.
While Cameron Ward didn’t play extensively in the third preseason game, he solidified his position as the Titans' Week 1 starter. Ward completed 3 of 4 passes for 36 yards, highlighted by a 17-yard completion to Van Jefferson in the first quarter. He also managed to lead the Titans on a 13-play, 90-yard touchdown drive. With a revamped offensive line supporting him, Ward’s performance this preseason has sparked optimism within the Titans' organization.
Wide receiver Van Jefferson is fighting for his place on the Titans' roster after the team added talent to the position in the offseason. In his final preseason opportunity, Jefferson had three catches for 105 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown. His impressive performance, which included a crucial 17-yard reception from Ward, raises the stakes for the Titans as they finalize their roster.
Starting against the Chiefs, quarterback Caleb Williams showcased his skills, completing 11 of 15 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown in the first half of Friday's game. With the Bears scoring twice on his four possessions, Williams demonstrated his ability to read defenses and execute plays effectively. Finishing the preseason with 220 yards and two touchdowns, Williams has established himself as a player to watch as the Bears head into the regular season.
In a matchup where the Eagles and Cowboys rested their starters, kickers Jake Elliott and Brandon Aubrey took center stage. Elliott went 3 for 3 on field goals, including impressive kicks of 51 and 53 yards, while Aubrey made a highlight 64-yard field goal. Both kickers appear ready for the upcoming season, adding depth to their teams' special teams units.
As the NFL preseason comes to a close, teams are gearing up for the regular season with significant developments and performances to consider. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these storylines unfold in the weeks to come.
