Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles 2026 Preseason Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Friday, August 28, 2026

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

TV: CBS / Paramount+

Tickets: As low as $31

Betting Line: Philadelphia Eagles -3

Moneyline: Philadelphia -150 / Cincinnati +125

Over/Under: 36.5 Points

The Cincinnati Bengals close out an impressive preseason Friday night when they travel to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles in a nationally televised finale.

Kickoff is officially scheduled for 8:00 PM ET on CBS, with streaming available through Paramount+. Cincinnati enters 2-0, while Philadelphia is looking for its first preseason victory after opening 0-2.

The current betting market matches the supplied line almost perfectly: Philadelphia is listed around -3 with a -150 moneyline, Cincinnati is approximately +125, and the total sits at 36.5. Some sportsbooks have already dipped toward Eagles -2.5, making the exact number worth checking before kickoff.

Cincinnati enters with momentum after defeating Detroit 16-14 and Chicago 27-9. Against the Bears, veteran Josh Johnson started and completed 15 of 23 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns, while Sean Clifford took over after halftime and threw for 126 yards and another touchdown.

Philadelphia’s preseason has produced the opposite results but several encouraging individual performances. The Eagles lost 24-21 at New England in Week 2, but Tanner McKee completed 16 of 22 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Will Shipley rushed for 56 yards and a score and Carson Steele caught six passes for 84 yards and a touchdown.

The most interesting storyline may involve former Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton.

Dalton has started both Eagles preseason games while splitting backup work with McKee. Philadelphia’s coaching staff continues to describe the No. 2 quarterback competition as active, giving both experienced passers something meaningful to play for Friday night.

That makes this an unusually intriguing preseason finale.

Cincinnati’s young skill players are fighting for roster positions.

Philadelphia’s backup quarterbacks are competing for the No. 2 job.

And both teams have enough offensive depth to make a 36.5-point total very interesting.

Top Four Prop Bets

Preseason player props are not consistently available at every sportsbook. Unless your sportsbook lists the exact numbers below, these should be treated as projected betting targets based on expected workload, preseason production and roster competition.

Prop Bet #1: Tanner McKee Over 129.5 Passing Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: McKee Over 129.5 Passing Yards

• 173 Yards vs Patriots
• Active QB2 Competition
• Strong Second-Team Chemistry

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Tanner McKee enters the finale after easily his best performance of the preseason.

Against New England:

16 completions.

22 attempts.

173 passing yards.

Two touchdowns.

Zero interceptions.

That produced a 125.8 passer rating and strengthened his case in Philadelphia’s backup-quarterback competition.

A projected number around 130 yards is therefore attractive if McKee receives another extended appearance.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Philadelphia has a legitimate competition.

Dalton brings 16 years of NFL experience.

McKee brings youth, familiarity with the organization and significant preseason production.

Head coach Nick Sirianni said the competition remains active, and Philadelphia has continued rotating the two quarterbacks during practice.

That means McKee still needs snaps.

He also has several productive young targets.

Carson Steele caught six passes for 84 yards against New England.

Darius Cooper added three receptions for 44 yards.

Stone Smartt caught five for 37.

Those underneath options make it easier to accumulate yardage without relying entirely on deep completions.

Why the Under Could Hit

Playing time is always the danger.

Philadelphia also has fifth-round rookie Cole Payton, who needs developmental snaps.

Dalton has started both preseason games and may receive another opening series or quarter.

If Sirianni divides the finale among three quarterbacks, McKee may not receive enough attempts.

Cincinnati’s defense is another concern.

The Bengals held Chicago to only nine points and repeatedly generated pressure with young defensive linemen such as Landon Robinson.

Still, McKee’s efficiency and the importance of the QB2 competition make the over the preferred side.

Projected Bet: Tanner McKee Over 129.5 Passing Yards

Prop Bet #2: Josh Johnson Over 109.5 Passing Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Johnson Over 109.5 Passing Yards

• 156 Yards vs Chicago
• Veteran Experience
• Young WR Production

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Josh Johnson showed exactly why Cincinnati added another veteran quarterback to an already experienced room.

Against Chicago, Johnson completed 15 of 23 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. His passer rating was 113.7.

