The NFL preseason schedule concludes on Thursday night as all 32 teams are in action for their fourth and final exhibition game.
While the starters typically sit out this week to rest and avoid injuries before the start of the regular season, these games are still super important to the rest of the guys fighting for a coveted spot on the 53-man roster. With the final cuts due Saturday afternoon, this is the last chance for players on the bubble to make their case.
One of the more entertaining games on the schedule is between the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets. The Eagles' hype train is at full steam ahead after Philly put together probably the most impressive performance of any team so far. Granted, winning the preseason guarantees nothing in the regular season, but it's hard to ignore how dominant the Eagles' first-teamers have looked on both sides of the ball.
The Eagles have won all three of their games and have outscored their opponents 86-17 in the first half. There is still an interesting position battle to be sorted out this week, too, with Matt Barkley and Tim Tebow competing for the third quarterback spot. Barkley will start the game, but you can be sure that Tebow will get significant snaps and a chance to show that he deserves a place on this team.
Jets head coach Todd Bowles indicated earlier this week that some starters might play in this final preseason game. The biggest name that will probably see action is defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson, who missed much of training camp with a hamstring injury. Other than that, this game will be primarily about the guys at the bottom of the Jets' depth chart trying to survive the upcoming roster cuts, and the continued development of rookie Bryce Petty under center.
We've got you covered with some things to watch for on the rest of Thursday's schedule. For full listings of the games, visit 506sports (all times Eastern):
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets
(Away: WCAU-NBC 10; Home: WCBS-CBS 2; NFL Network -- 7 p.m.)
This might be the game to watch on Thursday night regardless of whether you're a fan in Philadelphia or New York. Some of the Jets starters are expected to play, and the Eagles are probably the most exciting team of this preseason, even when the backups are on the field. Could this be your final chance to see Tim Tebow in an NFL game?
Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons
(Away: WBAL-NBC 11; Home: WUPA-CW 69 -- 7 p.m.)
The biggest concern for the Falcons coming out of their third preseason game was the disappointing play of the offensive line, which allowed six sacks and paved the way for just 50 rushing yards on 24 carries. With the starting five in flux, this game is a chance for guys at the bottom of the depth chart to earn more reps.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has already said that no starters will play against the Falcons, and also told reporters that banged-up rookies Breshad Perriman and Maxx Williams will not suit up for this final game.
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers
(Away: WVUE-FOX 8 ; Home: WGBA-NBC 26 -- 7 p.m.)
Drew Brees played just four series this preseason, but he looks primed for the regular season. He led the team inside the 10-yard line on each of his four drives, and finished with a quarterback rating of 156.0. There is still a good battle for the Saints' backup QB spot, though, between Luke McCown, Garrett Grayson and Ryan Griffin.
For the Packers, this game could go a long way toward evaluating their young receivers. With the loss of Jordy Nelson and the uncertainty surrounding Randall Cobb's injury, there are definitely some reps up for grabs among wideouts.
Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts
(Away: WKRC-CBS 12; Home: WXIN-FOX 59 -- 7 p.m.)
There is no quarterback controversy in Cincinnati, but AJ McCarron sure did look good in last week's preseason game, completing 12 of 17 passes for 149 yards. That's a great sign for Bengals fans in case Andy Dalton goes down at some point this season.
The Colts got a couple of their offensive playmakers back from injury this week when tight end Coby Fleener and wide receiver Phillip Dorsett returned to practice. Though they obviously won't play Thursday, it is good news that the Colts are getting healthier as the regular season approaches.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins
(Away: WFLA-NBC 8; Home: WFOR-CBS 4 -- 7 p.m.)
Jameis Winston has been playing on a sprained ankle, so this week should be a good opportunity for him to get fully healed before the opener. He's been up-and-down this season, flashing signs of the Heisman-winning quarterback he was at Florida State, while also making typical NFL rookie mistakes.
The big position battle in Miami is at linebacker, where there are probably five guys competing for two spots at the bottom of the depth chart. Veteran Spencer Paysinger is competing with youngsters Jordan Tripp, Zach Vigil, Mike Hull, Neville Hewitt and Jeff Luc to make the final cut.
New York Giants at New England Patriots
(Away: WNBC-NBC 4 ; Home: WBZ-CBS 4 -- 7:30 p.m.)
Unlike most coaches, Tom Coughlin typically plays his starters for a bit in the final preseason game, and this year will be no different. The Giants' first-teamers could certainly use the extra reps, too, as the offense needs to show more consistency and the run defense has been gashed in the first three games.
Jimmy Garoppolo has proven himself to be a reliable backup quarterback during preseason, and that's probably the best news that could have come out of Patriots camp this summer.
Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions
(Away: WKBW-ABC 7; Home: WJBK-FOX 2 -- 7:30 p.m.)
This game might not feature any starters, but the battle of the backups is one to watch here in Detroit. Rex Ryan named Tyrod Taylor his starting quarterback. Can EJ Manuel convince the coaches that he's worth keeping on the roster, or will the Bills go with the veteran Matt Cassel?
Lions head coach Jim Caldwell told reporters on Tuesday that wide receiver and returner are two spots that are still up for grabs heading into the fourth preseason game. Among those who could make a push in Thursday night's game are Greg Salas, TJ Jones and Jeremy Ross.
