NFL Preseason Week 3 Begins with Key Matchups
Week 3 of the 2026 NFL preseason starts on Thursday with a four-game lineup. The action begins at 7 p.m. ET with the Steelers visiting the Bills, followed by the Patriots at the Browns and the 49ers at the Raiders at 8 p.m. ET. The final game features the Rams taking on the Chargers at 10 p.m. ET.
The betting odds for Thursday's games show the Patriots and Raiders both favored by -2.5, while the Bills are -3 favorites at home. The Chargers have the largest spread of the night at -4.5 against the Rams, who are not expected to field any starters.
SportsLine's Larry Hartstein has identified the Rams as a strong pick despite their situation, highlighting the impressive performances of quarterbacks Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett IV during the preseason. Simpson has completed 29 of 37 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns, while Bennett has completed 23 of 37 passes for 219 yards without any interceptions. Hartstein notes that this is a crucial opportunity for Simpson to compete for the backup position behind Matthew Stafford.