NFL Preseason Week 1: Ranking 5 best games to watch

3. Falcons at Dolphins – Thursday, Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m. ET

We’ve already seen the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason, technically, as they took on the Denver Broncos in the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 1. Given that the Hall of Fame Game simply gives the two competitors an extra preseason tilt, though, we didn’t see a lot of the bigger names for the Falcons that could be factors for them this season.

In truth, we may not see much more of that in this matchup with the Miami Dolphins, either, so don’t expect to see much of Matt Ryan and Julio Jones. However, we will certainly see more of rookie guard Chris Lindstrom, who will play a critical role in the Falcons’ offense success in 2019. Furthermore, high-upside rookies like Kendall Sheffield and John Cominsky could make some more splash plays.

The Falcons aren’t the reason that this game is one of the most fascinating of NFL Preseason Week 1, though. No, the primary reason that this game is one of the best exhibitions in this slate is the debut of Josh Rosen in South Beach, in addition to Brian Flores‘ first taste of action as a head coach.

As of right now, it doesn’t appear that Rosen will be the starter in Miami as he tries to pick up a new, far more complex offense while also shedding bad habits he’s developed. However, the talent with Rosen has always been evident and fans will get their first look at how the second-year quarterback is coming along — and make early determinations about whether he has the potential to be “the guy” in Miami.