Washington Commanders vs Baltimore Ravens Picks and Prediction for Friday August 28, 2026

The Washington Commanders make the short trip to Baltimore to face the Baltimore Ravens on Friday, August 28, 2026, in the preseason finale for both teams. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, with NFL Network carrying the game nationally. Washington enters at 1-1, while Baltimore is 2-0 and has been particularly impressive defensively through its first two preseason games. Be ready for all the NFL action with our free NFL picks.

The current line has Baltimore favored by approximately 3 points, with Washington around +3. The total has dropped into the 34.5 range, while the Ravens are approximately -143 on the moneyline and Washington is around +119. That's a relatively low total even by preseason standards, but Baltimore's defense has given oddsmakers a good reason to keep expectations modest.

Commanders Have Been Competitive Despite Detroit Loss

Washington opened its preseason with a victory over Miami before falling 17-13 to Detroit last weekend. That leaves the Commanders 1-1 heading into Baltimore, and the overall performance against the Lions was more encouraging than the final score suggests. Washington's defense played well enough to keep the game within reach, while the offense struggled to consistently turn possessions into touchdowns.

One of the major developments against Detroit was the preseason debut of Jayden Daniels. Washington wanted to get its starting quarterback some live work after holding him out of the opener, but his appearance was limited. The more important issue for Friday's handicap is what happens once Washington moves into its reserve quarterback rotation. Backup Marcus Mariota has been dealing with a sprained MCL, creating additional uncertainty behind Daniels.

Washington's defense gives the Commanders a legitimate chance to stay inside this number. The Commanders have surrendered only 24 points through two preseason games, an average of 12 per contest. Through the first two exhibitions, Washington is allowing approximately 109.5 passing yards per game, although opponents have had more success on the ground at 143 rushing yards per game.

The concern is whether the offense can generate enough scoring opportunities against Baltimore. Washington managed only 13 points against Detroit, and facing the Ravens' defensive depth represents another difficult assignment. If the Commanders fall behind and have to depend heavily on their deeper quarterback options, Baltimore's defensive advantage could become more pronounced as the game progresses.

Ravens Defense Has Dominated the Preseason

Baltimore has quietly put together one of the better preseason performances in the league. The Ravens are 2-0 and have allowed only 10 total points, including a 13-3 victory over Minnesota in their second game. That's just five points allowed per game through the first two exhibitions.

The Minnesota performance was especially encouraging because Baltimore didn't need a huge offensive showing to control the game. The Ravens' defense consistently disrupted the Vikings, while undrafted rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano continued to make a strong impression during his preseason opportunity. Baltimore has been able to win games without exposing its most important regular-season personnel.

That's exactly what makes the Ravens attractive in a preseason finale. The betting question isn't whether Baltimore's starting lineup is superior to Washington's starting lineup. It's whether the Ravens' second- and third-team units can continue producing after the starters leave, and the first two games provide considerable evidence that they can.

Baltimore enters Friday averaging 18.5 points per game while allowing only 5.0. The Ravens are averaging approximately 241 passing yards and 100 rushing yards per contest. Defensively, they have limited opponents to only 70.5 rushing yards per game. That run-defense number could become particularly important if Washington takes a conservative offensive approach in the second half.

Washington Commanders vs Baltimore Ravens Picks and Prediction

Pick: Baltimore Ravens -3

Baltimore -3 is my side pick. Washington's defense has performed well enough to make laying points uncomfortable, but Baltimore's overall depth has been better. The Ravens are 2-0, have surrendered just 10 points and are playing at home, while Washington enters with uncertainty surrounding its reserve quarterback situation. Baltimore doesn't need an explosive offensive performance to cover this number. If the Ravens can reach the low 20s, their defense should give them an excellent opportunity to win by more than a field goal. Take the Ravens -3.

Pick: Under 34.5

Under 34.5 is my total pick. It's a low number, but nearly everything about the matchup points toward another defensive preseason game. Baltimore has allowed five points per contest, Washington has surrendered 12 per game, and the Commanders scored only 13 against Detroit. Neither team needs to expose key offensive personnel in the final exhibition, while Baltimore's defensive reserves have already demonstrated that they can control games. Something around 20-10 or 20-13 Baltimore fits the matchup particularly well. Take Under 34.5.

Final Picks: Baltimore Ravens -3 and Under 34.5.