As football fever builds ahead of the 2025 NFL regular season, all eyes are on “Cardinals vs Raiders”, the Week 3 preseason showdown on August 23, 2025, at State Farm Stadium, Glendale. This pivotal matchup isn’t just an exhibition—it’s a stage where rising stars, returning veterans, and strategic depth charts collide. From special offensive weapons to defensive reinforcements, this blog offers:
- Key players to watch, based on their past performance
- Fit/active player status ahead of the matchup
- Viewing details—when, where, and how to watch
- Match venue & timing specifics
- A step-by-step, interactive guide, built for readers craving excitement and clarity
- Valid external links for official confirmation and further info
- Google AdSense-friendly disclaimer
Let’s gear up for a full breakdown of everything you need to know about this showdown… with no SEO jargon—just passionate, fact-based storytelling.
1. Why “Cardinals vs Raiders” Preseason Week 3 Is a Hot Ticket
1.1 Timing & Context
- The matchup is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM MST (9:00 PM ET) at State Farm Stadium, Arizona’s home turf (Revenge of the Birds, statefarmstadium.com, FOX Sports, NBC).
- It’s the final preseason game for both teams—often when coaches solidify final roster decisions (Revenge of the Birds, Las Vegas Raiders).
1.2 Historical Significance
- This marks the 18th all-time preseason meeting between the Cardinals and Raiders—first since the Raiders moved to Las Vegas in 2020 (statefarmstadium.com, Revenge of the Birds).
2. Players to Watch: Who Has ‘Past Records’ That Demand Attention?
2.1 Arizona Cardinals Highlights
- Trey McBride (Tight End)
- Coming off a Pro Bowl–worthy 2024 with 111 receptions for 1,146 yards, McBride signed a massive four-year, $76 million extension on April 3, 2025—making him the highest-paid tight end in NFL history at the time (Wikipedia).
- He’s undeniably a focal point of the Cardinals’ offense.
- Calais Campbell (Defensive End/Veteran Wrecking Ball)
- NFL legend Calais returned to Arizona on a one-year, $5.5 million contract signed April 1, 2025 (Wikipedia).
- Known for his pass-rush experience and locker-room leadership, his presence will be crucial.
- Zay Jones (Wide Receiver)
- A consistent playmaker, Jones holds the NCAA Division I records for career and single-season receptions—bringing veteran reliability to the Cardinals’ passing game (Wikipedia).
- Bilal Nichols (Defensive End)
- Acquired in early 2024, Nichols brings edge-rushing depth and has contributed before his injury late last year. His return to form will be something to watch (Wikipedia).
2.2 Las Vegas Raiders Standouts
- Raheem Mostert (Running Back)
- A top-tier playmaker, Mostert led the league in rushing touchdowns and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2023. With 3,791 career rushing yards and 42 total TDs, he’s a game-breaker who could shift preseason momentum (Wikipedia).
- Thomas Booker (Defensive Tackle)
- Recently acquired from Philadelphia, Booker is a run-defending specialist known for his versatility on the line. He’s a likely depth-shift piece at DT (Silver And Black Pride).
- Raiders DT Depth Concerns
- Facing notable depth issues after Christian Wilkins’ release, personal leave for Adam Butler, and Leki Fotu sidelined, the team’s DT rotation is fluid. Booker’s acquisition and pickups like Keondre Coburn reflect how seriously they’re addressing it (Silver And Black Pride).
3. Fit & Playing Status: Who’s Good to Go?
- McBride, Campbell, Jones likely are cleared and expected to suit up. No conflicting reports as of August 18, 2025.
- Bilal Nichols: Return status isn’t explicitly detailed—worth watching training camp updates.
- Raiders’ DT corps remains under evaluation—Booker is expected to play; others may rotate depending on health and camp performance.
4. Where & How to Watch
- National TV: NFL Network will air the game, with a broadcast window of 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT or 7 PM MST (FOX Sports, NBC).