He also showed strong chemistry with several players fighting for roster spots.

Colbie Young caught a touchdown.

Dohnte Meyers remained heavily involved.

Tanner Hudson also found the end zone.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Johnson understands preseason football.

He has played for numerous NFL organizations and has 50 regular-season appearances on his résumé.

Young quarterbacks sometimes struggle when the offensive line changes every few possessions.

Johnson has seen almost everything.

That experience allows him to keep a reserve offense functioning.

His progression from Week 1 to Week 2 was significant.

Against Detroit, Johnson threw for only 84 yards.

Against Chicago, he jumped to 156 with two touchdowns.

If Cincinnati gives him another half, 110 yards is reasonable.

Why the Under Could Hit

The Bengals have four quarterbacks.

Joe Burrow.

Joe Flacco.

Johnson.

Sean Clifford.

Cincinnati may decide Johnson has already provided enough evidence.

Clifford needs developmental work.

Flacco could theoretically receive a tune-up.

And there is little reason to expose Burrow extensively in the preseason finale.

That makes the exact quarterback allocation critical.

If Johnson gets close to a half, take the over.

If Cincinnati announces a four-way rotation, avoid it.

Projected Bet: Josh Johnson Over 109.5 Passing Yards — if extended playing time is confirmed

Prop Bet #3: Dohnte Meyers Over 34.5 Receiving Yards

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Meyers Over 34.5 Receiving Yards

• Eight Catches in Two Games
• CFL 1,000-Yard Season
• Roster Spot Push

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–

Dohnte Meyers has been one of Cincinnati’s best preseason stories.

He caught three passes for 29 yards against Detroit.

Then five more against Chicago for 41 yards.

He has therefore produced eight receptions for 70 yards through two games while also contributing as a runner.

His value goes beyond the numbers.

Meyers arrived after playing the previous two seasons in the CFL, where he developed into a 1,000-yard receiver.

Now he is trying to prove that production translates to the NFL.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Volume is the biggest attraction.

Meyers has led Cincinnati in receptions in consecutive preseason games.

That indicates quarterbacks trust him.

It also indicates the coaching staff wants to evaluate him.

He has made plays in practice too, including a 65-yard touchdown connection with Johnson during training camp.

The Bengals already know what Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins can do.

The finale is about players such as Meyers.

A projected total around 35 yards only requires four or five routine receptions.

Why the Under Could Hit

His strong preseason may already have done the job.

Cincinnati’s roster evaluation also includes Colbie Young, Noah Thomas, Jordan Moore and several other young receivers.

Those players need targets too.

Young was particularly impressive against Chicago, catching three passes for 48 yards and a touchdown.

The Bengals could therefore reduce Meyers’ snaps to evaluate the rest of the room.

But his consistent involvement makes the over attractive.

Projected Bet: Dohnte Meyers Over 34.5 Receiving Yards

Prop Bet #4: Game Total Over 36.5 Points

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Over 36.5 Points

• Strong Backup QBs
• Bengals Scored 27 in Week 2
• Eagles Produced 21 at New England

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The over is the preferred game-total angle.

Thirty-six and a half points is a low bar for two teams with experienced backup quarterbacks.

Cincinnati has Johnson and Clifford available behind Burrow and Flacco.

Philadelphia has Dalton and McKee.

Those are not typical third-string preseason quarterback rooms.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Look at Week 2.

Cincinnati scored 27.

Philadelphia scored 21.

Combined, that’s 48 points.

The quarterbacks drove much of that production.

Johnson threw two touchdowns.

Clifford threw another.

McKee threw two.

Even Dalton moved Philadelphia on a touchdown drive despite finishing only 3-of-10 passing.

Both teams also have young players desperately trying to make the roster.

That urgency can produce aggressive fourth-quarter football.

Nobody fighting for an NFL job wants to run three conservative plays and punt.

Why the Under Could Hit

This is still a preseason finale.

Coaches may become extremely conservative once players they value leave the game.

Philadelphia scored only seven points in its opener at Baltimore.

Cincinnati scored only 16 against Detroit.

The Bengals’ defense has also been impressive, allowing just 23 combined points through two games.

