The NFL’s Preseason. Does It Matter?

“The best players will always play. I don’t care if you’re a rookie. I don’t care if you’re a vet. It does not matter.” Coach Coen from the Jacksonville Jaguars

Coach Coen does not care. He wants the best out there at all times. Trust me, he is not the only one. Coaches are gearing up for the NFL preseason. What is it?

What Is The Preseason?

The preseason is 3 weeks of exhibition games. These are games that do not count toward the team’s official win-loss record. Although the preseason scores or records don’t count. All NFL coaches know that those first 3 games are vital despite the risk of injuries. The offseason is over; the players have been drafted, but not everyone will make the team.

These first weeks are not for the fans, it’s for the players and coaches. That is why the stadiums are usually not that busy. These games are known as exhibition games. These are training matches that serve as a warm-up for the coaches to test out plays, improve their strategy, and build their roster.

NFL’s 2022 Rookies

Players Build Momentum

Players get a chance to perform in a real game against a different team instead of playing against each other. Even if the scores aren’t real, the consequences are. For the players already on the roster, they have the opportunity to get back on the field and build back that momentum.

The Cutdown Date

However, for those not yet secured, this is their only way to fight for a spot on the roster. They have to show that they are useful, a good fit for the team and are coach-able. The NFL standard is higher than the college criteria. Coaches and coordinators are running risk assessments and will have to make a decision on the date. Because 37 players will be cut before the regular season. In other words… You gotta play. You have got to be ballin out! During the preseason teams can have a maximum of 90 players. After the exhibition games, each team will have to cut players to fit the regular season maximum. We call it the cutdown; prepare to be humbled because a player can be drafted a couple months ago and cut down right before week 4. On the cutdown day, there will only be 53 players left. You can good and still be let go all because you didn’t put yourself out there enough. It is better to be dropped because you didn’t do well than to be dropped because nobody saw you.

Preseason Rematches

There will be 10 rematches during the 2026 preseason. Below are the scores from the 2025 preseason. Personally, I think teams that have rematches during the preseason will judge those games harsher than their other games. Teams are not going to put their stars on the field, they’re going to put those still competing for a spot. This can be their chance to shine and show that they have an impact.

NFL preseason rematch 2025 scores

Conclusion

So yes, the NFL preseason does matter. Players are fighting for a spot to make the team. Everyone is focused on the draft, but many players are not in the clear until they pass the cutdown. The first 3 weeks give a great preview into what we can expect, and coaches still have time to tidy up their team for a chance to make it to the Super Bowl and take home that Lombardi.

I will be watching the preseason and looking out for any wicked comebacks.