The Cincinnati Bengals travel to Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3 of the 2026 preseason. Scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026, at 8:00 PM, this night game will be broadcast on CBS/P. The weather forecast predicts a warm evening with overcast clouds and a light breeze, providing ideal conditions for football.

Under the guidance of head coach Zac Taylor, the Cincinnati Bengals enter the game with a perfect preseason record of 2-0-0. Last regular season, the Bengals struggled with a 6-11-0 record and failed to secure a playoff spot. However, their preseason victories against the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions indicate a fresh start and potential improvement.

The Philadelphia Eagles, coached by Nick Sirianni, are looking to bounce back from an 0-2-0 start in the preseason. They ended their previous regular season with an 11-6-0 record but suffered a narrow 23-19 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card round. Playing at home, the Eagles will aim to regain momentum and enter the regular season on a positive note.

According to the consensus odds, the Eagles are slight favorites with a -146 moneyline and a spread of -2.5. The Bengals hold a moneyline of +122, with both teams having a total over/under set at 36.5. As both teams adjust their rosters and strategies, this preseason matchup will provide valuable insights into their preparations for the upcoming regular season.

Eagles vs Bengals At a Glance (Preseason Week 3)

  • The 2026 preseason Week 3 game will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
  • The Cincinnati Bengals enter the game with a preseason record of 2-0.
  • The Philadelphia Eagles have a preseason record of 0-2.
  • The game will be broadcast on CBS/P on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 8:00 PM.
  • Weather forecast for the game is warm with a light breeze and overcast clouds.
  • According to consensus odds, the Eagles have a moneyline of -146 while the Bengals have a moneyline of +122.

Soaring High: Philadelphia Eagles Preseason 2026 Preview

Offensive Overview

The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2026 preseason looking to improve on their offensive production from the 2025 regular season, where they ranked 18th in total score with 379 points. In the current preseason, the Eagles have scored 28 points over two games, placing them 16th in the league. Despite their mid-tier ranking, the team aims to optimize their offense before the regular season begins.

During the 2025 regular season, the Eagles averaged 311.2 offensive yards per game, ranking 23rd overall. So far in the preseason, their yardage has slightly dipped to 230 yards per game, ranking 28th. With both their passing and rushing game needing improvement, the coaching staff will focus on these areas in upcoming practices and games.

Defensive Insights

Defensively, the Eagles performed well in 2025, allowing only 19.1 points per game, which placed them 5th in the league. This strong defensive showing was supported by their top-10 ranking in opponent passing yards. However, their preseason performance has seen a shift, with the defense allowing 24 points per game, positioning them 19th in the league.

The Eagles' preseason defensive statistics highlight areas for improvement, as they rank 32nd in opponent offensive yards per game. Notably, they lead the league with 7 preseason sacks, showcasing their ability to pressure the quarterback. Consistent pressure and tightening up the secondary will be key to enhancing their defensive efforts.

Key Players to Watch

Quarterback Tanner McKee has been a standout performer in the preseason, amassing 208 passing yards and two touchdowns over two games. His development will be crucial for the Eagles as they seek stability and depth at the quarterback position. Running back Will Shipley is another player to keep an eye on, having contributed 78 rushing yards and a touchdown.

On the defensive side, Ty Robinson has been impressive, recording two sacks in a recent game. His presence on the defensive line adds a significant boost to the Eagles' pass-rush capabilities. Additionally, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has shown promise, contributing a sack and displaying solid tackling ability.

Injury Report

The Eagles face some challenges with key players dealing with injuries. Running back Ja'Quinden Jackson is out for the season due to a head injury. Other notable absences include wide receiver Johnny Wilson and cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields, both on the injured reserve list.

These injuries necessitate depth players stepping up to fill crucial roles. The coaching staff will be evaluating roster depth and potential replacements as the preseason progresses.

