Haven't preseason games always been somewhat regional? It seems they play Carolina or Baltimore every year. They play both this year. I remember growing up it seemed like they often played Pittsburgh.
Yeah, i 'think' they try to schedule regional preseason games and USUALLY go for an opponent not on your schedule. There was the one year we played 'hosted' Houston for a week, then played them in a preseason game.... did the same with New England if i'm remembering correctly.
BTW, i'm going to keep beating this drum, I used to LOVE watching the live scrimmage they used to have between Washington and Baltimore... there were a couple years they broadcast it on TV and would jump between position drills, then move to 7 on 7, then 11 on 11. It was much more 'controlled' than a preseason game, but it gave a similar type atmosphere. If the NFL wants to truly have their cake and eat it too... drop it to 2 pre-season games, but have ALL teams do a live scrimmage in their home stadiums. Sell tickets for $5 each... $5 for parking, and it's like two 'extra' preseason game, while turning a profit AND letting the teams evaluate players in 'close to' game situations. It's a win / win / win.