The Bengals and Eagles close out their NFL betting odds preseason schedules Friday night in Philadelphia. In turn, giving both coaching staffs a final look at their reserves before roster cuts. Cincinnati sits at 2-0 after a pair of wins. Including a convincing 27-9 result over Chicago last Saturday when the backups took over completely.
Zac Taylor has already indicated the starters will sit out this game. Including Joe Burrow, who will sit this week after limited work in the opener. So the night will belong to veterans like Josh Johnson and the younger players fighting for spots.
Philadelphia is 0-2 and has followed its usual approach under Nick Sirianni. To show, he rested Jalen Hurts and the first-team units in favor of joint-practice work. Thus, leaving the backups to handle the exhibitions. Those reserves have struggled at times, dropping a close one to New England last weekend.
Consider that this nationally televised finale on CBS offers Cincinnati’s depth a chance to stay sharp. Especially against another team’s second and third units. While the Eagles look for any late improvement or standout performances from players on the bubble. Both sides will treat it as evaluation more than a dress rehearsal.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles NFL Betting Info
| Date and Time: | Friday, August 28, 2026, 8:00 PM ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. |
| TV Coverage: | CBS |
The Cincinnati Bengals visit the Philadelphia Eagles this Friday, August 28, 2026. Specifically, kickoff is at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The offshore Bookmaker preseason finale airs nationally on CBS.
Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles Analysis
The Bengals have looked more organized through two preseason games. Despite keeping Joe Burrow and most of the first-team offense on the sideline after a brief appearance in the opener. Their backups have moved the ball efficiently, found the end zone, and protected the quarterback well enough. As a result, they posted a pair of NFL Betting wins.
Additionally, Cincinnati’s defense has shown flashes of added physicality. That was expected after the offseason addition of Dexter Lawrence. Thus, giving the unit a chance to stay aggressive against Philadelphia’s second-stringers.
By contrast, the Eagles have used the exhibitions almost exclusively to evaluate depth. After resting Jalen Hurts and the starters throughout. In turn, those reserves have had a bumpier ride. They dropped both games. Philadelphia struggled to convert on third down in the opener. And it needed a late push just to stay close against New England.
Nick Sirianni’s staff will be watching for late improvement in execution and for players on the roster bubble. So far, expectations suggest Cincinnati’s second and third units have a clearer identity heading into Friday night. Both teams will treat the game as a last evaluation opportunity. Instead of a true preview of what their starters can do once the regular season arrives.
SBG Free Picks
To summarize, the Bengals have the clearer edge heading into Friday night even with both teams expected to rest their starters. Cincinnati’s backups have already shown they can score and protect the football across two wins. While Philadelphia’s reserves have struggled to sustain drives and convert in two losses. That difference in execution and identity should show up against another team’s second and third units. Hence, making the Bengals the side to lean on if the line stays modest.
Finally, for the total, these late-preseason games usually stay low as play-calling turns conservative. And one offense has given little reason to expect a shootout. A number in the mid-30s already assumes some production from Cincinnati’s depth. So the under looks like the more reliable play once the backups take over for four quarters.
SBG Best Bet: Cincinnati Bengals and Under the Total.

