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Did Odell Beckham Jr. make the Giants? Latest updates as roster cuts loom

Odell Beckham Jr. is looking to do something he hasn't since the 2018 NFL season – suit up in a regular-season game for the New York Giants.

Beckham signed with the Giants as a free agent on June 1. It marked a reunion between him and the franchise that selected him with the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, and also a second partnership with John Harbaugh, who coached him with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023.

Few knew what to expect from Beckham with the Giants. The 33-year-old receiver had last played during the 2024 NFL season with the Miami Dolphins, generating nine catches for 55 yards across nine games.

Nonetheless, Beckham was given a legitimate chance to fight for a spot on a wide-open Giants receiver depth chart behind fellow LSU product Malik Nabers. He generated seven catches for 76 yards across his preseason action while looking to stake a claim to a roster spot.

Was Beckham able to earn a spot on the Giants' 53-man roster? Here are the latest updates about his status as the NFL's 53-man roster deadline approaches on Aug. 30.

Did the Giants cut Odell Beckham Jr.? Latest updates

The Giants have not yet released Beckham. New York has not yet announced the players it is releasing to comply with the 53-man roster deadline, but a decision about the 33-year-old's status will be reached by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 30.

The Giants entered their Friday, Aug. 28, preseason final against the New York Jets with 11 receivers on their 90-man roster. Teams typically keep between five and seven receivers on their 53-man rosters during the NFL season, so Beckham is firmly on the Giants' roster bubble.

NFL CUTS TRACKER: Following latest cuts ahead of trim to 53

Giants WR depth chart

The Giants had seven players listed as first-, second- or third-string receivers on their most recent unofficial depth chart release. One of them, Calvin Austin III, suffered a season-ending ACL tear in practice. The remaining six were listed as follows:

  1. Malik Nabers
  2. Darius Slayton
  3. Darnell Mooney
  4. Malachi Fields
  5. Odell Beckham Jr.
  6. Dalen Cambre

The Giants also have Braxton Berrios, Xavier Gipson, Isaiah Hodgins and Jaylin Hyatt listed as fourth-string receivers. All are battling with the likes of Beckham and Cambre for spots on the back end of New York's roster.

Meanwhile, though Slayton and Mooney are listed ahead of Fields, the third-round rookie could ultimately emerge as the team's No. 2 receiver early in the season because of his size (6-4, 218 pounds) and blocking capabilities.

Odell Beckham Jr. contract details

Beckham Jr. signed a one-year contract worth $1.3 million with the Giants. He will only carry a $1.075 million cap hit, per Spotrac.com, and will not have a dead-cap charge if released.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Did Odell Beckham Jr. make the Giants? Latest updates as roster cuts loom

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49ers roster cut veteran running back days before 53-man roster cuts

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows A 49ers player carrying a football attempts to evade a Titans player, Image 2 shows San Francisco 49ers player with football being tackled by Tennessee Titans players
The San Francisco 49ers released a veteran running back before 53-man roster cuts.

The San Francisco 49ers have parted ways with veteran running back Patrick Taylor Jr. and have removed him from the team’s injured reserve list.

Because he was on the team’s injured list, Taylor’s does not count as a member of the team’s 90-man roster, meaning his release will not affect San Francisco’s path to narrowing the roster down to 53 players.

San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. running the ball against the Tennessee Titans. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Taylor suffered an abductor injury in the team’s preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans and was placed on the team’s injured reserve shortly after.

The veteran running back has seen limited time on the field this preseason, despite competing for a spot on the team’s roster, as he had very little impact in their opener, when he had 5 carries for -5 yards.

In 2024, Taylor signed with the 49ers and appeared in 13 games, where he saw time as a rotational running back and ran the ball 39 times for 183 yards and scored 1 touchdown. He also had 3 receptions out of the backfield for 25 yards.

Like this year, he was in a similar role last season, competing for a backup spot on the 49ers roster, but would end up coming up short after suffering another injury and spending the season on the team’s injured reserve.

San Francisco 49ers veteran running back Patrick Taylor Jr. rushing through a pile of defenders. San Francisco Chronicle / Polaris

Taylor’s career began when he was picked up as an undrafted free agent by the Green Bay Packers in 2020. He spent the first four years of his career between the Packers and the New England Patriots.

