NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds and Predictions 2026

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NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds and Predictions for 2026 now combine four completed Thursday games with picks for the 12 matchups still scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The biggest change from the previous version of this page is its status: the outdated 2025 preview has been replaced by a live 2026 update containing confirmed results, current betting lines and price-sensitive predictions for the remaining slate.

Thursday underdogs opened the final preseason week with a perfect 4-0 record against the spread, although Pittsburgh was the only one that covered without winning outright. Atlanta -3.5 is the strongest remaining side, Seattle at pick’em offers the clearest quarterback-usage advantage, and Tennessee -2.5 is the preferred Saturday wager.

The broader underdog trend remains important but should not become an automatic betting system. After recalculating the representative market grades from our NFL Preseason Week 1 results and NFL Preseason Week 2 results, teams receiving points are 27-9 against the spread through the first 36 games of the three-week preseason.

Quick NFL Preseason Week 3 Betting Takeaways

• Thursday underdogs: 4-0 against the spread and 3-1 straight up.
• Best overall bet: Atlanta Falcons -3.5, playable through -4.5.
• Best quarterback-usage angle: Seattle Seahawks at pick’em, playable through -1.
• Best Saturday bet: Tennessee Titans -2.5, playable through -3.
• Best underdog: Jacksonville Jaguars +3 or better.

Current NFL Preseason Week 3 Status

NFL Preseason Week 3 runs from Thursday, August 27 through Saturday, August 29. Four Thursday games are final, 10 games remain on Friday and the final two matchups are scheduled for Saturday.

The complete order of games, official kickoff times and completed scores are available through the official NFL Preseason Week 3 schedule.

Because this is an active slate, the most important information can still change. A confirmed quarterback rotation, late starter scratch or altered snap plan can move a preseason spread by one or two points and materially change whether a wager remains playable.

NFL Preseason Week 3 Thursday Results

Thursday produced four underdog covers and three outright upsets. Cleveland, San Francisco and the Los Angeles Rams won after entering as underdogs, while Pittsburgh covered in a one-point loss to Buffalo.

Cleveland delivered the largest Thursday result by beating New England by 24 points. The Browns were underdogs despite playing at home and controlled the game decisively enough to eliminate any late spread uncertainty.

Buffalo was the only Thursday favorite to win, but the Bills still failed to cover. Pittsburgh’s +3 ticket was protected by the one-point margin, creating another example of why selecting the correct winner and selecting the correct spread are separate decisions.

Totals finished 2-2. The San Francisco-Las Vegas game produced no offensive touchdowns, while Cleveland and New England cleared their total through the Browns’ 37-point performance.

Current NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds

The current NFL Preseason Week 3 odds remain tightly grouped. No Friday favorite is laying more than 3.5 points on the ScoresAndStats board, reflecting the uncertainty created by reserve quarterbacks, abbreviated starter appearances and late roster evaluation.

Friday, August 28 Odds

Saturday, August 29 Odds

Friday prices reflect the live ScoresAndStats market board. Saturday prices reflect the latest broadly available market snapshot at the time of the update. Bettors should compare the newest NFL odds before placing a wager because preseason lines can move quickly after one confirmed quarterback announcement.

2026 NFL Preseason Betting Trends

Underdogs have been the strongest broad betting result of the 2026 preseason. Using the representative market grades in these recaps, teams receiving points are 27-9 against the spread through the four completed Thursday games in Week 3.

A 27-9 record represents a 75 percent cover rate, but the result does not mean every remaining underdog is automatically undervalued. The market can respond by shortening favorite spreads, shading prices toward the underdog and reacting more aggressively to reports about starter usage.

The more useful lesson is that regular-season roster strength has repeatedly been overpriced. A team may possess the better starting quarterback and first-unit defense, but those advantages have limited betting value when the starters play only one or two series.

The totals trend has become less extreme. Unders went 12-4 during Week 1 before the second week split 8-8 and Thursday’s four games finished 2-2. The market has lowered several Week 3 totals into the 33.5 to 37.5 range, reducing the margin available to bettors who automatically expect inefficient reserve offense.

NFL Preseason Week 3 Friday Predictions

Washington Commanders vs. Baltimore Ravens Prediction

The Commanders vs. Ravens prediction favors Baltimore because its reserve-quarterback plan is more settled. Tyler Huntley is expected to open before Joe Fagnano and Austin Reed receive later work, while Washington is preparing to rely on Athan Kaliakmanis and Sam Hartman.

Baltimore’s trench depth should give that rotation the cleaner four-quarter environment. The current -3 is important because a three-point Ravens victory would push rather than lose. Once the number reaches -3.5, bettors surrender that protection in a low-total preseason game.

