Both teams are expected to lean heavily on backups rather than regular starters. Cincinnati’s first-team offense has already logged considerable summer work, turning Friday’s game against the Chicago Bears into an extended showcase for reserves who helped secure a 27-9 victory. Philadelphia is expected to take a similar approach, making the backup quarterback matchup one of the key storyline elements in the finale.
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on Friday, August 28, at Lincoln Financial Field. The Bengals’ official viewing guide lists CBS as the national broadcast, with streaming options available on Paramount+ and NFL+; radio coverage can be heard on WCKY 1530, WEBN-FM 102.7, WLW 700, and SiriusXM Channel 385.
Philadelphia enters as a modest favorite. Recent betting listings showed the Eagles favored by three points, with Philadelphia on the moneyline around -155 and Cincinnati near +130. The total was in the mid-30s. Market confidence appears to tilt toward the home team, reflecting depth at the quarterback position. Andy Dalton and Tanner McKee are competing behind Jalen Hurts, which presents Philadelphia with two experienced options against a reserve-heavy Cincinnati defense.
Cincinnati’s backups have offered a meaningful upset potential. In the second preseason game, Josh Johnson connected on 15 of 23 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns in the first half of the 27-9 win. He helped Cincinnati build a 17-9 halftime lead before Sean Clifford took over in the second half. Clifford completed about 67% of his attempts for 126 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Cincinnati finished with three passing touchdowns even while resting their starters, a positive signal for the depth players who will be asked to contribute in the final preseason outing.
This game could be decided by which team can sustain the stronger reserve performance. Philadelphia has the edge in quarterback experience, with Hurts backed by capable alternatives in Dalton and McKee. McKee showed efficiency in a recent outing with 16 completions on 22 attempts for 173 yards and two touchdowns, though Philadelphia still lost that game 24-21 and has yielded 24 points in each of its first two preseason contests. By contrast, Cincinnati has won both of its preseason games while allowing only 23 points combined, and head coach Zac Taylor has emphasized roster competition as the deadline for cuts approaches.
With the game serving as a final audition for many role players, expectations lean toward Philadelphia as the favorite, bolstered by home-field advantage and quarterback depth. Cincinnati, however, has demonstrated resilience and a stronger defensive showing thus far, keeping opponents’ scoring low.
Prediction: Bengals 23, Eagles 20.