Despite never playing in a game with New England, Taylor Jr. has had 47 carries for 444 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.

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Giants' Francis Mauigoa steamrolls big brother, Kiko – just like he promised

The New York Giants and New York Jets squared off in their annual preseason rivalry game on Friday, Aug. 28.

This year, the game also had elements of a sibling rivalry, as Giants first-round rookie Francis "Sisi" Mauigoa got a chance to face his brother, Jets linebacker Francisco "Kiko" Mauigoa, for the first time in his career.

The younger Mauigoa brother got the better of his older sibling early in the game, getting a key block on the veteran linebacker during a first quarter Tyrone Tracy Jr. touchdown run.

Tracy ran behind Francis Mauigoa on the play, and the right guard was tasked with blocking his brother on the play. The Miami product managed to stonewall his older sibling and driving him to the ground while paving the way for Tracy to get into the end-zone.

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Tyrone Tracy heads to locker room after scary tackle vs. Jets

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. suffered an apparent injury during his team's preseason Week 3 game against the New York Jets.

The injury occurred as Tracy was tackled at the end of an 8-yard run with just over seven minutes remaining in the second quarter. The 26-year-old lowered his head while trying to power through contact and hit the crown of his helmet hard on the shoulder of Jets safety Jarius Monroe.

Tracy's neck was seemingly compressed as a result of the hit.

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New-look Jets defense forces more preseason turnovers in electric first half against Giants

New York Jets defensive back Qwan'tez Stiggers (37) reacts after making a play during a game.
New York Jets defensive back Qwan'tez Stiggers (37) reacts during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, August 28, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J.

Every Jets fan had the same thought in the first quarter Friday night: Save some of these takeaways for the regular season.

Qwan’tez Stiggers and Marcelino McCrary-Ball combined to force an interception and a fumble as the much-scrutinized Jets defense showed against the Giants the opportunistic quality that was missing all last season.

The Jets became the first team in NFL history to go a full season without an interception last season.

New York Jets linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball (41) celebrates after his interception against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Friday, August 28, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The streak unofficially continued through the first preseason game, but the Jets recorded two interceptions against the Steelers.

Of course, the zero-interception 2025 didn’t include a chance to face Giants gunslinger Jameis Winston, who infamously had a 30-interception season with the Bucs in 2019.

Winston’s second pass was intercepted when Odell Beckham Jr. slipped on the top of his route and Stiggers came over the top to knock the ball in the air. McCrary-Ball grabbed the ball and set up a short-field touchdown drive.

New York Jets defensive back Qwan’tez Stiggers (37) reacts during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, August 28, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J. AP Photo/Adam Hunger

The Giants were threatening to tie the score on the next drive, but Braxton Berrios — an ex-Jet — was stripped by McCrary-Ball while fighting for extra yards and smelling the goal line. Stiggers recovered the fumble for a touchback.

Stiggers’ first-quarter activity was noteworthy because he was returning from a concussion that led to him fainting on the sideline during an Aug. 11 joint practice against the Buccaneers.

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Los Angeles Chargers depth chart: Who could make 53-man roster?

The Los Angeles Chargers are preparing for another season and have some roster decisions to make before cutdown day.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz will have to work together to finalize the 53-man roster. NFL teams must complete their cuts by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 30. Players could be released in the days and hours leading up to the deadline.

The Chargers will have to account for several scenarios, especially for a franchise that’s been plagued by injuries and late-game mistakes.

In recent years, the Chargers have dealt with injuries across the offensive line. The Chargers already had some attrition there and will have to lean on second-round pick Jake Slaughter as their new starter, following the season-ending injury to Tyler Biadasz.

Kayode Awosika and Trey Pipkins III were among the contenders for the Chargers' starting left guard spot. Awosika was tabbed as the starter for the last preseason game and may have secured the starting role. He's made just 11 career starts. Pipkins is in his eighth season with the Chargers and has the ability to play both guard and tackle. He’s made 51 starts at tackle and just 15 as a guard.

