NFL Preseason Games Tonight: Matchups, Betting Lines and Key Players to Watch on August 27, 2026

The final week of the 2026 NFL preseason begins Thursday night with four games, including a nationally televised matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills and a late-night battle between the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.

For established starters, Thursday represents one final tuneup—or a night of rest—before the regular season. For rookies, backups and players on the roster bubble, however, every snap could determine whether they survive the NFL’s final cut to 53 players.

Tonight’s schedule features Pittsburgh at Buffalo at 7 p.m. ET, New England at Cleveland and San Francisco at Las Vegas at 8 p.m., followed by the Rams at the Chargers at 10 p.m. (nfl.com)

Betting lines listed below came from MyBookie and were available Thursday. Preseason odds can move quickly when teams announce quarterback rotations and inactive players, so bettors should confirm the latest numbers before kickoff.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills

Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Location: New Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
TV/streaming: NFL Network, NFL+
MyBookie line: Bills -2.5 (-110); Steelers +2.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Bills -150; Steelers +122
Over/under: 35.5 points

The Steelers and Bills open Thursday’s four-game schedule with a matchup likely to center on backup quarterbacks and offensive-line depth rather than established stars.

Pittsburgh is expected to protect Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph, creating an important opportunity for Will Howard and Drew Allar. The two young quarterbacks are battling for developmental priority behind Pittsburgh’s veteran options. Their performances will carry added importance after the Steelers followed a productive preseason opener with a 17-0 loss to the New York Jets.

The Steelers could also get their first game look at rookie offensive tackle Max Iheanachor. The first-round pick returned to practice after missing Pittsburgh’s first two preseason contests with an upper-body injury. His work on the right side will be worth monitoring as the Steelers attempt to settle their offensive-line rotation. (behindthesteelcurtain.com)

Wrong Allen!

Josh Allen is not expected to play for Buffalo. Kyle Allen should handle the early quarterback work, with Shane Buechele available behind him. Kyle Allen completed 10 of 12 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown against Cleveland, giving the Bills an experienced option to lead their reserve offense.

Buffalo will also use the finale to evaluate the back end of its receiving corps and secondary. Wide receiver Ja’Mori Maclin, linebacker Keonta Jenkins and defensive back Jordan Hancock are among the players attempting to strengthen their roster cases. The Bills also appear to have settled on Alec Anderson as their starting left guard. (buffalorumblings.com)

Key matchup: Pittsburgh’s young quarterbacks against Buffalo’s experienced defensive depth.

Betting outlook: MyBookie’s modest total reflects the uncertainty surrounding both offenses. Buffalo’s advantage at backup quarterback and its recent offensive efficiency help explain why the Bills are favored at home. The line had already moved from Buffalo -1.5 to -2.5 in available MyBookie listings, illustrating the volatility of preseason markets. (mybookie.ag)

New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns

Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland
TV/streaming: Prime Video, NFL+
MyBookie line: Patriots -2.5 (-110); Browns +2.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Patriots -140; Browns +115
Over/under: 35.5 points

The Patriots arrive in Cleveland with a 1-0-1 preseason record, while the Browns are still seeking their first exhibition victory after starting 0-2.

Cleveland has already made its most important quarterback decision: coach Todd Monken named Deshaun Watson the starter for the regular-season opener. Watson, Shedeur Sanders and most of the Browns’ primary starters are expected to sit Thursday, leaving Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green to operate the offense. (reuters.com)

Gabriel is expected to start, while Green should receive his first extended preseason opportunity. Their ability to function behind Cleveland’s reserve offensive line could determine whether the Browns improve an offense that has produced only 17 points through two games. Cleveland managed just 194 yards in its 31-7 loss to Buffalo and committed two turnovers.

New England has not confirmed a complete playing-time plan for its starters, but Drake Maye could again receive limited work or remain protected. Tommy DeVito and rookie Behren Morton are positioned to receive most of the quarterback snaps.

Tommy, not Danny

DeVito has completed 21 of 37 preseason passes for 289 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Morton has completed 20 of 30 passes for 195 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. That steady production helps explain why New England is favored despite playing on the road. (CBS Sports)

The Patriots will also continue evaluating receivers Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III, along with several running backs, defensive backs and special-teams candidates.

Key matchup: New England’s reserve quarterbacks against Cleveland’s backup secondary.

Betting outlook: The Patriots’ advantage in quarterback experience makes New England -2.5 understandable. The 35.5-point total also reflects Cleveland’s offensive struggles and the likelihood that both teams will rest many established starters. MyBookie listed New England at -140 on the moneyline and Cleveland at +115. (mybookie.ag)

San Francisco 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders

Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
TV/streaming: NFL+, local affiliates
MyBookie line: Raiders -3.5 (-110); 49ers +3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Raiders -181; 49ers +146
Over/under: 38.5 points

San Francisco’s primary objective may be escaping Las Vegas without suffering another injury.

