2026 NFL Preseason Week 3 Betting Preview: Odds and Best Bets

1. Washington Commanders vs. Baltimore Ravens: Ravens -3.5 (EVEN)

The Baltimore Ravens will look to put the finishing touches on a perfect preseason against the Washington Commanders. They’ve been impressive with back-to-back wins in the first two weeks and look prepared for another victory in this one.

New head coach Jesse Minter has been playing to win in the preseason, and that should be the case this week. They opened the preseason slate with a 24-7 win over the Eagles and then a 13-3 win in Minnesota over the Vikings this past weekend.

The defense has been fantastic, showing great depth and competitiveness in a year where this unit must perfect to help out Lamar Jackson and the offense.

Allowing just 10 total points across two games highlights how disruptive Baltimore’s front seven remains, regardless of who is taking reps. That underlying defensive effort provides a massive advantage in preseason play,

With Lamar Jackson resting as expected, Baltimore’s offense will rely on the QB rotation of Tyler Huntley and Joe Fagnano. Huntley provides veteran poise and stability to handle early snaps, while Fagnano has been one of the preseason’s most efficient surprises. There has quietly been a QB2 battle brewing between Huntley and Fagnano.

Joe Fagnano has been one of the Ravens’ biggest surprises this preseason. Are his performances creating a legitimate battle for the QB2 spot with Tyler Huntley?@RobLongSports, @JConnSports, and @ednorris discuss. pic.twitter.com/ij5FP50XJz

— 105.7 The Fan (@1057TheFan) August 24, 2026

Headlined by his 224-yard outing against Philadelphia and a steady performance under pressure in Minnesota, Fagnano has passed for 347 yards with two touchdowns for a top 10 QB rating of 101.6.

Washington, by contrast, continues to sort out key position battles down their depth chart, leaving their secondary units vulnerable to sustained drives late in games. Facing a Commanders’ backup group that lacks comparable line depth, Baltimore’s defense should easily dictate the game script once again.

Lay the point spread with confidence and take the Ravens -3.5 to sweep the preseason with a decisive cover for one of the best NFL preseason picks this week.

2. Minnesota Vikings vs. Denver Broncos: Broncos -6.5 (-115)

Through two preseason games, Denver enters the finale sitting at 1-1 after dominant highs and second-half stumbles. The Broncos opened their exhibition slate with a convincing 27-7 road victory over the Atlanta Falcons, showcasing sharp offensive execution and depth.

However, they stumbled in Week 2 at home, falling 33-13 to Green Bay after opposing reserves broke through in the second half. Starting QB Bo Nix was efficient in limited initial action (6-for-9, 76 yards, 1 TD), leaving the bulk of exhibition snaps to backup contenders QB Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger.

Stidham has logged the most work across the roster, completing 18 of 30 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown while maintaining control of the QB2 spot. Ehlinger has provided efficient relief as QB3, going 12-for-16 (75% completion rate) for 77 yards. In general, Denver’s signal-callers have sustained rhythmic scoring drives against opposing reserve units.

Stidham with a 53-yard throw on Gonzo pic.twitter.com/6iLfzLmYN5

— The Sports Geek (@TheSports_Geek) January 25, 2026

Minnesota comes into the finale 1-1 following a 13-10 victory over the Giants and a 13-3 defensive battle against Baltimore. Their signal-caller room features one of the most crowded depth charts in the league, led by starter Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy is trying to prove that he should be a starter.

With Murray only playing one series in the preseason opener, and McCarthy getting key starter reps, veteran Carson Wentz and rookie Max Brosmer will close out Week 3. The Vikings’ offense has averaged just eight points over two games, struggling with consistency and drive stalls when dipping into third-string units.

On paper, the Vikings look to have a solid QB rotation for preseason games. Still, they haven’t been able to generate much of a rapport or find much confidence with a weak supporting cast of weapons down the depth chart.

Heading into Week 3 at Empower Field, Denver holds the rotational advantage under center. Expect Stidham and Ehlinger to out-execute Minnesota’s lower-depth options in the second half to cover the -6.5 line.

3. Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts: Lions +4 (-110)

The Detroit Lions are on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium and appear like a solid value play for one of the best NFL preseason betting picks this week. Laying four points with Indianapolis presents clear risk given their erratic exhibition form and ongoing backup quarterback struggles.

The Colts enter Week 3 winless in preseason play (0-1-1), coming off a dismal 34-6 home blowout loss to Atlanta. Indianapolis managed just 171 total yards of offense, with their reserve signal-callers failing to establish any rhythm.

Rookie QB Riley Leonard went 7-for-14 for 62 yards in the first half, while Anthony Richardson struggled in relief, completing just 3 of 9 passes for 24 yards.

Richardson’s bust status continues to grow louder and louder. Compounding matters, Lou Anarumo’s second-team defense surrendered 297 passing yards and allowed Atlanta to convert 9 of 17 third downs.

Conversely, Detroit (1-1) enters Lucas Oil Stadium with high momentum following a 17-13 victory over Washington. Backup QB Joshua Dobbs provided a dynamic spark, completing 7 of 12 passes for 74 yards while breaking free for a highlight reel 50-yard touchdown run.

Josh Dobbs keeps it and takes it 50 yards for the Lions TD!

This would be the longest rush of Dobbs' career

Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Rex3EavFTw

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) August 22, 2026

Dobbs is playing for his NFL playing career, and he has played motivated on every down. That has been evident and I expect another quality effort from Dobbs.

I’ve also been impressed by rookie QB Luke Altmyer’s impact in the preseason. Nothing earth shattering statistically, but Altmyer has been steady while operating the offense. He and Dobbs are a solid duo against the Colts to wrap up the exhibition slate.

With Indianapolis struggling to move the chains or protect their secondary units down the depth chart, getting a four-point cushion with Detroit is the superior pick. Expect Dan Campbell’s reserve squad to stay well within striking distance and cover the line as an underdog.