I used to wait with great anticipation for the NFL preseason to start. But, for the past few years, I’m just not as into it. Sure, it’s a nice filler during that last stretch of summer when I’m super excited for football to start. But, sometimes I ask myself, does the NFL preseason even matter?
Why Does the NFL Preseason Matter?
Of course, the NFL preseason has zero bearing on regular-season standings. But, don’t be mistaken. The NFL preseason still matters. It can be a little boring, especially because you rarely see starters on the field. But, the preseason is kind of a dress rehearsal to see how your team’s chemistry is going into the regular season. It’s also a chance for teams’ newer players to get some experience on the field.
Perhaps the biggest reason the preseason matters is because it helps coaches solidify their 53-man-roster.
As Marca.com notes, “Rookies are looking to show off their skills for the first time, veterans are vying to prove their worth, coaches are seeing their schemes materialize for the first time, and it’s the first time teams can do ‘dress rehearsals’ for game days.”
Marca.com adds that, “Players get their first full-speed competition and coaches are focused on looking at their individual technique and execution. This is where they start to bring their ratings up and where they see how they stack against their teammates in the depth chart.”
Towards the end of the preseason, you can expect to see teams release players that won’t make their roster. Often times, coaches have put these players on the field during preseason games to see how they perform. If they don’t perform well, teams release them and give those players a chance to get picked up by other NFL teams.
Think of it like dating. These teams “date” certain secondary players during the preseason. Once they go out on enough dates, if they like what they see and experience, they might ask them to “commit” to their roster.
As for that roster for the regular season, NFL teams are allowed to have 53 players on their final roster. The NFL implemented a new rule in March 2024 allowing teams to have until Tuesday, August 28 at 4 p.m. ET to send in their final roster. That’s only 48 hours after the final preseason game. So, players who are left off the main roster can only hope to join a practice squad with the same team or a different team. Once the season starts, they could also get called up, so all hope is not lost.
The 2024 NFL season marks the 105th season of the NFL.
The season will start on Sept. 5, 2024, with reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City hosting Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Kickoff Game. The regular season will run through Jan. 5, 2025.