Week 3 Preseason Thursday Night Football: Expert Picks in the NFL for August 27, 2026
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Thu Aug 27, 2026, 12:20 pm ET
Read Time: 4 minutes
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The final week of the NFL Preseason beings tonight with not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR contests on Thursday Night. Our NFL experts dug into the preseason slate and found their favorite picks for tonight's matchups, so let's dive in and see if there's anything worth wagering on during the last week of "fake football" before the real deal begins.
NFL Preseason: Thursday's Predictions August 27
Will Howard should see tons of action tonight for the Steelers against the Bills
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Buffalo Bills NFL Picks
Best Bet: Pittsburgh/Buffalo Under 34.5 (-110) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
This is already a low total, but I don't expect very many points from either of these units. Joe Brady said we will not see Josh Allen, however the QB might get to call some plays for Kyle Allen who will take most of the offensive snaps. As for the Steelers, I doubt we see Aaron Rodgers or Mason Rudolph, leaving things up to Will Howard and Drew Allar to produce points.
I don't see it happening.
The Steelers were shutout by the Jets last week after scoring plenty against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1. Ultimately, these guys are fighting to suit up on Sundays during the season, but I just don't think I have enough faith in either unit to contribute like we would need them to. Therefore, it's the under or nothing from me, perhaps even a first half under if you really want to get in and out.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders NFL Picks
Aiden O'Connell will see most of the offensive snaps for the Raiders tonight at home
Best Bet: Las Vegas -3 (-120) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
This line has moved plenty, and that probably should be an indication to back the 49ers instead and fade the steam. However, Kyle Shanahan has said he will not play any starters as his team prepares for their Week 1 matchup in Australia. While Klint Kubiak hasn't named a starter between Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza, you should expect at least a little Mendoza with plenty of Aiden O'Connell.
I'll follow the steam and back the Raiders in Sin City tonight.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Los Angeles Chargers NFL Picks
Stetson Bennett leads the Rams in their final preseason game against the Chargers at SoFi
Best Bet: Rams +3.5 (-110) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
Back the Rams with me tonight at SoFi Stadium. Neither team has indicated that they will play their starters, so expect plenty of action from the back ups, even in Week 3 of the NFL Preseason. However, that means Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett will lead the Rams' offense, and I have plenty of faith in them performing well.
They've put up 54 points of offense through two preseason games and have yet to allow a touchdown on the defensive side of things. I like the idea of backing the Rams with proven reserves, rather than relying on Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei. While the Chargers scored plenty against the Houston back ups in Week 1, they struggled against San Francisco. Against a stout Rams' defense, I think this is a game that Los Angeles (Rams) could pull off an upset here.
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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