The Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens are set to kick off the 2026 preseason at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Scheduled for Saturday, August 15, the game will begin at 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN. Fans can expect warm weather with a light breeze and scattered clouds as the teams take the field.
The Eagles are entering the preseason with the guidance of Head Coach Nick Sirianni and coordinators Sean Mannion and Vic Fangio. After finishing last season with an 11-6 regular season record, the Eagles were defeated by the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card Round, 23-19. As part of the NFC East, Philadelphia aims to utilize preseason games to refine strategies and evaluate talent for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, the Ravens, led by Head Coach Jesse Minter and coordinators Declan Doyle and Anthony Weaver, are looking to improve on their 8-9 record from last year. Missing the playoffs, Baltimore is eager to start the new season strong, leveraging home-field advantage at M&T Bank Stadium. Competing in the AFC North, the Ravens will use this preseason matchup to assess their roster and make necessary adjustments.
According to consensus odds, the Eagles are slightly favored with a moneyline of -160 and a spread of -3.0 points. The Ravens have a moneyline of +134 and a spread of +3.0 points. The total points over/under is set at 36.5, providing an exciting opportunity for fans and bettors alike to engage with this preseason opener.
Ravens vs Eagles At a Glance (Preseason Week 1)
- The Philadelphia Eagles will visit the Baltimore Ravens for a Preseason Week 1 game.
- The game will be played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD.
- Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
- The weather forecast predicts a warm day with scattered clouds and a light breeze.
- The Eagles enter the game after an 11-6 regular season record last year, while the Ravens had an 8-9 record.
- Sportsbook odds list the Eagles at -160 and the Ravens at +134 on the moneyline.
The Ravens' Nest: Baltimore Ravens Home Game Preview
Offensive Outlook
The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2026 preseason with a strong offensive reputation, having scored an average of 24.9 points per game in the 2025 regular season, ranking 10th in the league. Their offensive strength was largely driven by their potent rushing attack, which ranked 2nd overall with 156.6 rushing yards per game. With Derrick Henry leading the backfield, the Ravens are expected to continue their ground dominance.
Last season, Lamar Jackson was a critical part of the Ravens' offense, contributing 2,549 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. His ability to lead the team as a dual-threat quarterback is pivotal for maintaining offensive balance. The Ravens will be looking to utilize their receiving talent, including Zay Flowers, who led with 1,211 receiving yards in 2025.
Defensive Strategies
Defensively, the Ravens faced challenges in 2025, allowing 23.4 points per game, which placed them 18th in the league. The team struggled against the pass, ranking 30th with 247.9 passing yards allowed per game. However, their run defense was more robust, holding opponents to 106.6 rushing yards per game, ranking 10th.
Ravens' defense will aim to improve their pass coverage and increase pressure on opposing quarterbacks this preseason. With key players like Roquan Smith anchoring the linebacker corps, the defense is poised to show improvement against both the pass and the run.
Special Teams and Key Players
Special teams play a crucial role for the Ravens, with Tyler Loop as their reliable kicker, making 30 field goals last season. His consistent performance is vital for the team’s scoring efficiency. The return game is bolstered by Rasheen Ali, offering potential for explosive plays on kick returns.
On the injury front, the Ravens are currently without Travis Jones and Teddye Buchanan, both placed on the physically unable to perform list. Their absence will be felt, especially in the defensive line and linebacker rotations.
Upcoming Games and Expectations
The Ravens will host the Philadelphia Eagles in their first preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium. This home game is an opportunity for the team to fine-tune their strategies and evaluate new talent. They are currently 2.5-point underdogs, with a total of 36.5 points for the game.
Following their matchup against the Eagles, the Ravens will travel to face the Minnesota Vikings and then return home to take on the Washington Commanders. These preseason games are crucial for establishing rhythm and depth as they approach the regular season.
Baltimore Ravens Betting Trends
- As preseason favorites, the Ravens have a recent record of 8-1.
- Against the spread as preseason favorites, they are also 8-1.
- In regular season games with totals of 42 or less, they have gone 4-0.
- The Ravens won all three of their last preseason games in 2025.
- Against the spread in their last three preseason games, they are 3-0.
Philadelphia Eagles: Soaring into the 2026 Preseason
Quarterback Spotlight
Jalen Hurts, who led the team with 3,224 passing yards and 25 touchdowns in the 2025 regular season, returns as the Eagles' starting quarterback. His leadership and versatility will be key in guiding the team through the preseason.
Behind him, Tanner McKee showed glimpses of potential last season with 280 passing yards and 1 touchdown across five games. McKee will likely see more action in the preseason, providing depth at the quarterback position.
Running Back Corps
Saquon Barkley continues to be a major force for the Eagles' ground game, having rushed for 1,140 yards and scoring 7 touchdowns last season. His presence ensures a dynamic rushing attack that defenses will need to prepare for.
In the backup roles, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley add depth and versatility. Bigsby contributed 344 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, while Shipley brings potential as a kick returner and receiver.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
DeVonta Smith is a standout receiver for the Eagles, coming off a strong season with 1,008 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. His ability to make big plays will be crucial in stretching the field.
Dallas Goedert, a reliable target at tight end, recorded 11 touchdowns last year. His presence in the red zone provides Jalen Hurts with a dependable option.
Defensive Line and Secondary
The Eagles' defense ranked 5th in the league for opponent scoring last season, allowing just 19.1 points per game. This defensive prowess will be essential in shutting down opposing offenses.
Key players like Nolan Smith Jr. and Riq Woolen are expected to lead the charge on defense, maintaining the Eagles' reputation as a tough team to score against.
Special Teams and Kicking Game
Jake Elliott continues as the Eagles' kicker after converting 20 field goals and 41 extra points in the previous season. His consistency is a valuable asset in close games.
Britain Covey, listed as the primary punt returner, will be an exciting player to watch on special teams, potentially setting up favorable field positions.
Team Betting Trends
- In the last 8 preseason games as underdogs, the Eagles have an over/under record of 7-1.
- Following a loss in preseason, the Eagles are 3-0 straight up in their last 3 games.
- In their last 7 away preseason games, the Eagles' over/under record is 5-2.
- After a win in the regular season, the Eagles are 5-2 straight up in their last 7 games.
Ravens vs Eagles Prediction: Ravens +3.0
The Philadelphia Eagles are favored by 3 points against the Baltimore Ravens in this preseason opener. Last season, the Eagles had a strong record at 11-6, but they struggled in the postseason, losing to the 49ers in the Wild Card Round. Meanwhile, the Ravens finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs, but they have a solid home advantage at M&T Bank Stadium.
Despite the Eagles' overall stronger performance last season, the Ravens have shown impressive trends in preseason games. Baltimore has an excellent track record against the spread in recent preseason games, going 8-1 as favorites and 3-0 in their last three preseason outings. Additionally, the Ravens have a strong ATS record at home, winning 6 out of their last 7 preseason home games.
Given these trends, taking the Ravens to cover the spread of +3.0 seems a wise choice. Preseason games often have unpredictable outcomes, and the Ravens have shown the ability to outperform expectations in similar situations. The Eagles might have the edge in regular-season stats, but the Ravens' preseason form should not be underestimated.
Based on the Ravens' preseason trends and home advantage, a projected final score could see the Ravens narrowly edging out the Eagles. A score of Ravens 21 - Eagles 17 aligns well with the Ravens covering the spread.
- Ravens vs Eagles Prediction: Ravens +3.0
- Ravens vs Eagles Score: Ravens 21 - Eagles 17
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