Gregory Desrosiers will be a player to watch this weekend. He was among the standouts for the Chargers during the preseason finale but is currently listed as sixth on the depth chart. Desrosiers produced 118 yards and a touchdown on nine carries against the Rams. His longest rush of the game was 34 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

"I try to just control what I can control and handle business. Everything will take care of itself," Desrosiers told CBS sideline reporter Jaime Maggio after the game

Justin Herbert is obviously the starting quarterback, but what the Chargers do with the rest of their quarterback room remains unknown.

Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei have both seen time on the field during the preseason. While both showed positives during the three-game sample size, the Chargers could still explore other available quarterbacks from other teams.

There are questions that remain on the defensive side of the ball, including the depth at linebacker. Marlowe Wax, a 2025 undrafted free agent, and Junior Colson, a 2024 third-round selection, could be players on the bubble.

Colson has a level of familiarity, having played at Michigan during Harbaugh's tenure. Wax was given the green dot on his helmet over Colson during the first preseason game, according to Chargers Wire, when both were on the field together.

Chargers depth chart

 Here’s what the Chargers’ depth chart looked like on the team’s website ahead of the final preseason game.

OFFENSE

LWR: Quentin Johnston,  KeAndre Lambert-Smith, JaQuae Jackson, Liam Clifford

RWR: Tre’ Harris, Brenen Thompson, Dalevon Campbell, Sincere Brown

SLOT: Ladd McConkey, Derius Davis, Devonte Ross

LT: Rashawn Slater, Trey Pipkins III, Isaiah World

LG: Kayode Awosika, Branson Taylor, Alex Harkey

C: Jake Slaughter, Josh Kaltenberger, Jacob Spomer

RG: Cole Strange, Trevor Penning, Logan Taylor

RT: Joe Alt, Travis Burke, Laekin Vakalahi

TE: Oronde Gadsden, Charlie Kolar, David Njoku, Evan Svoboda, Jerand Bradley, Johnny Pascuzzi

QB: Justin Herbert, Trey Lance, DJ Uiagalelei

RB: Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, Kimani Vidal, Jaret Patterson, Amar Johnson, Gregory Desrosiers

FB: Alec Ingold, Scott Matlock

DEFENSE

DE: Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Terry Webb

NT: Dalvin Tomlinson, Nick Barrett, Jahmeer Carter

DT: Teair Tart, TeRah Edwards, Jacobian Guillory

LOLB: Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Kyle Kennard, Andre Carter II

LILB: Denzel Perryman, Del'Shawn Phillips, Marlowe Wax, Lander Barton

RILB: Daiyan Henley, Troy Dye, Junior Colson, Emany Johnson

ROLB: Khalil Mack, Akheem Mesidor, Nadame Tucker, Garmon Randolph

LCB: Tarheeb Still, Deane Leonard, Rodney Shelley, Isas Waxter

SS: Tony Jefferson, Genesis Smith, Kendall Williamson, Devin Grant

FS: Elijah Molden, RJ Mickens, Noah Avinger, Myles Purchase

RCB: Cam Hart, Donte Jackson, Avery Smith, Eric Rogers

NB: Derwin James Jr., Nikko Reed

SPECIAL TEAMS

PT: JK Scott

PK: Cameron Dicker

LS: Josh Harris, Peter Bowden

H: JK Scott

KO: Cameron Dicker

PR: Derius Davis, Brenen Thompson, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Ladd McConkey, Devonte Ross 

KR: Derius Davis, Keaton Mitchell, Kimani Vidal, KeAndre Lambert-Smith

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles Chargers depth chart: Who could make 53-man roster?

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Raiders coach throws receiver under bus, lets Fernando Mendoza off hook: ‘an excellent throw’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers wearing number 15 and holding a football, Image 2 shows Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels in a black hoodie and cap with a headset, holding play sheets
Las Vegas Raiders head coach shades a wide receiver while protecting rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

It’s no secret there were a few throws Fernando Mendoza would’ve liked to have back during the Raiders’ preseason finale against the 49ers.

Coach Klint Kubiak knows it but also suggested his struggles weren’t entirely his fault.

Mendoza went 7-of-14 passing for 57 yards, taking two sacks and being intercepted.

Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza likely will start the season as the team’s backup. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The interception happened near the end of the first quarter, when the rookie quarterback fired a pass over the middle of the field toward wide receiver Jalen Nailor.

