Yes, Football Is Back — But Let’s Pump the Brakes (Just a Little)

Tonight marks Week 1 of the NFL preseason (after last week’s Hall of Fame Game), and yes, football is back—helmets, hype, and all. But here’s the truth: this is only preseason, and only Week 1 at that—so let’s keep expectations in check.

What’s on Tap Tonight (Thursday, August 7)

• Colts @ Ravens at 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network, NFL+) — Keep an eye on Indy’s QB battle: Anthony Richardson starts and may play over a quarter, while Daniel Jones gets just a short cameo.
• Bengals @ Eagles at 7:30 p.m. ET
• Raiders @ Seahawks at 10 p.m. ET

NBC and others note this is just the opening act of a full Week 1 slate, running through Sunday.

Why Tonight Still Matters

• QB Showdowns: Richardson could pull ahead in Indy. In Baltimore, the new kicker—Tyler Loop, drafted to replace Justin Tucker—gets his first real test.
• Storylines Galore: Rookies like Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland, and Bo Nix in Denver (who’s drawing buzz for his growth under Sean Payton), are all worth watching.
• Rule Changes: Expect to see expanded replay assist, a tweaked kickoff, and Hawk-Eye virtual measurements influencing what unfolds on the field.

Tonight’s Game Preview in Context

This isn’t Week 1 of anything serious—this is preseason. Most starters will barely touch the field. Yes, you’ll see some highlights. But the real season? That kicks off September 4, with a high-stakes showdown: the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles hosting the Cowboys.

So… What Should You Do?

• Crack open a cold one. Cozy up. Enjoy the under-the-radar battles.
• Bookmark stream access (NFL+) and local listings if you’re chasing those games.
• Watch closely, but don’t overreact—this is sandbox football, not the main event.

In short: Yes—it’s finally football time. But remember: perfection tonight? Not required. We’re just warming up.

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