Betting Trends

  • The Eagles have a 7-1 record in the last 8 preseason games as underdogs regarding the over/under.
  • In preseason games after a loss, they hold a 7-1-1 record for the over/under in the last 9 games.
  • The Eagles are 3-0 straight up as underdogs in their last 3 preseason games.
  • They have a 9-5-1 record in the over/under for all preseason games over the last 15 games.
  • For games with totals of 42 or less, the Eagles hold a 9-5-1 record in the last 15 preseason games.

Cincinnati Bengals Prepare for Preseason Showdown Against Eagles

Offensive Overview

The Cincinnati Bengals have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities in the 2026 preseason, scoring an average of 21.5 points per game, which ranks them 6th. The passing game remains their strength, with 220.5 passing yards per game, ranking 7th in the league. However, their rushing attack continues to struggle, ranking 28th with just 80.5 rushing yards per game.

In their recent preseason game against the Chicago Bears, the Bengals showcased their passing prowess with 282 passing yards. Josh Johnson emerged as a key player, completing 15 passes for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns. Colbie Young also contributed significantly with 3 receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown.

Defensive Insights

The Bengals' defense has shown significant improvement in the 2026 preseason, allowing only 11.5 points per game, which ranks them 6th. They have been particularly effective in limiting their opponents' passing yards, allowing just 190.5 yards per game, ranked 18th. Their ability to pressure the quarterback has been notable, with 4 sacks and 2 interceptions over two games.

Isaiah Foskey has been a standout on the defensive line, contributing 0.5 sacks in their game against the Bears. The secondary, led by Tacario Davis, has also been solid with Davis recording 5 solo tackles and 2 assists. Their defensive performance will be crucial against the Eagles' offense.

Key Players to Watch

Quarterback Josh Johnson has been a standout performer in the preseason, throwing for 240 yards and 2 touchdowns without any interceptions. Wide receiver Colbie Young has also been reliable, catching 5 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. Their connection will be vital in maintaining the Bengals' offensive momentum.

On the defensive side, Isaiah Foskey and Tacario Davis will be key in disrupting the Eagles' offensive rhythm. Foskey's ability to pressure the quarterback and Davis's solid tackling will be critical in this matchup. The Bengals' defense will look to continue their strong preseason performance against Philadelphia.

Injury Update

The Bengals will be without cornerback Ceyair Wright, who is out for personal reasons. This leaves a gap in their secondary that they will need to address. The rest of the team is expected to be fit and ready for the game against the Eagles.

Betting Trends

  • The Bengals have covered the spread in their last 3 regular season away games in 2025.
  • They have a 4-1 record against the spread in games with totals of 50 or more in 2025.
  • In preseason play from 2025-2026, they have a 3-1 straight-up record.
  • The team is 3-1 against the spread as underdogs in the last four regular season games in 2025.
  • They have a 9-6 record in over/under for all preseason games from 2021-2026.

Eagles vs Bengals Prediction: Over 36.5

The Cincinnati Bengals have shown a strong offensive start in the 2026 preseason, averaging 21.5 points per game. Their offense seems capable of producing significant yardage, ranking 14th in both total offensive yards and passing yards per game. Their preseason performance suggests a continuation of offensive productivity against the Eagles.

Conversely, the Philadelphia Eagles' defense has allowed 24 points per game this preseason, placing them 19th overall. This defensive vulnerability, coupled with the Bengals' offensive capability, points towards a higher-scoring game. The Eagles, despite being winless, can exploit opportunities against the Bengals’ defense, which was ranked low last season.

In their previous preseason meeting in 2025, the game resulted in a high-scoring contest with a total of 61 points. Given both teams' current preseason trends and historical context, it's reasonable to expect a game that surpasses the 36.5 total set by sportsbooks. With both teams looking to refine their rosters, points should be plentiful.

The predicted final score is Bengals 24 - Eagles 21, favoring an outcome that exceeds the over/under line of 36.5. This projection accounts for the offensive strengths and defensive weaknesses both teams have displayed thus far in the preseason.

  • Eagles vs Bengals Prediction: Over 36.5
  • Eagles vs Bengals Score: Bengals 24 - Eagles 21

Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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