NFL Preseason Week 3: Key Takeaways and Standouts from Friday's Games

The final week of the NFL preseason is in the books, and for teams, it was the last chance to evaluate players before Tuesday’s roster cuts. As your trusted experts at BetNow, we’ve broken down the key lessons from Friday's matchups, highlighting the performances that could influence the betting landscape this season.

Here’s what we learned from Friday’s action:

Philadelphia Eagles 19, New York Jets 17

The Eagles got a long look at their newest offensive weapon, wide receiver John Metchie III. Just five days after a trade from Houston, the former second-round pick was immediately put into action, and while his final stat line (one catch on two targets) was modest, his play showed he could provide valuable depth after a season-ending injury to Johnny Wilson.

On the other side of the ball, the Jets' defense was a bright spot, particularly fourth-round rookie safety Malachi Moore. Moore had a standout night, highlighted by an impressive over-the-shoulder interception. His instincts and special teams play suggest he’s ready to contribute as a backup and a future star in the Jets' secondary.

Tennessee Titans 23, Minnesota Vikings 13

The Titans' wide receiver corps, a preseason question mark, saw some positive signs. Van Jefferson bounced back from a drop in the previous game with a strong performance, including a 65-yard touchdown. Rookie Elic Ayomanor also continued to impress, making the case for a role as a potential No. 2 option behind Calvin Ridley.

Meanwhile, running back Zavier Scott may have earned himself a roster spot with a versatile performance. The 26-year-old showed his value as a runner, receiver, and kick returner, putting his best foot forward with roster cuts looming.

Dallas Cowboys 31, Atlanta Falcons 13

Cowboys backup QB Joe Milton III finished his preseason on a high note, leading four scoring drives and looking more composed in the pocket. After a shaky start to August, Milton showed a more mindful approach, avoiding turnovers and using his legs effectively, which should give the Cowboys confidence in their QB2 position.

For the Falcons, their kicking competition appears to be over. Incumbent Younghoe Koo handled all of the kicking duties and, despite one miss, looks poised to retain his role as the team's primary kicker.

Chicago Bears 29, Kansas City Chiefs 27

The final dress rehearsal for the starters was a tale of two halves. The Bears' first-team offense, led by rookie QB Caleb Williams, started slowly with a fumble and two punts. However, they found their rhythm before halftime, driving for a field goal and then a touchdown, with Williams finding rookie wideout Rome Odunze for a 37-yard gain and a subsequent score. It wasn't a perfect showing, but it showed the offense's ability to overcome adversity.

On the Chiefs' side, Patrick Mahomes and the offense were their usual selves, scoring 17 points in three drives. Mahomes looked sharp, highlighted by a 58-yard bomb to Tyquan Thornton and an impressive 18-yard scramble. While the Chiefs had some drops, their starters showed they are ready to chase a fourth straight AFC Championship.