The 49ers are dealing with a crowded injury report and face an unusual turnaround before traveling to Australia for their regular-season opener against the Rams. Coach Kyle Shanahan consequently does not plan to use many starters Thursday night. The finale will instead provide one final audition for players pursuing reserve roles or places on San Francisco’s 17-man practice squad. (sfchronicle.com)

Brock Purdy played one series in San Francisco’s previous preseason game, but another appearance is uncertain. Mac Jones and Adrian Martinez could carry most of the quarterback workload, with Martinez’s mobility providing a useful dimension behind a makeshift offensive line.

One position to watch closely is left guard. Connor Colby and Carver Willis remain involved in the competition, while injuries to Robert Jones and Austen Pleasants have complicated the evaluation. The 49ers must also decide whether to retain a 10th offensive lineman. (ninersnation.com)

Is Fernando the answer?

Las Vegas owns the deeper available quarterback room. Kirk Cousins may receive limited work, but rookie Fernando Mendoza is the most important player to watch. Mendoza recorded a 100.3 passer rating with a touchdown and no interception in his preseason debut. Aidan O’Connell and Jacob Clark provide additional options, although O’Connell’s future has become uncertain as the Raiders consider carrying only Cousins and Mendoza on the initial roster. (silverandblackpride.com)

The Raiders will also evaluate depth behind Ashton Jeanty, who has dealt with an ankle injury, and sort through competitive battles at wide receiver, defensive tackle and cornerback.

Key matchup: Las Vegas’ quarterback depth against an injury-depleted San Francisco roster.

Betting outlook: MyBookie installed the Raiders as 3.5-point favorites, with Las Vegas priced at -181 to win outright. The line reflects San Francisco’s plan to rest starters and the Raiders’ deeper quarterback rotation. The total moved from 37.5 to 38.5 in available listings. (mybookie.ag)

Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers

Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
TV/streaming: NFL Network, NFL+
MyBookie line: Chargers -3.5 (-110); Rams +3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Chargers -206; Rams +165
Over/under: 38.5 points

The Rams and Chargers complete Thursday’s schedule with an all-Los Angeles matchup between teams taking different approaches to their preseason finales.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh plans to start Justin Herbert, although the franchise quarterback is expected to play only six to nine snaps. Most of the Chargers’ starting offensive line should join him, while defensive stars Khalil Mack and Derwin James Jr. will sit.

Herbert’s brief appearance will give the Chargers another opportunity to evaluate their offense under coordinator Mike McDaniel. It will also mark the return of left tackle Rashawn Slater, who is expected to appear in a game for the first time since the 2024 postseason. Trey Pipkins III’s work at left guard and the competition between edge rushers Nadame Tucker and Kyle Kennard also merit attention. (Los Angeles Chargers – chargers.com)

Trey Lance is expected to replace Herbert, with DJ Uiagalelei available for the later stages.

The Rams are expected to rest Matthew Stafford and most of their established starters. Ty Simpson will start at quarterback, while Matthew Caldwell should receive his first preseason action. Stetson Bennett IV could also play.

Can Ty keep it rolling?

Simpson has produced one of the league’s strongest preseasons, completing 29 of 37 passes for 263 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. The Rams are 2-0 and have averaged 363 yards of offense through their first two exhibition games. (Los Angeles Rams – therams.com)

The two Los Angeles teams have met during every preseason since 2021, with the Rams winning three of the five games. They will meet again in the regular season on Nov. 1. (therams.com)

Key matchup: The Rams’ productive reserve offense against the Chargers’ second-team defense after Herbert and the starters leave.

Betting outlook: The Chargers are favored largely because Herbert and several starters will appear, but their early advantage may disappear quickly. The Rams’ 2-0 record and Simpson’s efficiency make Los Angeles’ underdog line intriguing. MyBookie listed the Chargers at -3.5 with a total of 38.5 points. (mybookie.ag)

What to Watch in Tonight’s NFL Preseason Games

Thursday night will offer few clues about how these teams will perform once the regular season begins. Most franchises will prioritize health over winning, and several prominent starters will either sit or make only brief appearances.

The most meaningful action will take place farther down the depth chart. Backup-quarterback efficiency, offensive-line communication, special-teams performance and position versatility can determine the final roster spots.

For bettors, confirmed playing-time plans matter more than regular-season power ratings. A late announcement involving a quarterback or offensive line can move a preseason spread by multiple points. All odds were current at the time of writing and remain subject to change.

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