Packers vs Cardinals Prediction & Betting Tips for NFL Preseason Week 3 on 8/28/2026

The Arizona Cardinals are set to visit the Green Bay Packers in their Week 3 preseason game at Lambeau Field. The game is scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026, at 8:00 PM, and will be broadcast on NFLN. The weather forecast predicts a mild evening with clear skies, providing ideal conditions for outdoor football.

Under the leadership of head coach Mike LaFleur, the Cardinals enter this game with a preseason record of 1-2. Last season, the Cardinals struggled, finishing with a 3-14 record and failing to make the playoffs. Key coordinators Nathaniel Hackett and Nick Rallis are working to improve both sides of the ball as the team looks to build momentum before the regular season.

The Green Bay Packers, guided by head coach Matt LaFleur, hold a 1-1 record in the current preseason. Last season, the Packers finished with a 9-7-1 record and reached the playoffs, only to be eliminated by the Chicago Bears in the Wild Card Round. With a strong home record last year, the Packers aim to continue their dominance at Lambeau Field.

According to the consensus odds, the Cardinals are slightly favored with a moneyline of -142, while the Packers stand at +119. The spread leans towards Arizona at -2.5, and the total points line is set at 37.5. As both teams fine-tune their rosters, this game offers an opportunity to assess depth and performance ahead of the regular season.

Packers vs Cardinals At a Glance (Preseason Week 3)

• The Arizona Cardinals have a 1-2-0 preseason record heading into Week 3.
• The Green Bay Packers hold a 1-1-0 preseason record so far.
• Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI, will host the game on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 8:00 PM.
• The weather forecast predicts clear skies with a mild day and light breeze.
• The Cardinals lost their last preseason game to the Dallas Cowboys, 34-13.
• Current odds favor the Cardinals with a moneyline of -142 and a spread of -2.5 (-114).

Packers Prepare to Host Cardinals in Preseason Showdown

Offensive Overview

Last season, the Green Bay Packers' offense was ranked 15th in total score with 391 points. They averaged 23 points per game, placing them 15th overall. The team accumulated 5654 offensive yards, ranking 15th in the league.

In the 2026 preseason, the Packers have scored 42 points, ranking 8th in total score. They are averaging 21 points per game, which is 7th among all teams. Their offensive yardage, however, is ranked 29th with 459 total yards.

Defensive Insights

Defensively, in 2025, the Packers allowed 360 points, placing them 11th in opponent score. The defense ranked 11th in opponent passing yards, allowing 3300 yards. Against the rush, they ranked 18th, conceding 2001 yards.

During the 2026 preseason, Green Bay's defense has allowed 41 points, ranking 16th in opponent score. They have struggled against the pass, allowing 468 yards, ranked 23rd. However, they have excelled in rushing defense, giving up just 142 yards, ranked 5th.

Key Players to Watch

Quarterback Jordan Love has shown potential with 74 passing yards and 1 touchdown this preseason. Tyrod Taylor adds depth with 38 passing yards and 1 touchdown. Rookie Will Sheppard is emerging as a reliable target, with 55 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.

On the ground, Jaden Nixon has contributed with 21 rushing yards and a touchdown. Defensive standout Anthony Campbell has made an impact with 1 sack. Nyjalik Kelly also made his mark with a sack, showcasing the Packers' defensive line strength.

Injury Concerns

The Packers are dealing with several injuries affecting their lineup. Luke Musgrave (TE) and Micah Parsons (DE) are both on the physically unable to perform list. Additionally, Matt Orzech (LS) and Jordon Riley (DT) are sidelined with calf and Achilles injuries, respectively.

Upcoming Game Details

The Packers will host the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field on August 28, 2026. Green Bay is currently a 2.5-point underdog with a total set at 37.5. This game will provide an opportunity for players to make their final preseason impressions.

Team Betting Trends

• After a loss in preseason games, the Packers are 6-0 in their last six, both straight up and against the spread.
• The over has hit in all three of their last preseason games after a loss.
• In the 2025 regular season, the over hit in all three games where they were favorites.
• They are 5-2 straight up after a win in the last seven regular season games.
• The Packers have gone 9-5 on the over in the last 14 regular season games.

Cardinals Ready to Take Flight: A Preview of Arizona's Upcoming Game

Current Offensive Form

The Arizona Cardinals have been impressive in the 2026 preseason, ranking 1st in offensive yards with 1118 and boasting an average of 372.7 yards per game. Their passing game has been a particular strength, leading the league with 684 passing yards. The rushing attack is also strong, with the team ranked 4th in rushing yards per game at 144.7.

Gardner Minshew II has led the way under center, passing for 278 yards and 2 touchdowns over two games. The team will look to build on their offensive momentum as they prepare for their upcoming clash against the Green Bay Packers.

Defensive Challenges

On the defensive side, the Cardinals have faced some challenges, ranking 31st in opponent offensive yards with 1108. Their run defense has been a particular concern, allowing 139.7 rushing yards per game, placing them 28th in the league. The pass defense hasn't been much better, ranked 23rd with 229.7 passing yards allowed per game.

The team will need to tighten up their defense to avoid high-scoring affairs and rely on playmakers like Isaiah Oliver, who has contributed an interception in the preseason.

Key Players to Watch

Running back Corey Kiner has been a standout, amassing 145 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in three preseason games. Wide receiver Jalen Brooks has also shown potential, with 165 receiving yards and a touchdown. On defense, Isaiah Oliver and Kalen King will be key players to watch as the Cardinals aim to improve their defensive performance.

With several injuries impacting their depth chart, including Trey Benson and Xavier Weaver, the Cardinals will rely on their active roster to step up in this game.

Betting Trends

• The Cardinals are 3-0 in their last three preseason games after a loss.
• In the last six regular-season home games, the Cardinals' games went over the total five times.
• They have a 69.2% over rate in their last 13 regular-season games.
• As underdogs in the last 12 regular-season games, they went over the total 8 times.
• In preseason games where the total was 42 or less, they went over the total two out of three times.

Packers vs Cardinals Prediction: Packers +2.5

The Green Bay Packers are 2.5-point underdogs at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Despite the spread, Green Bay's strong preseason performance as an underdog is notable, going 3-1 ATS in their last four preseason games in this scenario. Their record after a loss in the preseason is impeccable, standing at 6-0 ATS over the last four years.

In contrast, the Cardinals have struggled on the road last regular season with a 2-7 record and are 1-2 this preseason. While the Cardinals have shown some offensive prowess in the preseason, their defense has been porous, ranking 25th in opponent score per game. This weakness could be pivotal against a Packers team with proven trends of bouncing back strongly.

Considering the Packers' solid trends as underdogs and their home-field advantage at Lambeau Field, they have a favorable shot at covering the spread. Additionally, the clear weather conditions in Green Bay present no adverse elements that would hinder their home performance.

With these factors, my prediction leans towards the Packers covering the spread and edging out a win. A projected final score could see the Packers winning 24-20, taking advantage of Arizona's defensive issues.

• Packers vs Cardinals Prediction: Packers +2.5
• Packers vs Cardinals Score: Packers 24 - Cardinals 20

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