Mendoza threw the ball high, forcing Nailor to leap, but the ball bounced off the receiver’s fingertips and resulted in an interception.

“I thought it was an excellent throw; he ripped it just like we asked him to, on time,” Kubiak told reporters. “Yeah, it was a little bit high; Jalen’s gotta make a play.”

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak defended rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza on Thursday night. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Raiders have their issues at wide receiver, as they’re thin at the position, but Kubiak’s comments toward Nailor likely point to the first-year head coach doing what he can to keep his rookie quarterback confident.

Mendoza’s preseason started strong in their opener against the Cardinals, but over the Raiders’ last two games, he showed why he’s a rookie. During the preseason, Mendoza was 25-of-45 passing for 240 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked four times.

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Former Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa greeted by boos in return to Miami

Boo-a Tagovailoa? Miami fans already have.

Tua Tagovailoa's Miami Dolphins career ended unceremoniously. The 2020 No. 5 overall pick was released by the Dolphins earlier this offseason, ending a tenure that at times was explosive, and other times unstable.

Miami fans are clearly disappointed with the way the working relationship ended, if their cold reception in the Miami heat was any indication. As Tagovailoa and the Falcons took the field on Friday night, a smattering of boos broke out amongst those in attendance.

DRAGON: Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr.? Answer clear for Falcons | Opinion

Tagovailoa's exit from Miami was anything but copacetic. The veteran passer said he'd welcome a change of scenery as the season wrapped up, foreshadowing the end of his Dolphins career.

The Dolphins, though, remained on the hook for $55 million of Tagovailoa's contract.

Tagovailoa signed with the Falcons on a one-year deal after Miami chose to release him, immediately entering a quarterback competition with 2024 No. 8 overall selection Michael Penix Jr. Through preseason, Tagovailoa hasn't had the chance to perform much, tallying just 5 passing attempts (3 completions) for 22 yards vs. the Denver Broncos in Week 2.

Tua Tagovailoa stats

Be he who laughs last, laughs loudest: Tagovailoa entered his taste of preseason action and performed well, completing 7-of-8 passes for 95 yards in the effort, but also lost a fumble.

Will Tua Tagovailoa start Week 1?

The Falcons have yet to decide on a Week 1 starter, though Tua Tagovailoa may have the inside track.

Though Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared for game action, the 2024 first-round pick has not played in any of the preseason. That may give Tagovailoa all the wiggle room he needs to get another crack at a starting job.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa greeted by boos in return to Miami

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Cardinals vs Packers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's NFL Preseason Game

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The Green Bay Packers had the early advantage in their joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals, but Arizona eventually got the better of Green Bay in the starters-vs.-starters portion of the session.

Neither team plans to play its starters in Friday's preseason finale, shifting the focus to the backups. That's another area where Arizona impressed during the joint practice, giving me confidence in the Cardinals heading into this matchup.

That has me backing Arizona in my Cardinals vs. Packers predictions for Friday night.

Check out our latest NFL picks for more preseason betting analysis.

Cardinals vs Packers prediction

For help understanding Kalshi probabilities, see our odds calculator.

PickKalshi
Probability
Cardinals moneyline49%
Over 34.559%

Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.

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Who will win Cardinals vs Packers: Cardinals

Kalshi probability: 49%

The Green Bay Packers opened as a 74% favorite to get the win in the team’s final preseason contest. That has narrowed significantly, with Green Bay now holding the slimmest of advantages at 51-49%.

Kyle McCord is trying to win the Green Bay backup quarterback job from veteran Tyrod Taylor. McCord has been efficient but not spectacular in games, passing 24-of-35 for 230 yards, while Taylor has been a 50% passer. McCord hasn’t thrown any touchdowns, however. Both were shaky against the Arizona Cardinals’ defense in practice, throwing interceptions on their first attempts. McCord also missed a wide-open receiver on his second pass.

Arizona’s Gardner Minshew and Kedon Slovis have been much better in the preseason, giving the Cardinals a quarterback edge. Slovis was 9-of-10 in one game and 7-of-9 in another.