If Philadelphia’s deeper quarterbacks struggle and Cincinnati slows its offense late, something like 20-14 is possible.

But 36.5 is low enough that only five touchdowns and one field goal are required.

Bet: Over 36.5 Points

The Matchup Context: Cincinnati Can Finish August Unbeaten

Preseason records don’t count in September.

They still mean something inside a locker room.

Cincinnati enters Philadelphia 2-0.

A victory would complete an undefeated preseason and send the Bengals into the regular season with three straight games of positive tape.

The way Cincinnati has won is encouraging.

Detroit was close.

Chicago wasn’t.

Against the Bears, the Bengals controlled both sides of the football and received significant production from players throughout the depth chart.

That is exactly what Zac Taylor wants from August.

The established stars don’t need to carry the team.

The roster has to prove it is deeper than the first 22 players.

Joe Burrow Has Already Received Valuable Work

The Bengals entered the preseason wanting meaningful repetitions for Burrow after an injury-interrupted 2025 season.

He played in Cincinnati’s opener against Detroit, completing five of six passes for 39 yards in 13 snaps before the reserves took over.

He then received substantial work during Cincinnati’s joint practice with Chicago, allowing the starting offense to compete against another playoff-caliber defense without exposing Burrow to live tackling.

That makes his Friday workload far less important than Johnson and Clifford’s.

Cincinnati already knows who its starter is.

The finale is about depth.

Joe Flacco Doesn’t Need an Audition

The same is true for Joe Flacco.

Cincinnati knows exactly what it has.

Flacco started 10 games for the Bengals last season after Burrow’s injury and threw for 2,479 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning the first Pro Bowl selection of his long career.

He is one of the most experienced backup quarterbacks in football.

Friday is not about deciding whether Flacco can handle an NFL offense.

It is about determining who stays behind the top two quarterbacks and which young players deserve roster spots around them.

Josh Johnson Has Made Cincinnati’s QB Room Even Deeper

Johnson’s presence almost feels excessive.

Burrow.

Flacco.

Then a 14-year veteran behind them.

That depth becomes especially valuable during preseason games.

Johnson can function like an additional coach on the field while giving young receivers legitimate opportunities to prove themselves.

His two-touchdown performance against Chicago showed exactly how valuable that experience can be.

The question Friday is how Cincinnati divides the snaps between Johnson and Clifford.

Sean Clifford Has His Own Case to Make

Clifford played the entire second half against Chicago and completed roughly two-thirds of his passes for 126 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

That performance included several impressive throws.

He found Jordan Moore for 20 yards.

He connected with Noah Thomas for a 20-yard touchdown.

He also hit Charlie Jones for a 26-yard gain.

Clifford represents something different from Cincinnati’s other quarterbacks.

He is younger.

He still has developmental upside.

Friday could therefore become particularly important for his future.

Dohnte Meyers Continues to Force the Issue

Meyers is making Cincinnati’s receiver decision difficult.

That is exactly what Taylor wants.

The Bengals already have one of the NFL’s best starting combinations in Chase and Higgins.

The real competition is behind them.

Meyers has delivered in both games.

Eight catches.

Seventy yards.

Multiple productive rushing attempts.

More importantly, he keeps showing up.

Practice.

Game.

Different quarterbacks.

Different situations.

Players like that tend to survive roster cuts.

Colbie Young Is Making His Push Too

Young may be Meyers’ biggest competition for attention.

The rookie caught three passes for 48 yards and a touchdown against Chicago.

His scoring play came from 17 yards out when Johnson found him in the end zone.

Young’s size gives Cincinnati something different.

The Bengals already know Chase can win anywhere.

They know Higgins can dominate contested situations.

The question becomes what complementary skill sets deserve the remaining receiver spots.

Young’s ability to win with size and body control helps his case.

Philadelphia’s Record Is Misleading

The Eagles are 0-2.

That doesn’t mean they have played poorly everywhere.

They lost 24-7 at Baltimore in the opener.

Then they improved dramatically against New England, losing 24-21.

The offense generated 301 total yards and McKee threw two touchdowns. Philadelphia’s defense also recorded four sacks.