Carolina Panthers at Pittsburgh Steelers
(Away: WCCB-CW 18; Home: KDKA-CBS 2 -- 7:30 p.m.)
The Panthers' wide receiver position battle is wide-open entering the preseason finale, according to head coach Ron Rivera. There is little certainty on the roster beyond veterans Jerricho Cotchery and Ted Ginn Jr. as the team tries to figure out its depth chart following the loss of Kelvin Benjamin.
The Steelers are working on their third kicker of the preseason after signing Josh Scobee this week in the wake of injuries to Shaun Suisham and Garrett Hartley. Fans in Pittsburgh are probably just hoping that he comes out of this game unscathed, though a few good kicks would be nice to see as well.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Washington
(Away: WJXT Channel 4; Home: WRC-NBC 4 -- 7:30 p.m.)
With Julius Thomas possibly sidelined for 4-5 weeks, Thursday's game is an prime opportunity for the backup tight ends to make a case for extended regular season reps alongside starter Marcedes Lewis. Clay Harbor and Nic Jacobs are the primary guys expected to step up in Thomas' absence.
Kirk Cousins is going to be the starter for Washington's regular season opener, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's going to keep the No. 1 job for the entire season, especially if he plays poorly in the first few weeks. With Robert Griffin III's status still unclear, it is Colt McCoy's time to shine.
Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears
(Away: WEWS-ABC 5; Home: WFLD-FOX 32 -- 8 p.m.)
The Browns continue to search for answers in their running back corps as they prepare for the regular season. Terrance West (22 carries, 78 yards) and Isaiah Crowell (17 carries, 47 yards) have gotten the most reps but have hardly impressed. Could Jalen Parmele and Timothy Flanders make a late push for more touches?
Bears backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen has been diagnosed with a concussion, so that means that fans at Soldier Field will get to see third-stringer David Fales take most of the snaps against the Browns.
Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys
(Away: KTRK-ABC 13; Home: KTVT-CBS 11 -- 8 p.m.)
Quarterback Tom Savage is going to start for the Texans on Thursday, as head coach Bill O'Brien wants to see how he handles the offense with some of the younger players. Through three games, Savage has the team's highest passer rating (98.7) but likely won't rise above No. 3 on the depth chart.
One player to watch for on the Cowboys is receiver/returner Lucky Whitehead. The rookie out of Florida Atlantic might have lost out on the punt return job to Cole Beasley, but he did move a step closer to making the roster as receiver after catching a touchdown pass from Tony Romo last week against the Vikings.
Kansas City Chiefs at St. Louis Rams
(Away: KCTV-CBS 5; Home: KTVI-FOX 2 -- 8 p.m.)
Chase Daniel will start at quarterback, but Aaron Murray will definitely see some time and it could be a very important game for the second-year player to show that he's capable of leading the offense. Daniel is in the final year of his contract and Murray has the inside track to be the No. 2 guy for next season.
The quarterbacks will also be in the spotlight for the Rams in this game. Jeff Fisher announced on Tuesday that Case Keenum had won the backup spot behind Nick Foles, but the No. 3 job is still up for grabs in a competition between Austin Davis and Sean Mannion.
Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans
(Away: KMSP-FOX 9; Home: WKRN-ABC 2 -- 8 p.m.)
One of the more interesting position battles for the Vikings is on the offensive line. The starting five is still a work in progress because of injuries, plus you have guys like David Yankey and Austin Shepherd competing for backup spots.
Marcus Mariota likely won't play, so this could be a primetime audition for backup quarterback Zach Mettenberger. There has been a lot of chatter about trading Mettenberger, but so far the Titans have given no indication they want to part with the second-year player.
Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos
(Away: KNXV-ABC 15; Home: KTVD-My 20 -- 9 p.m.)
Most of the Cardinals starters are not expected to be on the field, but a few key players returning from injury should see some action. Head coach Bruce Arians said that running back Chris Johnson and projected starting linebacker Sean Weatherspoon will play in Denver.
This is a key game for Broncos backup quarterback Brock Osweiler, who is slated to play at least the first half and needs to make a strong impression on the coaching staff. Osweiler is set to be a free agent after this season, and the Broncos have to decide if he is going to be a part of the team's future or not.
San Diego Chargers at San Francisco 49ers
(Away: KFMB-CBS 8; Home: KPIX-CBS 5; NFL Network -- 10 p.m.)
One player to focus on for the Chargers is backup tight end John Phillips, who is in line to get extended regular season reps while Antonio Gates serves his four-game suspension. Phillips has two catches for 11 yards in 71 snaps through the first three preseason games.
If there is one can't-miss backup player, it might be 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne. The former Australian Rugby League star doesn't have a guaranteed spot on the 53-man roster yet, but has been arguably the most electrifying guy on the field for San Francisco -- and maybe the entire league -- this preseason.
Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks
(Away: KTVU-FOX 2; Home: KCPQ-FOX 13 -- 10 p.m.)
With the release of Trent Richardson, the Raiders' backup running back job is still up for grabs. Latavius Murray is going to be the featured guy, but the door is now open for Roy Helu Jr., Michael Dyer and Taiwan Jones to make their case for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.
During his Tuesday press conference, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll singled out the cornerback position as one to watch in Thursday's preseason finale. Tharold Simon, Mohammed Seisay and Will Blackmon should all get significant snaps as they fight for playing time with the Legion of Boom.