ScoresAndStats Pick: Baltimore Ravens -3. Projected score: Baltimore 20, Washington 14. Playable at -3 or better.

Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers Prediction

The Texans vs. Panthers prediction takes Carolina with the point. Houston is expected to use Davis Mills and Graham Mertz, while Carolina has a defined Kenny Pickett and Kyle Trask rotation after deciding to protect Bryce Young and most primary starters.

Houston may have the stronger overall roster, but that is not the central question in the finale. Carolina’s home-field operation and clearer reserve plan create enough of an edge to oppose a short road favorite.

ScoresAndStats Pick: Carolina Panthers +1. Projected score: Carolina 19, Houston 17. Playable at +1 or pick’em.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins Prediction

The Falcons vs. Dolphins prediction provides the strongest remaining side. Atlanta plans to use Tua Tagovailoa before turning to Cooper Rush and Jack Strand, giving the Falcons more established quarterback time than Miami’s expected reserve arrangement.

The early matchup handicap supported Atlanta at -4.5, so the current -3.5 offers a more favorable entry point. The Falcons still need their reserve offensive line and second-half quarterbacks to maintain the opening advantage, but crossing from -4.5 to -3.5 materially improves the bet.

The main risk is a late change to Tagovailoa’s participation. If Atlanta removes its planned starter appearance, the reason for laying more than a field goal becomes substantially weaker.

Our Best Pick: Atlanta Falcons -3.5. Projected score: Atlanta 23, Miami 16. Playable through -4.5.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Prediction

The Buccaneers vs. Jaguars prediction takes Jacksonville at the key number of +3. Baker Mayfield and Trevor Lawrence are both expected to sit, shifting the matchup toward Tampa Bay’s Jalon Daniels and Connor Bazelak against Jacksonville’s Nick Mullens, Carter Bradley and Joey Aguilar.

Tampa Bay has a modest quarterback-depth advantage, but the market is asking the Buccaneers to win by more than a field goal. Jacksonville needs only to keep a potentially low-scoring game within three points, and its younger receivers provide a path to one or two explosive plays at home.

ScoresAndStats Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars +3. Projected score: Tampa Bay 18, Jacksonville 17. Bet only at +3 or better.

New York Giants vs. New York Jets Prediction

The Giants vs. Jets prediction initially favored the Giants at -3, but the move to -3.5 removes the protection of the key field-goal margin. Jameis Winston and Brandon Allen give the Giants experienced backup play, while the Jets expect Cade Klubnik, Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe to handle nearly all of the quarterback work.

The total is the more attractive market at the current prices. Both coaching staffs have reasons to protect established players, and neither reserve offense needs to operate at an aggressive tempo. A 19-16 Giants victory would remain below 36.5 while allowing the Jets to cover the spread.

ScoresAndStats Pick: Under 36.5. Projected score: New York Giants 19, New York Jets 16. Playable at 36 or higher.

New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys Prediction

The Saints vs. Cowboys prediction leans toward Dallas, but the side has become less attractive at -2.5. The Cowboys were available near pick’em earlier in the week, meaning much of their quarterback and depth advantage is now included in the spread.

The under offers the better price-based decision. New Orleans is expected to use Zach Wilson, Spencer Rattler and Hunter Dekkers, while Dallas turns to Sam Howell and Joe Milton III with Dak Prescott resting. That setup creates enough competent quarterback play to move the ball, but not enough certainty to project sustained scoring above a relatively high preseason total.

ScoresAndStats Pick: Under 38.5. Projected score: Dallas 20, New Orleans 16. The edge becomes smaller at 37.5 and disappears below 37.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Green Bay Packers Prediction

The Cardinals vs. Packers prediction backs Arizona at +1. Gardner Minshew, Carson Beck and Kedon Slovis give the Cardinals several workable quarterback options, while Green Bay is preparing to divide its snaps among Tyrod Taylor, Kyle McCord and Kyron Drones.

Green Bay’s home field is worth less than usual when the game is controlled by reserve units. Arizona also offers bettors the point despite having a realistic chance to possess the cleaner quarterback sequence for most of the night.

ScoresAndStats Pick: Arizona Cardinals +1. Projected score: Arizona 19, Green Bay 17. Arizona’s moneyline is also playable near -110.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles Prediction

The Bengals vs. Eagles prediction favors Philadelphia at -2.5. Cincinnati plans to protect Joe Burrow and most established offensive starters, while Philadelphia can work through Andy Dalton, Tanner McKee and Cole Payton.

Philadelphia’s reserve-quarterback experience and roster depth justify a short home spread. The price remains playable through -3, but bettors should not lay -3.5 because one field goal could determine the final margin.