 TOP PICK
Cardinals vs Packers Over/Under pick: Over 34.5

Kalshi probability: 59%

That point total is extremely low, and the probability is too high to really be interesting. If possible, I’d boost the total by two points and take Over 36.5 at 45%. Neither team has gone Over this preseason. The three Cardinals games have produced 63, 41, and 47 points, and only 28 points have come in the first quarters of those games. So the fact that the starters aren’t playing shouldn’t slow down the scoring.

The two Packers contests have produced 46 and 37 points, and both games have seen double-digit scoring in the fourth quarter.

The Packers identified “finishing games” as a priority after several high-profile collapses last season. They did just the opposite in the joint practice, starting fast and fading. So look for Green Bay to keep pressing the gas, even as the likely cuts take the field in the waning moments. Some late scoring should help keep this game Over.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Minshew has been very efficient in his two preseason games, passing 33-of-39 for 278 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Slovis is 18-of-26 for 211 yards and one score. Minshew also threw a touchdown pass against Green Bay in the joint practice.

Cardinals vs Packers trend to know

Including the preseason, Green Bay and Arizona have each gone Over in six of their last eight games.

Cardinals vs Packers live odds

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Cardinals vs Packers weather

The tundra is not frozen yet. Temperatures in Green Bay will be in the 70s at kickoff before potentially dropping into the high 60s. Conditions should be partly cloudy with little wind, so weather shouldn’t have much impact on the game.

How to watch Cardinals vs Packers

LocationLambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
DateFriday, Aug. 28, 2026
Kickoff8 p.m. ET
TVKPHO, WGBA

Cardinals vs Packers latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Seahawks vs Chiefs Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's NFL Preseason Game

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The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks close out their preseason schedule Friday night with a trip to Arrowhead to face the Kansas City Chiefs.

Seattle enters the exhibition finale as a 1.5-point road favorite, and with the Seahawks expected to give at least some of their key players work, there is plenty to like about the visitors in this matchup.

That has me siding with Seattle in my Seahawks vs. Chiefs predictions and NFL picks for Friday night.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN Unlimited.

Seahawks vs Chiefs prediction

For help understanding Kalshi probabilities, see our odds calculator.

PickKalshi
Probability
Seahawks -1.551%
Total pick50%

Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.

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 TOP PICK

Who will win Seahawks vs Chiefs: Seahawks -1.5

Kalshi probability: 51%

Anyone hoping for a Kenneth Walker III revenge game against his former team will be disappointed, as the Kansas City Chiefs' offseason pickup sits alongside Patrick Mahomes — who hasn’t taken a preseason snap. 

I expect the Seattle Seahawks to have the edge in starter usage, with Sam Darnold and key starters expected to see some action as they install Brian Fleury’s offense. 

There’s also motivation at RB, with Zach Charbonnet on the PUP list and Jadarian Price competing for the starting role. 

K.C. has scored just one preseason TD without Mahomes in two games. Seattle’s superior depth and expected snap advantage make -3.5 a playable bet. 

Seahawks vs Chiefs Over/Under pick: Under 36.5

Kalshi probability: 50%

A line like this could be obliterated in the regular season, but preseason is different. Kansas City has scored just 27 points in two losses, with 21 coming from the boot of Harrison Butker. 

Seattle has been even quieter, totaling 23 points in losses to Dallas and Tennessee. 

Chiefs’ seventh-round pick Garrett Nussmeier hasn’t topped 100 passing yards in either game, while Seattle’s defensive depth remains formidable. 

Sam Darnold should generate some offense, but both teams have little incentive to push the pace or risk key players. This looks more like a 60-minute tune-up than a shootout.

Seahawks vs Chiefs live odds

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Seahawks vs Chiefs weather

Mostly clear skies expected with temps at 85 F at kickoff, dipping into the 70s by the end. Southeast winds expected around 8 mph, which should have minimal impact.

How to watch Seahawks vs Chiefs

LocationArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
DateFriday, Aug. 28, 2026
Kickoff8 p.m. ET
TVESPN Unlimited

Seahawks vs Chiefs latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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Texans vs Panthers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's NFL Preseason Game

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The bad news for Carolina? They got absolutely steamrolled by the Texans in Wednesday’s joint practice, looking like a total trainwreck on both sides of the ball in a performance coach Dave Canales rightfully dubbed “lopsided.”