Those are encouraging signs.

The Eagles don’t need a preseason win to prove they are ready for September.

But they would like to see their young players finish camp on a positive note.

Jalen Hurts Has Nothing to Prove Friday

Hurts hasn’t been the focus of Philadelphia’s preseason game plan.

Instead, the Eagles used joint practices—including two against New England—to give their starting quarterback extensive competitive work in controlled settings.

That approach makes sense.

Hurts is a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback coming off a 2025 season in which he threw a career-high 25 touchdown passes.

Philadelphia doesn’t need August box-score statistics from him.

It needs him healthy.

That pushes the spotlight back toward Dalton and McKee.

Andy Dalton Faces His Former Team

Dalton’s presence gives Friday an obvious emotional storyline.

He spent nine seasons as Cincinnati’s starting quarterback.

He led the Bengals to multiple playoff appearances.

He remains one of the most productive quarterbacks in franchise history.

Now he is wearing Eagles green.

Philadelphia acquired Dalton during the offseason and has used him as the first quarterback off the bench throughout the preseason. He has started both exhibitions.

His statistics have been modest:

3-of-6 for 20 yards against Baltimore.

3-of-10 for 44 yards against New England.

But Dalton’s value isn’t measured only in passing yards.

He brings stability.

Experience.

Preparation.

And the ability to step into an NFL game without being overwhelmed.

Friday gives him another opportunity—this time against the franchise where his career began.

Tanner McKee Is Making the Competition Interesting

McKee was one of Philadelphia’s best players against New England.

His line was excellent.

16-of-22.

173 yards.

Two touchdowns.

No interceptions.

That performance forces the coaching staff to think.

Dalton may have far more NFL experience.

McKee may offer more developmental value.

Sirianni has made clear that both remain in the competition.

That makes Friday meaningful.

This isn’t simply a backup quarterback filling time.

McKee can strengthen his case with every productive drive.

Carson Steele Gives Philadelphia an Interesting Weapon

Steele produced Philadelphia’s biggest offensive performance outside McKee last Saturday.

He caught six passes for 84 yards and a touchdown while adding 33 rushing yards on 12 carries.

That’s 117 yards from scrimmage.

The receiving production was particularly impressive.

Backup quarterbacks love reliable checkdown options.

Steele gives McKee and Dalton a target underneath when Cincinnati’s pass rush forces the football out early.

He could play a major role again Friday.

Will Shipley Needs Another Strong Game

Shipley led Philadelphia’s rushing attack against New England.

11 carries.

56 yards.

One touchdown.

That is exactly the kind of preseason performance the Eagles want from their young backs.

Positive runs.

Explosiveness.

Ball security.

Finishing drives.

The Bengals held Chicago to nine points, so Philadelphia may need Shipley to create manageable down-and-distance situations rather than relying entirely on McKee and Dalton.

Players to Watch

Josh Johnson, QB, Bengals: Johnson completed 15 of 23 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns against Chicago. His experience gives Cincinnati a significant advantage if he receives another extended appearance.

Sean Clifford, QB, Bengals: Clifford threw for 126 yards and a touchdown in the second half against the Bears and may receive significant finale work.

Dohnte Meyers, WR, Bengals: Meyers has eight catches through two preseason games and remains one of Cincinnati’s most interesting roster-bubble players.

Colbie Young, WR, Bengals: Young produced 48 yards and a touchdown against Chicago and continues pushing for a roster position.

Landon Robinson, DT, Bengals: The rookie produced a 12-yard sack against Chicago and has been part of an impressive young Cincinnati defensive group.

Andy Dalton, QB, Eagles: Dalton faces his former franchise while continuing his competition with McKee for Philadelphia’s backup role.

Tanner McKee, QB, Eagles: McKee threw for 173 yards and two touchdowns against New England and may be the most important Eagles player to watch Friday.

Carson Steele, RB, Eagles: Steele produced 117 yards from scrimmage and a receiving touchdown against the Patriots.

Will Shipley, RB, Eagles: Shipley rushed for 56 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 and gives Philadelphia an explosive backfield option.

