NFL Preseason Games Today: Friday Matchups, MyBookie Odds and Players to Watch

The final weekend of the 2026 NFL preseason continues Friday, August 28, with 10 games stretching from the Washington Commanders-Baltimore Ravens opener at 6 p.m. ET through the Minnesota Vikings-Denver Broncos nightcap at 9 p.m.

Friday’s schedule offers one final opportunity for rookies, backup quarterbacks and roster-bubble players to earn jobs before teams reduce their rosters to 53 players. Several established starters will sit after completing their preparation during joint practices, while a handful of teams will use limited first-team snaps as a final regular-season tuneup.

The official NFL schedule includes Washington at Baltimore, Houston at Carolina, Atlanta at Miami, Tampa Bay at Jacksonville, the New York Giants at the New York Jets, New Orleans at Dallas, Seattle at Kansas City, Cincinnati at Philadelphia, Arizona at Green Bay and Minnesota at Denver. (NFL.com)

The betting lines below were listed by MyBookie Friday morning. NFL preseason odds can change substantially after quarterback rotations and inactive lists become public, so readers should confirm the latest numbers before placing a wager.

Washington Commanders at Baltimore Ravens

Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
TV/streaming: NFL Network, NFL+
MyBookie line: Ravens -2.5 (-110); Commanders +2.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Ravens -140; Commanders +114
Over/under: 33.5 points

The Commanders and Ravens begin Friday’s schedule after their starters received most of their meaningful work during a joint practice earlier in the week.

Washington’s starting offense struggled during that session as injuries forced the Commanders to use several reserve offensive linemen. Jayden Daniels acknowledged that the unit did not perform to its expected level, but Friday’s game should belong primarily to backups and players attempting to secure the final roster positions. (nfl.com)

Baltimore enters the finale 2-0 in the preseason. Lamar Jackson is unlikely to see substantial action, leaving the Ravens’ reserve quarterbacks and offensive linemen to handle most of the work.

The most important evaluation may come along Washington’s offensive line. Its reserves must protect well enough for the coaching staff to evaluate the quarterbacks, running backs and receivers competing behind the starters. Special-teams performance will also carry considerable weight for both teams.

Key matchup: Washington’s depleted offensive-line rotation against Baltimore’s defensive depth.

Betting outlook: Baltimore’s preseason success and home-field advantage help explain the Ravens’ status as a slight favorite. The low total reflects the expected absence of both starting quarterbacks and the likelihood of a reserve-heavy game. MyBookie listed Baltimore at -2.5 with a 33.5-point total Friday morning. (mybookie.ag)

Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers

Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
TV/streaming: NFL+, Panthers Television Network
MyBookie line: Texans -1 (-110); Panthers +1 (-110)
Moneyline: Texans -114; Panthers -107
Over/under: 36 points

Houston and Carolina completed an intense joint practice Wednesday, likely reducing the number of established starters who will play Friday.

Panthers coach Dave Canales indicated that the joint session could provide enough work for Bryce Young and the first-team offense. Young faced heavy pressure from Houston stars Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter during practice, giving Carolina a meaningful test without exposing its starters to unnecessary preseason snaps. (panthers.com)

If Young sits, Kenny Pickett and rookie Haynes King should receive the bulk of Carolina’s quarterback work. King remains an important developmental player after Will Grier’s retirement simplified the Panthers’ quarterback depth chart.

Houston has several jobs still in play. Solomon Byrd is competing along the defensive front, British Brooks is trying to establish his value at fullback and on special teams, and Alijah Huzzie and Tremon Smith remain involved in a secondary battle. Offensive lineman Jake Andrews also needs a strong finish after apparently losing ground in the competition at center. (battleredblog.com)

Key matchup: Carolina’s reserve offensive line against Houston’s deep defensive front.

Betting outlook: MyBookie made Houston a one-point road favorite in what is essentially a pick’em game. The Texans may own the deeper defensive rotation, but Carolina has played four exhibitions because of its Hall of Fame Game appearance and could benefit from additional experience.

Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins

Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
TV/streaming: NFL+, local affiliates
MyBookie line: Falcons -4 (-110); Dolphins +4 (-110)
Moneyline: Falcons -188; Dolphins +150
Over/under: 36.5 points

The night’s most compelling individual storyline features Tua Tagovailoa returning to Miami in a Falcons uniform.

Atlanta plans to start Tagovailoa against his former team while Michael Penix Jr. continues preparing for the regular season after receiving medical clearance to resume full-team practice. Penix will not play Friday. Cooper Rush and Jack Strand are expected to follow Tagovailoa in Atlanta’s quarterback rotation. (reuters.com)

Coach Kevin Stefanski has not formally closed Atlanta’s quarterback competition. The Falcons intend to use at least some starters Friday, making this game more closely resemble a traditional preseason dress rehearsal than most finales. (atlantafalcons.com)

Miami’s final evaluations include fullback D.J. Herman, a converted linebacker who has helped his chances with his blocking, receiving ability and versatility. The Dolphins also recently acquired running back Jarquez Hunter from the Rams in a trade involving receiver Tutu Atwell. (thephinsider.com)

Key matchup: Atlanta’s first-team offense against Miami’s early defensive rotation.

