The 2026 preseason is in full swing as the Washington Commanders travel to face the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026, the game is set to kick off at 6:00 PM under warm, rainy conditions. NFL Network will broadcast the game, offering fans a chance to catch the action live.
Under the guidance of head coach Dan Quinn, the Commanders have split their preseason games with a 1-1 record. In Week 2, they narrowly lost to the Detroit Lions with a score of 17-13, following a Week 1 victory against the Miami Dolphins, winning 20-7. The Commanders are aiming to sharpen their skills and make adjustments as they prepare for the regular season.
The Ravens, led by head coach Jesse Minter, have started their preseason campaign on a strong note with a perfect 2-0 record. After defeating the Minnesota Vikings 13-3 in Week 2, they showcased a solid defensive performance. In Week 1, the Ravens dominated the Philadelphia Eagles, securing a 24-7 victory, highlighting their offensive capabilities.
With the Ravens favored at -161 on the moneyline and a spread of -3.0, they are expected to have the upper hand in this matchup. However, the Commanders have shown resilience in their preseason games and will look to challenge the Ravens at their home turf. Fans can expect an exciting game as both teams continue to assess their rosters and build momentum for the upcoming season.
Ravens vs Commanders At a Glance (Preseason Week 3)
- The game is part of the 2026 Preseason, occurring in Week 3.
- Washington Commanders will be facing Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD.
- The weather forecast for the game is warm with light rain expected.
- Washington Commanders have a preseason record of 1-1-0, while Baltimore Ravens are 2-0-0.
- The Ravens are favored with a moneyline of -161, while the Commanders are at +135.
- The point spread is set at Ravens -3.0 and Commanders +3.0.
Baltimore Ravens: A Home Field Showcase in Preseason Action
Current Offensive Overview
The Baltimore Ravens' offense has been performing efficiently during the 2026 preseason. Averaging 341 yards per game, they rank 7th in offensive yards, with a strong passing game at 241 yards per game, placing them 2nd in the league. Their rushing attack, while not as dominant, still manages a respectable 100 yards per game.
Quarterback Joe Fagnano has been a standout, leading the passing game with 347 yards and two touchdowns in two games. His ability to command the field will be crucial against the Commanders, especially with the absence of backup Skylar Thompson.
Defensive Strengths
Defensively, the Ravens have been impressive, particularly in limiting opponents to just 5 points per game, the best in the league this preseason. Their ability to pressure the quarterback is evident with 6 sacks in two games, ranking them 2nd in this category.
The secondary, led by players like Keondre Jackson, has been effective, allowing only 158.5 passing yards per game. This defensive unit will need to maintain their form to secure another win at home.
Key Players to Watch
Besides Joe Fagnano, running back Derrick Henry is another player to keep an eye on, expected to drive the ground game despite limited preseason action. Wide receiver Zay Flowers will be crucial in the air attack, looking to build on his success from last season.
On the defensive end, safety Kyle Hamilton will be pivotal in controlling the backfield, ensuring the Ravens' defense stays tight against the Commanders' offense. His leadership and playmaking abilities will be vital.
Injury Report and Depth Chart Insights
Injuries have impacted the Ravens, with key players like center Danny Pinter out for the season. Ethan Pocic will step up in his absence, providing stability to the offensive line.
The depth chart shows promising backups like Jovaughn Gwyn, who may see increased roles. This depth will be tested throughout the preseason as the team looks to keep momentum going into the regular season.
Betting Trends
- The Ravens are on a 5-game winning streak in preseason games since 2025.
- They have covered the spread in their last 5 preseason games.
- In games with totals ≤ 42, they have a perfect record of 5-0 in the last 5 preseason games.
- They have been successful both straight up and against the spread as underdogs in their last 4 preseason games.
- After winning a game, they maintain a 4-0 record both straight up and against the spread in preseason contests.
