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Rookie QBs and RBs Steal the Show in NFL Preseason Opener
9 Aug
Summary
- Rams' Stetson Bennett IV set for extended playing time
- 49ers' Patrick Taylor Jr. to see increased carries with injuries
- Titans' Cam Ward and Steelers' Travis Hunter make NFL debuts

The 2025 NFL preseason is set to begin on August 9th, with a full slate of eight games scheduled for Saturday. Half of the league's 32 teams will be in action, providing plenty of options for NFL DFS enthusiasts.
One of the most intriguing storylines is the potential breakout performances of several rookie players. Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett IV, a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is expected to see extensive playing time as starter Matthew Stafford and backup Jimmy Garoppolo are both expected to rest. Bennett has impressed during training camp and will look to showcase his skills in the preseason opener.
Another player to watch is 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. With veteran Christian McCaffrey sitting out and other backups dealing with injuries, Taylor could see a significant increase in carries. The former Memphis standout has a career yards per carry average of 4.3 and will look to make the most of his opportunity.
Elsewhere, the NFL debuts of Titans' first overall pick Cam Ward and Steelers' two-way player Travis Hunter are sure to generate excitement. Ward, a quarterback, and Hunter, who is expected to see time on both offense and defense, will look to make an immediate impact in their first professional games.