Betting outlook: The confirmed appearance of Tagovailoa and other Atlanta starters helps explain why the Falcons are Friday’s largest MyBookie favorite. The line moved between Atlanta -3.5 and -4 in available listings, demonstrating how quickly preseason prices can change. (mybookie.ag)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville
TV/streaming: NFL+, WFLA, FOX30
MyBookie line: Buccaneers -3 (-110); Jaguars +3 (-110)
Moneyline: Buccaneers -156; Jaguars +127
Over/under: 35.5 points

Tampa Bay can complete a perfect preseason after improving to 2-0 with a 16-15 comeback victory over Kansas City.

The Buccaneers are expected to rest Baker Mayfield and most of their important regular-season players. That will turn the finale into an extended audition for players involved in battles at inside linebacker, tight end and several special-teams positions. (buccaneers.com)

Jacksonville coach Liam Coen has also said that Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ front-line players will not appear. Defensive ends Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, tight end Brenton Strange and receiver Parker Washington are among the established players expected to sit. (jaguars.com)

With both teams protecting their starters, backup quarterback play will likely decide the game. Reserve offensive linemen will also receive significant attention after the teams spent two days competing against each other in joint practices.

Key matchup: Tampa Bay’s reserve linebackers against Jacksonville’s backup running game and tight ends.

Betting outlook: MyBookie favored the Buccaneers by three points, likely reflecting their 2-0 record and stronger preseason results. The 35.5-point total suggests a relatively conservative game controlled by backup quarterbacks and reserve offenses.

New York Giants at New York Jets

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
TV/streaming: NBC 4 New York, NFL+
MyBookie line: Giants -3.5 (-110); Jets +3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Giants -169; Jets +137
Over/under: 36.5 points

The annual preseason meeting between New York’s NFL teams carries particular importance for players on both sides of the MetLife Stadium rivalry.

The Jets will rest starting quarterback Geno Smith and most of their first-team lineup. Cade Klubnik is expected to serve as Smith’s regular-season backup, leaving Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe to compete for a possible practice-squad position. (nypost.com)

New York also needs to make difficult decisions at receiver. Arian Smith offers special-teams ability but has struggled with drops, Tim Patrick has not separated himself during camp and undrafted rookie Malik McClain remains in contention. Cornerback Jordan Clark has performed well but faces a crowded depth chart.

For the Giants, veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has an opportunity to strengthen his roster case following Calvin Austin’s injury. Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., defensive lineman Darius Alexander and cornerbacks Deonte Banks and Paulson Adebo are among the other players with something meaningful at stake. (bigblueview.com)

Key matchup: The Giants’ receivers against the Jets’ crowded reserve secondary.

Betting outlook: MyBookie made the Giants a 3.5-point favorite. The weather deserves monitoring, as forecasts indicated a possibility of thunderstorms around MetLife Stadium. (bigblueview.com)

Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles

Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
TV/streaming: CBS, Paramount+, NFL+
MyBookie line: Eagles -2.5 (-110); Bengals +2.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Eagles -148; Bengals +121
Over/under: 36.5 points

The unbeaten Bengals bring a 2-0 preseason record to Philadelphia for Friday’s only nationally televised game on CBS. The Eagles enter the finale 0-2. (Cincinnati Bengals – bengals.com)

Philadelphia’s most interesting evaluation involves the quarterback depth chart behind Jalen Hurts. Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee have divided second-team work throughout training camp, while rookie Cole Payton represents the developmental option.

Dalton started Philadelphia’s first two preseason games, but the Eagles must determine whether it makes sense to carry four quarterbacks. Dalton’s experience provides insurance, McKee offers familiarity with the offense and Payton could become a long-term project. (philadelphiaeagles.com)

Cincinnati will likely protect most of its established offensive stars. That should give the Bengals’ reserve offensive linemen and receivers an extended opportunity against an Eagles defense with several depth positions still unsettled.

Key matchup: Philadelphia’s backup quarterbacks against Cincinnati’s reserve secondary.

Betting outlook: Despite Cincinnati’s unbeaten exhibition record, MyBookie favored Philadelphia by 2.5 points at home. The Eagles’ quarterback depth may be contributing to the price, although preseason records rarely provide a reliable picture of regular-season quality.

New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys

Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TV/streaming: ESPN Unlimited, NFL+, local CBS affiliates
MyBookie line: Cowboys -2.5 (-110); Saints +2.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Cowboys -139; Saints +113
Over/under: 38.5 points

New Orleans enters its finale searching for a response after suffering a 34-0 loss to the Rams.

Saints coach Kellen Moore is expected to rest most of his starters, including quarterback Tyler Shough. The focus will fall on Zach Wilson and Spencer Rattler, neither of whom secured the backup job with his performance against Los Angeles. Wilson completed 6 of 12 passes for 55 yards and an interception, while Rattler threw for 141 yards but surrendered a pick-six. (canalstreetchronicles.com)

Dallas has received considerably stronger quarterback play. Joe Milton III has thrown for 286 preseason yards and three touchdowns, while Sam Howell remains involved in the competition to back up Dak Prescott. Milton’s arm strength and production have given him an advantage, but Howell will have one final opportunity to close the gap. (canalstreetchronicles.com)

New Orleans running back Kendre Miller is another player to watch against a Dallas defense that has allowed 242 rushing yards during the preseason.