The glorious news for Panthers bettors? Not a single one of those starters will touch the turf in Friday’s preseason finale.

That massive roster flip is exactly why our best Texans vs. Panthers predictions is backing Carolina to take care of business.

Check out our latest NFL picks for more preseason betting analysis.

Texans vs Panthers prediction

For help understanding Kalshi probabilities, see our odds calculator.

PickKalshi
Probability
Panthers moneyline49%
Over 36.549%

Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.

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Who will win Texans vs Panthers: Panthers moneyline

Kalshi probability: 49%

Both coaches plan to rest their starters in the final preseason game, allowing the second- and third-string units to resolve any remaining depth-chart or roster-spot battles. That’s bad news for a Houston Texans team whose starters have won the first quarters of their two preseason games by a combined 20-3 margin. Houston has lost the second halves of its games by a 36-0 margin this preseason and has been outscored 44-3 after the first quarter.

The Carolina Panthers have been just the opposite. The starting unit has managed just one first-quarter touchdown in three games while the starting defense has allowed 13 points. Carolina’s reserves have then scored 74 points after the first quarter ends and 37 in the second halves.

 TOP PICK
Texans vs Panthers Over/Under pick: Over 36.5

Kalshi probability: 49%

As good as the Panthers’ offense has been after the starters depart, the Carolina defense has made opposing reserves look just as good. The Panthers have given up as many second-half points as they’ve scored — 37 — and have surrendered 63 after the first quarter. The Houston defense is also shaky, blowing a 17-0 lead against Oakland.

While Houston won’t have any starters in the game, there will be plenty of star power catching passes from the backup quarterbacks. The team has added Zay Jones and Sterling Shepard, then traded for Kayshon Boutte. The trio have combined for 22 NFL seasons, 381 games, 823 catches, and 52 touchdowns, and all will be making their preseason debut with Houston.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Brett Rypien—forced into duty after Graham Mertz's season-ending injury—has been an absolute disaster, turning the ball over twice without leading a single scoring drive. Playing for his job as Houston weighs carrying just two QBs, fading Rypien and backing the Panthers is pure cash.

Texans vs Panthers trend to know

The Panthers have gone Over in all three of their preseason games. Combined, the Over is 4-1 in the two teams’ five preseason games.

Texans vs Panthers live odds

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Texans vs Panthers weather

Temperatures will be in the 80s with a chance of a heavy thunderstorm, which could create wet conditions and potentially impact the passing and kicking games.

How to watch Texans vs Panthers

LocationBank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
DateFriday, Aug. 28, 2026
Kickoff7 p.m. ET
TVKTRK, WSOC

Texans vs Panthers latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

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Raiders rookie Mike Washington sends strong 2-word message after eye-opening preseason

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows A Las Vegas Raiders player in a black jersey with number 30 and white pants, Image 2 shows Davante Adams running with a football at Las Vegas Raiders training camp
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington is instilled with confidence following a recent Ashton Jeanty injury update.

Mike Washington isn’t lacking any confidence heading into his rookie season.

“I’m ready,” Washington told reporters following the Raiders’ 18-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night.

The Raiders rookie — as he’s done throughout the preseason — thrived against San Francisco, leading the team in rushing with 49 yards on eight carries, and also contributing in the passing game while having two receptions for 18 yards.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. in an NFL preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“Staying where my feet are and taking advantage of the opportunity to be able to go out there and compete against their ones and run with our ones,” Washington told reporters. “It’s a good experience.

“The confidence comes from my faith, Jesus, he’s the center of my everything, so that’s where my confidence comes from. I thank him every day.”

Washington Jr. has rotated between playing on the Raiders’ first string and second string during the preseason, but was the team’s bellcow on Thursday after starting running back Ashton Jeanty suffered a sprained ankle.

Throughout training camp, the fourth-round draft pick has impressed with his opportunities.

Last season at Arkansas, Washington was fifth in the SEC with 1,070 yards rushing.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty running the ball during Raiders training camp practice. Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Following the Raiders game, head coach Klint Kubiak, said he expects Jeanty to be ready by Week 1.

