Eight NFL teams are entering the 2026 preseason with particularly urgent needs heading into the regular season. These franchises will rely heavily on August games to address critical roster questions and prepare their squads for the competitive months ahead.
The Cleveland Browns face intense pressure at the quarterback position, with significant decisions looming about their signal-caller situation. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins are undertaking a comprehensive rebuild, requiring extensive evaluation time for their restructured roster during preseason contests.
Beyond these two organizations, the Las Vegas Raiders and several other franchises are also prioritizing preseason action to identify depth players, test new schemes, and ensure their lineups are fully integrated. Coaches across these teams recognize that August games provide irreplaceable opportunities to assess talent, build chemistry, and resolve personnel questions before stakes become official.
For these eight teams, the preseason represents far more than typical exhibition play—it serves as a crucial testing ground where roster decisions could significantly impact their eventual success or struggle during the regular season.
