QB intrigue and line battles take center stage in 2026 Preseason Week 3

NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice previews Week 3 of the 2026 preseason, noting many starters will rest as teams lean into quarterback depth battles, protect the QB’s blind side, and evaluate key playmakers across 16 games. The 10 items to watch include QB1 questions for Falcons and Raiders, multiple QB2/3 battles around Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, the Chargers, Rams, Vikings, Saints, Jets, Eagles, Steelers and Buccaneers; who protects Caleb Williams’ blind side and Patrick Mahomes’ front; concerns about the Chargers’ interior line after injuries; Carnell Tate’s first big target opportunity; emergent players in Cincinnati and Philadelphia; the LaFleur brothers facing off in Green Bay; and whether Baltimore can extend its long preseason winning streak. In short, Week 3 is less about star power and more about depth, protection, and growth as teams finalize rosters.