However, the Raiders have not provided the severity of the injury, which could hint that Washington Jr. could see some time early in the season.

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NFL cuts tracker LIVE as teams trim rosters to 53 before deadline

The 2026 NFL preseason is winding down, and so two is the period during which NFL teams are allowed to carry 90 players on their active rosters.

The NFL's 53-man roster deadline will take place at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 30. That means a total of 1,184 NFL roster spots will evaporate overnight as part of the annual culling of the league's work force.

Of course, many of the players cut will soon find jobs on practice squads. NFL teams are allowed to sign as many as 17 individuals to their practice squads, provided at least one player is part of the league's International Player Pathway.

Nonetheless, the decision-makers across the NFL's 32 clubs will be facing tough roster decisions in the lead-up to Sunday's deadline. And they will have less time than usual to make them, as the league moved up the 53-man roster deadline by two days from its usual Tuesday date.

Here's a look at the players released to date as the NFL's teams slowly but surely begin to trim their rosters.

Arizona Cardinals

To be announced.

Atlanta Falcons

To be announced.

Baltimore Ravens

  • LB Reid Williford

Buffalo Bills

  • WR Mac Dalena

Carolina Panthers

To be announced.

Chicago Bears

To be announced.

Cincinnati Bengals

To be announced.

Cleveland Browns

  • CB Tre Avery
  • TE Brenden Bates
  • TE Drew Biber
  • T Jeremiah Byers
  • P Nik Constantinou
  • S Christopher Edmonds
  • CB Nate Evans
  • CB Tyler Hall
  • DT Coziah Izzard
  • DT Patrick Jenkins
  • CB Jeremiah McClendon
  • T Izavion Miller
  • DE Jamil Muhammad
  • WR Ben Patterson
  • OT Tyre Phillips
  • TE Jack Stoll (from IR)
  • TE Jermaine Terry II
  • WR Cedric Tillman

Dallas Cowboys

To be announced.

Denver Broncos

  • WR Kyre Duplessis

Detroit Lions

To be announced.

Green Bay Packers

To be announced.

Houston Texans

To be announced.

Indianapolis Colts

To be announced.

Jacksonville Jaguars

To be announced.

Kansas City Chiefs

To be announced.

Las Vegas Raiders

To be announced.

Los Angeles Chargers

To be announced.

Los Angeles Rams

To be announced.

Miami Dolphins

To be announced.

Minnesota Vikings

To be announced.

New England Patriots

To be announced.

New Orleans Saints

To be announced.

New York Giants

  • RB Dante Miller

New York Jets

  • LB Kobe King
  • DE Nathan Voorhis

Philadelphia Eagles

  • WR Brandon Hayes

Pittsburgh Steelers

To be announced.

San Francisco 49ers

To be announced.

Seattle Seahawks

  • LB Joseph Vaughn

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

To be announced.

Tennessee Titans

To be announced.

Washington Commanders

To be announced.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL cuts tracker LIVE as teams trim rosters to 53 before deadline

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FBI arrests man it alleges posed as 49ers player to scam women in wild scheme

The FBI has arrested and charged two men, one of whom posed as a San Francisco 49ers player, for scamming at least 26 women out of more than $1.3 million. The alleged scam took place across four states – California, Idaho, Washington and Oregon.

Daejon Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, were arrested by federal authorities on Aug. 24 at the Boise Airport in Boise, Idaho, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY Sports. Love has been charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

The documents allege the duo has engaged in the scheme since Feb. 2022.

Love posed as a 49ers player while courting victims, primarily meeting middle-class women in their 20s and 30s through online through dating platforms like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and Facebook Dating. He claimed to be a wide receiver for the team, as well as a wealthy real estate developer and investor from Switzerland.

Chan played the role of Love's financial advisor.

"Love convinced many of his victims that they were in sincere romantic relationships with him and that he was financially savvy and successful to gain their trust," an affidavit obtained by USA TODAY Sports read. "Love advertised nonexistent investments, which Love claimed would generate massive returns, to his victims.

"Victims sent Love and his co-conspirator, Taylor Jamie Chan, money believing they would invest the money in legitimate investments on the victims’ behalf. Some victims also loaned Love large amounts of money believing Love would easily pay the money back."

