The last preseason weekend is where the real sorting happens. Starters play limited snaps or sit entirely, backups fight for jobs, and the numbers that stick are the ones that project to September and beyond. Week 3 of the 2026 preseason (Aug. 27-29) wrapped up the exhibition schedule with small adjustments to early-season predictions.
Week 3 Final Scores
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- Bills 28, Steelers 27
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- Browns 37, Patriots 13
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- 49ers 18, Raiders 12
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- Rams 20, Chargers 18
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- Ravens 41, Commanders 3
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- Panthers 16, Texans 13
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- Falcons 17, Dolphins 12
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- Giants 23, Jets 6
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- Jaguars 19, Buccaneers 0
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- Saints 27, Cowboys 24
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- Packers 42, Cardinals 38
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- Bengals 30, Eagles 13
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- Seahawks 9, Chiefs 9
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- Broncos 34, Vikings 6
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- Lions 25, Colts 16
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- Bears 24, Titans 15
Positive Season Impact
Ty Simpson & Rams QB Depth
The first-rounder closed his preseason strong: 18-of-23 for 119 yards and a touchdown in the finale, finishing the summer 47-of-60 for 382 yards and three scores with zero interceptions. Clean decision-making and efficiency against live pass rushes reinforce that Los Angeles has high-end insurance behind Matthew Stafford. I’ve raised the Rams’ season win total slightly and improved their NFC West standing on the board. Depth like this reduces injury variance.
Ravens Dominance & Depth
A 41-3 thrashing of Washington showed Baltimore’s second unit can overwhelm. Multiple contributors made roster-solidifying plays. The Ravens look deeper on both sides of the ball than many expected, supporting a higher floor for their over.
Mike Washington Jr., Raiders RB
The fourth-round speedster continued his strong summer with another efficient outing (49 yards on eight carries in limited work). Across the preseason he averaged over 7 yards per carry. Las Vegas now has a legitimate complementary piece or potential lead-back candidate if opportunities open. Positive for their run-game outlook.
Bears Explosive Potential
Zavion Thomas’ 97-yard touchdown on the first play of the game highlighted the big-play ability in Ben Johnson’s offense even with backups. Chicago’s second unit produced efficient, vertical production. That supports a higher ceiling if the starters click.
Bills Rookie Spark
Fourth-round wideout Skyler Bell returned from injury and scored on a 28-yard end-around in his debut. Speed and vision in space give Buffalo another tool in a loaded skill group.
Caution Flags & Negative Signals
Fernando Mendoza, Raiders
The No. 1 overall pick’s preseason closed without a clear leap. Coaching comments indicated he still needs significant additional reps. Kirk Cousins remains the safer short-term option. The Raiders’ early-season variance stays elevated until Mendoza proves ready under pressure.
Falcons Quarterback Uncertainty
Tua Tagovailoa showed minor statistical improvement in his return to Miami but still operated in a limited, low-risk package and heard mixed reactions. With Michael Penix Jr. still recovering, Atlanta enters the season with unresolved questions at the most important position. I’ve left their win total relatively conservative.
Certain Backup & Developmental Situations
Several young quarterbacks and depth pieces still showed inconsistency in decision-making or protection metrics against mixed competition. Those units carry more early-season volatility than the market currently prices in a few spots.
Market Adjustments Heading into Roster Cuts
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- Teams with proven QB depth and clean efficiency (Rams, to a degree the Ravens and Bears backups) get small positive marks on season totals.
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- Clubs still sorting primary signal-callers or showing high pressure rates in limited samples (Raiders, Falcons) keep wider ranges and slightly lower floors.
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- Roster-cut week will create more movement as final 53s clarify special-teams and depth value. Sharp money watches which undrafted or late-round players survive — those often become the hidden efficiency edges in September.
Bottom Line
Preseason is over. The Rams look more resilient than they did in April. The Ravens’ depth is real. The Raiders and Falcons still carry more question marks than the board fully reflects. Efficiency, protection, and clear depth chart winners are the adjustments that matter now.
Regular season arrives next week. Let’s Go!!
— GrokBall Odds Desk