Key matchup: The Saints’ secondary against Milton and Dallas’ reserve receivers.

Betting outlook: MyBookie favored Dallas by 2.5 points and posted one of Friday’s higher totals at 38.5. The Cowboys’ productive backup quarterbacks make them understandable favorites against a Saints offense coming off a shutout.

Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs

Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
TV/streaming: ESPN Unlimited, NFL+, local NBC affiliates
MyBookie line: Seahawks -0.5 (-110); Chiefs +0.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Seahawks -112; Chiefs -109
Over/under: 34.5 points

Something has to give when two 0-2 teams complete their preseasons at Arrowhead Stadium.

Seattle coach Mike Macdonald announced that Jalen Milroe will start and play the entire game. The extended opportunity gives Milroe a chance to demonstrate his command of the offense after an uneven preseason. His previous extended preseason appearance produced 148 passing yards and a touchdown but also three lost fumbles. (fieldgulls.com)

The Seahawks plan to rest their starters, making the quality of the reserve offensive line and receiving corps particularly important for Milroe.

Kansas City’s offense has scored only one touchdown through two preseason games. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ essential starters are not expected to receive meaningful action, turning the game over to the quarterbacks and skill-position players competing for backup jobs.

Key matchup: Milroe’s ball security and mobility against Kansas City’s reserve pass rush.

Betting outlook: MyBookie’s half-point spread makes this the closest game of the night. Seattle’s plan to use one quarterback for all four quarters provides continuity, but Milroe will be working with a lineup composed largely of backups. The low 34.5-point total reflects both teams’ limited preseason production. (Football Odds and Insights)

Arizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers

Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay
TV/streaming: NFL+, Packers TV Network
MyBookie line: Cardinals -0.5 (-110); Packers +0.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Cardinals -111; Packers -110
Over/under: 36 points

Arizona and Green Bay meet after conducting a joint practice Wednesday, which likely provided most starters with their final substantial preseason work.

The game features an unusual family matchup between Packers coach Matt LaFleur and Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur. It marks the teams’ first preseason meeting since 2013 and their first preseason-finale matchup since 1983. (packers.com)

Jordan Love is unlikely to receive an extended workload after already getting preseason snaps earlier this month. Green Bay instead can use the finale to evaluate its reserve quarterbacks, offensive-line depth and special-teams combinations.

Arizona will also turn most of the evening over to backups after using Wednesday’s joint practice to test its front-line players. The Cardinals recently released running back Trey Benson, creating additional interest in the reserve running back and special-teams roles.

Key matchup: Green Bay’s reserve offensive line against Arizona’s young defensive front.

Betting outlook: MyBookie listed Arizona as a half-point favorite Friday morning, making the matchup essentially a pick’em. Earlier listings had Arizona favored by 2.5 points, so the movement toward Green Bay may reflect changing expectations regarding playing time. (Football Odds and Insights)

Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos

Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver
TV/streaming: NFL Network, NFL+
MyBookie line: Broncos -3.5 (-110); Vikings +3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Broncos -196; Vikings +158
Over/under: 38 points

Friday’s final game includes uncertainty surrounding Minnesota’s quarterback rotation.

The Vikings will rest Kyler Murray and most of their established starters. J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer were all under consideration for playing time, but McCarthy missed Wednesday’s practice because of an ankle injury suffered during Minnesota’s second preseason game. His availability will influence both the rotation and the betting market. (vikings.com)

Minnesota enters with a 1-1 record after beating the Giants 13-10 and losing 13-3 to Baltimore. The Vikings need better execution from their reserve offensive line after McCarthy absorbed several hits in the previous game.

Denver’s home finale will emphasize depth evaluations rather than its established starters. The Broncos’ defense and running game have generally provided a favorable environment for their quarterbacks during the preseason.

Key matchup: Minnesota’s backup offensive line against Denver’s pass-rush depth.

Betting outlook: MyBookie made Denver a 3.5-point favorite and priced the Broncos at -196 on the moneyline. McCarthy’s ankle issue and Minnesota’s uncertain quarterback plan are significant factors behind the spread. (Football Odds and Insights)

What to Watch in Friday’s NFL Preseason Games

Friday’s results will mean less than the individual performances behind them. Coaches will focus heavily on backup-quarterback efficiency, offensive-line versatility, tackling, return ability and special-teams coverage when making their final roster decisions.

Players on the bubble are not auditioning only for their current teams. Every NFL personnel department will review the film before waiver claims and practice-squad signings begin.

For bettors, the most important information will arrive shortly before kickoff. Confirmed quarterback rotations, starter snap counts, weather and reserve offensive-line absences can change a preseason betting line more dramatically than traditional team power ratings.

MyBookie odds were available Friday morning, August 28, 2026, and are subject to change. This article provides informational coverage and does not guarantee betting outcomes.

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