Fraud plot included posing in San Francisco 49ers gears

Love kept up that persona on social media, posting pictures of himself in 49ers gear and even wearing the team's helmet. He claimed to sign with the Niners because they "offered me the most money" and "they in hunt of winning the Super Bowl every season."

Love also claimed to attend all home games, practices and team meetings with the 49ers in addition to receiving his signing bonus.

In an effort to show some evidence of his investing prowess, Love posted fake screenshots of his bank account balance to show over $30 million in his account.

"In at least one instance, Love falsely claimed that since he began investing with Chan, Love increased his net worth from $300,000 to $17 million in a matter of a few years," the affidavit read.

For those that didn't have money to invest, the alleged fraudsters assisted their victims in taking out personal loans. Once they ran out of money or began asking too many questions, Love would cut them off and keep the money.

Investigators allege that Love used various names during the scheme including: Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love, and Jordan Love.

After interviewing representatives from the 49ers and the NFL, investigators were able to confirm that Love was never employed by the team or the league.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FBI arrests man it alleges posed as 49ers player to scam women in wild scheme

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Bears vs Titans Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's NFL Preseason Game

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Tennessee Titans' new head coach Robert Saleh is taking all the time he can get to fine-tune his team ahead of the regular season.

"We're a very, very young football team and we need as many reps as we can possibly get," Saleh told reporters ahead of Saturday’s preseason finale with the Chicago Bears.

Saleh and the Titans are slim 2.5-point home favorites with their starters slotted to play the first half in Week 3 of the preseason. The Bears, on the other hand, will likely sit their first-teamers.

Those mixed motivations are behind my NFL picks and Bears vs. Titans predictions for Aug. 29.

Bears vs Titans prediction

PickKalshi
Probability
Titans -2.551%
Over 36.550%

Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.

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Who will win Bears vs Titans: Titans -2.5

Kalshi probability: 51%

We often see new head coaches putting a little extra pride in the preseason efforts, especially if they’re navigating a young team. That’s exactly what we have with Saleh and the Tennessee Titans.

The Titans have marched their starters out in the first two games of the exhibition slate — both wins — and intend to do the same at home on Saturday. And while QB1 Cam Ward may see limited time with the first teamers, Tennessee has starting experience behind him with Mitchell Trubisky and Will Levis taking snaps in the second half.

The Chicago Bears may opt to protect their top talents in the preseason finish, especially after a strong showing from the starters in Week 2.
 
Head coach Ben Johnson hasn’t officially ruled on his rotation as of this writing, but with injuries piling up on the defense, it would make sense to protect the starters and get a long look at defensive options further down the depth chart.

With the starters getting run and more motivation to keep their perfect preseason alive, I’ll lay the short spread with Tennessee at home.

 TOP PICK
Bears vs Titans Over/Under pick: Over 36.5 

Kalshi probability: 50%

Both sides have capable passers down the depth chart, even with Chicago QB1 Caleb Williams most likely in street clothes. 

Bears backups Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum, and Miller Moss powered the team to 34 points in a Week 1 preseason squash of Cleveland. That trio combined for 348 yards and three touchdowns. Moss and Keenum followed that with a collective 224 yards passing in relief of Williams in Week 2.

Tennessee shouldn’t have much trouble moving the chains with the starters in play during the opening 30 minutes Saturday, especially with Chicago’s defensive ailments limiting the involvement of their first teams.

The Titans haven’t looked great in their opening two exhibition games, scoring 19 points in both outings while going a collective 10 for 33 on third-down conversions. Those issues also apply to Ward, who is 13-for-24 passing in the preseason for 126 collective yards.

That said, Ward has been much sharper during joint practices (39 for 56) versus opponents’ starters. He’s focusing on improving his timing with the passing offense in this last tune-up game of the summer.

Bears vs Titans live odds

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Bears vs Titans weather

Temperatures are in the high 80s with humidity down to 44% around the 6 p.m. ET kickoff in Nashville. Wind gusts max out at 8 mph (south) and will not have any impact on the action.

How to watch Bears vs Titans

LocationNissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
DateSaturday, Aug. 29, 2026
Kickoff6 p.m. ET
TVWFLD, WKRN

Bears vs Titans latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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