The clock is nearing midnight on the 2025 NFL preseason, marking the final weekend of preseason games. Teams are preparing for the regular season and the crucial 53-man roster cutdown day on Tuesday.
This last preseason matchup provides players a chance to prove they deserve a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad. While some starters will take the field to prepare for Week 1, other teams choose to rest their key players.
The final weekend presents a mix of strategies. For instance, the Chiefs deployed their starters, including Patrick Mahomes, whereas the Eagles opted to rest most of their first-team lineup. The Titans featured Cameron Ward as their starter, while the Bears had Caleb Williams taking the snaps, highlighting several rookie quarterbacks in action on Friday night.
Patrick Mahomes Excels in Final Preseason Game
Head coach Andy Reid usually plays his starters throughout the preseason lineup, and this game was no exception, with Mahomes playing longer than anticipated. He appeared to be in midseason form, making a 58-yard connection with Tyquan Thornton, a classic Mahomes deep pass. He also tossed a 20-yard touch pass to Travis Kelce and a touchdown pass to Rashee Rice, underscoring their impressive teamwork.
Mahomes ended the game completing 8 of 13 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown (124.8 rating), marking his highest yardage total in any preseason matchup. The Chiefs scored on all three series during Mahomes’ playtime, and he seems set for a standout season with a talented supporting cast.
Cameron Ward Prepares for Opening Week
Cameron Ward may not have played much in the third preseason game, but as the Titans’ number one overall draft pick, he is slated to be their Week 1 starter. In his two series, he completed 3 of 4 passes for 36 yards, including a notable 17-yard throw to Van Jefferson. Ward led the Titans on a 13-play, 90-yard touchdown drive during his second series, demonstrating composure and precise throwing as supported by a bolstered offensive line.
Van Jefferson Fights for a Roster Spot
Amid the Titans’ draft picks at wide receiver, including Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, and the signing of Tyler Lockett, Van Jefferson’s future on the roster remains uncertain due to his one-year, $1.67 million contract. In his last bid to secure a roster spot, he excelled on Friday night, catching three passes for 105 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown. Jefferson also caught Ward’s 17-yard pass, complicating the decision for the Titans’ coaching staff.
Caleb Williams Tuned Up for Season Opener
Caleb Williams also took the field against the Chiefs in preparation for the upcoming Week 1 battle against the Vikings. He finished with a successful 11 of 15 throws for 113 yards and a touchdown during the first half, scoring twice during his four possessions although only after the Chiefs’ starters exited the game. His touchdown pass to Rome Odunze showcased his ability to effectively read the field.
As Williams wraps up the preseason, he has completed 17 of 25 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions (122.1 rating), leaving the Bears feeling optimistic about his performance moving forward.
Strong Performances by NFC East Kickers
Although the Eagles and Cowboys rested their starters during the final preseason game, their kickers made a mark. Jake Elliott was flawless on the night, converting all four of his field goal attempts, including successful kicks from distances of 51 and 53 yards during the first half, and a 45-yarder in the fourth quarter. Likewise, Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey impressed with a standout 64-yard field goal just before halftime, solidifying their readiness as the season approaches.