Commanders Ready to Battle: Washington Prepares for Ravens Showdown
Quarterback Situation
As the Washington Commanders gear up for their game against the Baltimore Ravens, they will rely on their quarterback depth to provide stability. Athan Kaliakmanis has shown promise in the preseason, racking up 249 passing yards. The presence of Marcus Mariota and Sam Hartman offers additional depth and experience, with Mariota contributing 22 passing yards and Hartman adding 147 yards.
Rushing Attack
The Commanders' ground game is led by Kaytron Allen, who has accumulated 115 rushing yards and a touchdown during the preseason. Allen's effectiveness is complemented by Robert Henry Jr., who has added 72 rushing yards and a touchdown. This dynamic duo is crucial for establishing a balanced offense against the Ravens.
Receiving Corps
The receiving group for the Commanders features Jacoby Jones as a key target, with 70 receiving yards so far in the preseason. Jaden Bradley and Nick Nash provide additional options, contributing 63 and 62 receiving yards, respectively. With these receivers, the Commanders can create opportunities downfield.
Defensive Strengths
Washington's defense has shown resilience in the preseason, ranking second in opponent passing yards allowed at 109.5 yards per game. They have also been effective in applying pressure, with Maurice Hurst II recording two sacks. The defense will aim to maintain this momentum against the Ravens' offense.
Injury Impact
The Commanders face challenges with several players out due to injuries, including Laremy Tunsil, who is expected to miss the start of the season with a torn tricep. Additionally, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Jer'Zhan Newton are unavailable, impacting their defensive depth. Managing these absences will be critical as they face a competitive Ravens team.
Depth Chart Overview
Washington's depth chart highlights key players in pivotal positions, such as Terry McLaurin at wide receiver and Daron Payne on the defensive line. The team's lineup also includes emerging talents like Jeremy Reaves at free safety. This structure provides a mix of experience and youth as they prepare for the game.
Upcoming Game Context
The Commanders are set to play away against the Baltimore Ravens, listed as 3.5-point underdogs with a total of 34.5 points for the game. This matchup serves as a final test before the regular season begins, offering Washington an opportunity to fine-tune their strategy. The team will focus on consistency and execution as they look to conclude their preseason on a positive note.
Betting Trends
- The Commanders have gone 6-0-1 in the Over/Under at home during the last 7 regular season games of 2025.
- They have covered the Over/Under in all 4 of their last regular season games in 2025.
- As underdogs in the last 4 regular season games of 2025, they were 4-0 in the Over/Under.
- They are 3-0 in the Over/Under following a loss in the last 3 regular season games of 2025.
- The Commanders are 3-1 against the spread in all games of the last 4 regular season games of 2025.
- As away game underdogs in the last 3 regular season games of 2025, they went 2-1 straight up.
Ravens vs Commanders Prediction: Ravens -3.0
The Baltimore Ravens have been dominant in the 2026 preseason with a 2-0 record, showcasing their ability to handle opponents effectively. Their recent trends in the preseason games are impressive, with a 5-0 straight-up (SU) and against-the-spread (ATS) record in their last five preseason outings. Given their current form and playing at home, backing the Ravens to cover the -3.0 spread is a solid choice.
On the other hand, the Washington Commanders come into this game with a 1-1 preseason record. They have shown some defensive strengths but struggled offensively. Baltimore's ability to consistently cover spreads in the preseason further strengthens the case for the Ravens to cover the -3.0 spread.
The weather forecast predicts light rain, which could slightly affect the passing game, but Baltimore's balanced offensive attack should still find ways to score. Additionally, the Ravens have a track record of performing well in lower total games, evidenced by their 5-0 ATS record when totals are at or below 42 points in the preseason.
Considering the Commanders' offensive struggles and the Ravens' strong preseason form, a projected final score of Ravens 27 - Commanders 14 seems reasonable. This scoreline would comfortably cover the -3.0 spread for Baltimore.
- Ravens vs Commanders Prediction: Ravens -3.0
- Ravens vs Commanders Score: Ravens 27 - Commanders 14
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