Darius Cooper, WR, Eagles: Cooper caught three passes for 44 yards against New England and has been one of Philadelphia’s more consistent young receivers during camp.

Keys to the Game

Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati’s first priority is quarterback efficiency.

If Johnson and Clifford play most of the game, the Bengals should have enough experience to sustain drives.

Second, Cincinnati needs its young receivers to continue separating themselves.

Meyers.

Young.

Thomas.

Moore.

There are only so many roster spots.

Friday is the final audition.

Third, the Bengals’ defensive front needs to continue creating pressure.

Philadelphia has two experienced backup quarterbacks.

Allow them to stand comfortably and they will move the football.

Fourth, Cincinnati must protect the ball.

The Bengals are 2-0 partly because their reserve offense has generally avoided catastrophic mistakes.

Finally, Cincinnati needs to maintain its defensive intensity.

Allowing only nine points against Chicago was impressive.

Another strong showing would give Taylor confidence in the roster’s depth.

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia’s first priority is completing the Dalton-McKee evaluation.

McKee’s Week 2 performance raised the stakes.

Second, the Eagles need another strong rushing effort from Shipley and Steele.

Cincinnati’s pass rush becomes much more dangerous on obvious passing downs.

Third, Philadelphia must create turnovers.

The Eagles are favored by three despite being 0-2.

A short field could become the difference.

Fourth, the offensive line must keep Cincinnati’s young defensive front away from the quarterbacks.

Finally, Philadelphia needs to finish.

The Eagles were close against New England but couldn’t complete the comeback.

A preseason victory isn’t essential.

Executing a winning fourth-quarter situation is.

Betting Prediction

At Philadelphia -3, the Eagles are the slight preference—but the spread is considerably less attractive than the total.

Philadelphia’s biggest advantage is quarterback competition.

Dalton and McKee both have legitimate NFL experience.

McKee is coming off 173 yards and two touchdowns.

That gives the Eagles a strong foundation regardless of which quarterback handles the majority of the game.

Cincinnati counters with Johnson and Clifford.

That is why this matchup should produce more offense than the 36.5 total suggests.

The Bengals scored 27 against Chicago.

The Eagles scored 21 against New England.

Both teams have young receivers playing aggressively for roster spots.

Both teams have quarterbacks capable of moving reserve offenses.

The spread could come down to one late possession.

Philadelphia’s home field and McKee’s current form give the Eagles a slight edge.

But Cincinnati’s 2-0 record and impressive defensive depth make laying three points uncomfortable.

The total is the stronger wager.

The Verdict

Prediction: Eagles 21, Bengals 17

Pick: Philadelphia Eagles -3

Moneyline: Philadelphia Eagles -150

Total Pick: Over 36.5

Cincinnati has been the better preseason team through two games.

The Bengals are undefeated.

Their defense has played well.

Johnson and Clifford both produced against Chicago.

Meyers and Young have emerged as legitimate roster candidates.

Philadelphia hasn’t won yet, but its second preseason game was a major improvement.

McKee looked excellent.

Steele was productive as both a runner and receiver.

Shipley ran effectively.

The Eagles scored 21 against a good New England roster.

Friday should therefore look nothing like a typical ugly preseason finale.

There are too many experienced quarterbacks on the field.

Johnson knows how to operate an NFL offense.

Clifford is improving.

Dalton has nearly two decades of professional experience.

McKee is coming off one of the better quarterback performances of Preseason Week 2.

Expect Cincinnati to move the football early.

Expect Meyers and Young to remain involved.

Expect Philadelphia to answer behind McKee’s arm and Shipley’s rushing ability.

The decisive possession should come late.

At home, with McKee or Dalton managing the fourth quarter, Philadelphia has just enough offensive stability to create the final scoring drive.

But the best betting angle isn’t the Eagles.

It’s the total.

Final Score Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles 21, Cincinnati Bengals 17

Best Bet: Over 36.5

Against the Spread: Philadelphia Eagles -3

Top Player Prop: Tanner McKee Over 129.5 Passing Yards

Additional Props: Dohnte Meyers Over 34.5 Receiving Yards | Josh Johnson Over 109.5 Passing Yards if extended playing time is confirmed