The NFL Teams With the Most on the Line This Preseason

The NFL preseason is often little more than glorified walkthroughs, but that is not the case for everyone. A few teams absolutely need these reps to sort out key decisions, prove offseason progress, or calm growing concerns before Week 1 hits.

Here are six franchises with a lot riding on what happens in August.

Chicago Bears: All Eyes on Caleb

Caleb Williams enters his second season with more pressure than any young quarterback in football. Rough practice clips have already gone viral, but real judgment starts Sunday against the Dolphins.

Fans will finally see how the 2024 No. 1 pick looks in Ben Johnson’s offense with a reworked offensive line. If things click, the Bears might actually contend. If not, they could be in trouble in what might be the NFL’s toughest division.

Cleveland Browns: Someone Has to Win the Job

The Browns might have the league’s best defense, but their quarterback situation is pure chaos. With Deshaun Watson still working back from injury, Cleveland is evaluating Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Tyler Huntley, rookie Dillon Gabriel, and lightning-rod prospect Shedeur Sanders.

They cannot afford to rotate QBs all year. These next three preseason games against the Panthers, Eagles, and Rams must produce clarity, or Cleveland risks wasting another year of Myles Garrett’s prime.

Indianapolis Colts: Quarterback or Bust

The Colts are staging what might be the most fascinating quarterback battle in the league. Anthony Richardson is trying to prove he belongs after an underwhelming rookie year. Daniel Jones is trying to revive his career after six uneven seasons with the Giants.

The winner could be the long-term answer. The loser might be out of the league in a year or two. It starts Thursday night in Baltimore, and the pressure only grows from there.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Rodgers and Metcalf Need to Click

Aaron Rodgers is 41, returning from injury, and learning a brand-new system. DK Metcalf is his new top weapon. That pairing has to work right away for Pittsburgh to survive in the AFC North.

The Steelers open the season against the Jets, which means Rodgers will face his former team under the spotlight. If this offense does not start finding rhythm during the preseason, September could be ugly.

Jacksonville Jaguars: No More Excuses

Trevor Lawrence has his contract and his supporting cast. Now he needs to deliver. The Jaguars have a new playcaller in Liam Coen, a new offensive coordinator in Grant Udinski, and a new weapon in Travis Hunter.

The AFC South is there for the taking, but early-season matchups with the Bengals, Texans, and Chiefs will test them fast. The preseason will be the only chance for Lawrence and Hunter to build chemistry before things get real.

New England Patriots: Establishing a New Identity

This is not about contention. The Patriots are in full reset mode under new head coach Mike Vrabel and coordinator Josh McDaniels. But they need to make sure Drake Maye continues to progress after a promising rookie year.

New England also rebuilt its offensive line and added Stefon Diggs to help Maye take the next step. With preseason games against the Commanders, Vikings, and Giants, this young core will get an early chance to show signs of life before 2025 becomes another lost season.