- Local Coverage: Cards’ games broadcast via Cardinals Broadcast Network; Raiders likely through FOX5 Vegas (Revenge of the Birds, Las Vegas Raiders).
- Streaming Access: NFL+ subscribers can stream preseason games, subject to blackout restrictions (NFL.com).
5. Match Details: Venue, Date, & Kickoff
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, August 23, 2025 |
| Time | 7:00 PM MST (9:00 PM ET; 7:00 PM PT) |
| Venue | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ |
| Broadcast | NBC/NFL Network nationally; local Cards Network; FOX5 Vegas |
(statefarmstadium.com, Revenge of the Birds, FOX Sports, NBC, Las Vegas Raiders, NFL.com)
6. Interactive, User-Friendly Step-by-Step Guide for Fans
Step 1: Mark Your Calendar
Set a reminder for Aug 23, 2025, 7:00 PM MST, to catch the final chance to see key roster decisions unfold.
Step 2: Know the Players to Watch
- McBride – Highest-paid TE; breakout candidate
- Campbell – Veteran edge force
- Jones – Reliable target in passing A-game
- Nichols – Watch for defensive edge return
- Mostert – Big-play RB presence
- Booker & DT rotation – Crucial for Raiders’ run-stopping
Step 3: Check Your Viewing Options
- NFL Network for national coverage
- Local broadcast via Cardinals Network / FOX5 Vegas
- NFL+ streaming if you’re out of market
- Verify availability now on official carrier listings
Step 4: Send Your Pre-Game Plan
Share this blog with fellow fans—consider polls (e.g. “Team MVP?”), quizzes (“Guess McBride’s catches?”), and comment prompts (“Which rookie or vet impressed you today?”) to spark engagement.
Step 5: Post-Game Recap & Replay
- Catch highlights via team websites or Gameday Central for Raiders and Cardinals for box scores & replay (Las Vegas Raiders).
- Compare player performance vs expectations—did those key names deliver?
7. Why This Matters—Right Now, Preseason Week 3
- Last Glimpse before Cutdown
As preseason peaks, coaching staffs make roster decisions—spotting who earns final roster spots is pre-game theater. - Veteran Leadership Meets New Blood
Watching how Campbell anchors defense, how McBride leverages his contract expectations, or how Mostert still churns yardage gives storylines built on momentum and legacy. - Dynamic Position Battles
Particularly in Raiders’ defensive tackle depth chart, results here might preview how the regular season’s front lines will evolve. - Records & Reputation Fuel Story
McBride’s contract, Jones’ NCAA records, Campbell’s enduring presence, Mostert’s Pro Bowl résumé—these make headlines and search engines buzz.
8. Valid External Links for Further Info & Verification
(All links verified as of August 18, 2025)
- Arizona Cardinals official site – preseason schedule and tickets
- Las Vegas Raiders official site – preseason schedule details
- NFL.com or NBC Sports – full preseason television and streaming listings
- Raiders Gameday Central – live box score & highlights post-game
- Player bios (McBride, Campbell, Mostert, etc.) on official team websites or Wikipedia
9. Disclaimer
The information in this blog is for informational purposes only. All times, player statuses, and broadcast details are accurate as of August 18, 2025. Game plans, lineups, and broadcast availability are subject to change. Please verify final details with official team or league resources. All images used in this article are royalty‑free or licensed for commercial use and are provided here for illustrative purposes.
Conclusion
The Cardinals vs Raiders preseason finale on August 23 isn’t just another game—it’s where narratives culminate and future starters emerge. With seasoned icons like Calais Campbell, rising stars like Trey McBride, and dynamic threats like Raheem Mostert, each moment on the field carries weight.
So don’t just watch—immerse: check your viewing setup now, track our key names, engage with fellow fans, and return here for your recap review.
Ready for kickoff? Let’s ignite the NFL season, one preseason clash at a time.