ScoresAndStats Pick: Philadelphia Eagles -2.5. Projected score: Philadelphia 20, Cincinnati 15. Playable through -3.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs Prediction

The Seahawks vs. Chiefs prediction contains the clearest playing-time advantage on the slate. Seattle has announced that Jalen Milroe will start and play the entire game, while Patrick Mahomes will sit and Kansas City is preparing to start Garrett Nussmeier.

A full game from one quarterback reduces the communication and substitution uncertainty that normally affects a preseason finale. Milroe’s mobility also gives Seattle an additional method of surviving breakdowns behind a reserve offensive line.

The price matters because some sportsbooks have already moved Seattle to -1.5. Pick’em remains attractive, -1 is playable and -1.5 removes too much value from a matchup expected to remain close.

ScoresAndStats Pick: Seattle Seahawks at pick’em. Projected score: Seattle 19, Kansas City 17. Playable through -1.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos Prediction

The Vikings vs. Broncos prediction supports Denver’s reserve depth. Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger provide the Broncos with an experienced quarterback combination, while Minnesota is expected to divide its meaningful work between J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz.

Denver’s home environment and more established second-half operation create the cleaner path, although -3.5 requires the Broncos to win by more than a field goal. The wager remains playable through -4 but becomes unattractive if the market reaches -4.5.

ScoresAndStats Pick: Denver Broncos -3.5. Projected score: Denver 21, Minnesota 16. Playable through -4.

NFL Preseason Week 3 Saturday Predictions

Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts Prediction

Indianapolis plans to use most available starters for approximately eight to 12 snaps, although Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor are not expected to participate. Anthony Richardson Sr. is positioned for the first quarter, Riley Leonard for the second and Easton Stick for much of the second half.

That quarterback plan makes Indianapolis the more likely winner, but the spread has crossed the key number of three. Detroit can lose by a field goal and still cover +3.5, while the Colts’ first-unit advantage is expected to last only a few possessions.

The wager is based on price rather than a claim that Detroit owns the better rotation. Indianapolis may lead early, but the Lions should receive enough second-half opportunities to remain within the number.

ScoresAndStats Pick: Detroit Lions +3.5. Projected score: Indianapolis 17, Detroit 16. Bet only at +3.5 or better.

Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans Prediction

Tennessee has indicated that its starters could receive approximately 20 to 25 plays, potentially giving Cam Ward and the first-unit offense close to a half of meaningful work. That plan is more aggressive than many teams use during the final preseason game.

Chicago completed joint-practice work before the game, creating a stronger reason to protect established players or use them briefly. Tennessee’s expected starter advantage and home field justify laying less than a field goal.

The risk is a late reduction in Tennessee’s planned workload. If the Titans decide the joint practices provided enough evaluation and remove several starters, the current handicap would need to be reconsidered.

ScoresAndStats Pick: Tennessee Titans -2.5. Projected score: Tennessee 23, Chicago 17. Playable through -3.

Best NFL Preseason Week 3 Bets

The best NFL Preseason Week 3 bets prioritize confirmed quarterback usage, favorable key numbers and prices that still reflect the uncertainty of exhibition football.

Atlanta is the top pick because its planned quarterback usage creates the largest identifiable advantage at a manageable spread. Seattle follows because Milroe’s full-game assignment removes more uncertainty than the market normally offers in a preseason finale.

Tennessee offers a strong first-half personnel case, while Jacksonville provides protection at the key number of three in a matchup with a total of only 34.5.

These selections are better suited to individual wagers than an aggressive parlay. One unexpected scratch, special-teams touchdown or fourth-quarter turnover can defeat an otherwise sound preseason handicap. Bettors can compare the updated slate with the latest NFL picks and predictions before kickoff.

How to Bet the Final Preseason Week

The final preseason week requires a different process from a regular-season NFL slate. The most recognizable players are often the least important part of the full-game handicap.

1. Confirm the quarterback rotation. Determine who will start, how long that quarterback is expected to play and which reserve will control the second half.
2. Protect key spread numbers. Laying -3 is materially different from laying -3.5, while taking +3 is more valuable than accepting +2.5.
3. Use smaller stakes. Unannounced snap limits and late scratches create more uncertainty than a normal regular-season matchup.
4. Prefer single-game wagers. Combining several volatile preseason outcomes can multiply uncertainty faster than it increases a genuine edge.
5. Recheck the market before betting. A pick made at -1 may no longer be attractive after the line moves to -2.5.

The ScoresAndStats Expert Betting Guide provides additional explanations of spreads, totals, implied probability, line shopping and responsible bankroll management.

NFL Preseason Week 3 FAQs