NFL preseason Week 3 preview: Top matchups, key storylines, full schedule, and how to watch

With the regular season right around the corner, Week 3 of the preseason serves as the last chance for teams to prove themselves and settle position battles.

Let's break down the key storylines, top matchups, and full schedule ahead of the final dress rehearsal of the preseason.

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Key storylines to follow

The New Orleans Saints quarterback battle: Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough?

The New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts have all held quarterback competitions throughout the preseason, and a starter has been named in each case. All eyes now turn to New Orleans, where the Saints are the last remaining team yet to choose their starting signal-caller.

Head coach Kellen Moore said "everything is really, really close" between 2024 fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler and 2025 second-round pick Tyler Shough, but refused to be drawn on when he would make a decision.

"We play Arizona on that Sunday," Moore told reporters earlier this week, referring to the Saints' Week 1 opener. "Hopefully, before that. So something between today and that day," he added.

Both players have had the chance to make their case through New Orleans' first two preseason games and have produced on an eerily similar level.

• Rattler has completed 71.4% of his 35 pass attempts for 252 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
• Shough has completed 70.6% of his 34 pass attempts for 231 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Moore told reporters that the game against the Broncos on Saturday will factor into his decision about which of the two quarterbacks will get the nod.

How will the rookies perform in their final test?

Several rookies have been standout performers during training camp and the preseason. With that said, their exact role and even their roster spots could be on the line based on how they fare this weekend.

We are yet to know whether and to what extent these players will be involved, but keep an eye out for:

Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt, the seventh-round running back of the Washington Commanders, who has effectively made Brian Robinson surplus to requirements.

Undrafted New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III, the shifty slot receiver who has wowed onlookers with his knack for finding the end zone. Hopefully, he recovers from the injury in time to play.

And Isaac TeSlaa, the third-round Detroit Lions wide receiver, who has received glowing reports from GM Brad Holmes for his competitiveness.

All three players could stake their claim for expanded roles in their respective games this weekend.

Top matchups

Denver Broncos at New Orleans Saints

Kick-off: Saturday, August 23 at 6pm BST / Saturday, August 23 at 1pm ET

As we mentioned in our key storylines, the Saints QB battle is going down to the wire between Rattler and Shough. Whichever player comes out on top in this one could earn the right to lead New Orleans' offense out in Week 1.

In a game that could define the season for both players, this becomes a must-watch game.

It's also likely the Broncos will feature several of their starters for at least a series or two after resting many of them in their preseason Week 2 game.

Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs

Kick-off: Saturday, August 23 at 1.20am BST / Friday, August 22 at 8.20pm ET

The excellent performance from Caleb Williams and the new-look offense last week has Bears' fans excited as they look for the former first overall pick to turn the corner on an underwhelming rookie year.

Williams and Co. will get another chance to show what they're made of this weekend.

The Chiefs, too, will field their starters for part of the game, according to head coach Andy Reid.

Full Preseason Week 3 Schedule

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