The NFL season is just under two weeks away. Before we get started though, NFL squads have a few more preseason games to pay. Week 3 will play itself out over the next few days (from Friday through Sunday) as 26 NFL teams take the field.
The Green Bay Packers will play Friday against the Indianapolis Colts, who are still without star quarterback Peyton Manning. The game is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.PT (8:00 ET) on CBS. Friday's other game features the NFC West's up-and-coming St. Louis Rams and the improving Kansas City Chiefs.
20 teams are in action on Saturday, with the Arizona Cardinals slated to take on the San Diego Chargers at 7:00 p.m. PT (10:00 ET). Both teams are 1-1 so far this preseason, and the Cardinals are looking to create some buzz for the season after last year's disappointing campaign. A win over the Chargers, who have talent and should contend this season, would provide just that.
The New England Patriots-Detroit Lions game will be the only nationally broadcast event on Saturday's docket in a battle between experience and youth. Both teams have been offensive machines thus far in the preseason, as the Patriots have racked up 78 points while the Lions have amassed an impressive 64 points of their own. If you like touchdowns, this may be the game for you. Expect a shoot-out when the game tips off at 4:00 p.m. PT (7:00 ET) on CBS.
Other interesting match-ups For Saturday include the New York Giants at the New York Giants (though the "at" isn't much more than a formality), the Atlanta Falcons at the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans at the San Francisco 49ers. The battle for New York in particular looks promising and should bring out the effort from both sides as they fight for bragging rights in the Big Apple.
Wrapping up Week 3 of the preseason, the Sunday night game pits the New Orleans Saints against the Oakland Raiders and will air at 5:00 p.m. PT (8:00 ET) on NBC.