Friday Night’s NFL Scores + The Remaining Weekend Schedule

Friday night’s NFL preseason slate delivered a clear message to the rest of the league: young talent and returning stars are ready to shift the balance of power for the upcoming 2026 season. Across three marquee matchups, dominant team performances and individual masterclasses reshaped training camp narratives.

Jets Defense Blanks Steelers in Howard’s Debut

The New York Jets traveled to Pittsburgh and left with a decisive 17-0 shutout victory, powered by a sharp opening performance from veteran quarterback Geno Smith.

Smith orchestrated a crisp, efficient opening drive for the Jets, setting the tone early with a beautiful 21-yard sideline strike to wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Moments later, Smith capped off the clinical possession by finding tight end Jelani Woods in the end zone for a quick-strike touchdown.

In stark contrast, it was a night to forget for Pittsburgh’s highly touted rookie quarterback, Will Howard. Making his first career NFL start, Howard was immediately stifled by a ferocious Jets defense. His night began with a swift three-and-out, and the Steelers’ offense never found its rhythm against New York’s relentless front seven.

Young Shines, Weather Cuts Panthers Victory Short

In Jacksonville, the Carolina Panthers flexed their offensive potential in a 34-17 victory over the Jaguars, though the elements ultimately stole the headlines.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looked poised and commanding, engineering a stellar first-half touchdown march that set a physical tone for Carolina. The drive was bolstered by the highly anticipated return of running back Jonathon Brooks. Shaking off recent injury concerns, Brooks flashed clinical vision on an 11-yard burst before plunging over the goal line for a 1-yard score.

The contest came to an abrupt halt late in the fourth quarter. Severe weather and local lightning strikes forced league officials to call the game early at the two-minute warning, solidifying Carolina’s impressive road win.

Packers Explode Late to Snap Broncos’ Streak

The Green Bay Packers halted Denver’s historic eight-game preseason winning streak on Friday night, riding a late-game surge to defeat the Broncos 33-13.

The game began as a compelling duel between established and rising quarterbacks. Denver’s Bo Nix made a triumphant return from ankle surgery, completing 6-of-9 passes for 76 yards. Nix ignited the home crowd with a gorgeous 21-yard touchdown pass on a wheel route to running back RJ Harvey.

Green Bay’s Jordan Love answered with immense poise. Facing a tough Denver secondary, Love converted a critical fourth down against All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II before firing an 11-yard touchdown pass to Marshawn Lloyd.

While the first half remained competitive, the Packers completely took over the final phases of the game. Green Bay outscored Denver 26-3 down the stretch, heavily aided by kicker Trey Smack, who reliably split the uprights with four field goals to seal the blowout.

This Weekend’s NFL Schedule

Saturday, August 22

Early Window

• Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions — 12:00 PM (NFL+)
• Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns — 1:00 PM (NFL Network / NFL+)
• Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts — 1:00 PM (NFL+)
• Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings — 1:00 PM (NFL+)

Late Afternoon Window

• New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams — 4:00 PM (NFL+)
• New York Giants at Miami Dolphins — 4:00 PM (NFL Network / NFL+)

Primetime & Late Window

• Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals — 7:00 PM (NFL+)
• Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots — 7:00 PM (NFL Network / NFL+)
• Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 7:30 PM (NFL+)
• Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals — 10:00 PM (NFL Network / NFL+)

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Saturday, August 22

Early Window

• Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions — 12:00 PM (NFL+)
• Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns — 1:00 PM (NFL Network / NFL+)
• Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts — 1:00 PM (NFL+)
• Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings — 1:00 PM (NFL+)

Late Afternoon Window

• New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams — 4:00 PM (NFL+)
• New York Giants at Miami Dolphins — 4:00 PM (NFL Network / NFL+)

Primetime & Late Window

• Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals — 7:00 PM (NFL+)
• Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots — 7:00 PM (NFL Network / NFL+)
• Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 7:30 PM (NFL+)
• Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals — 10:00 PM (NFL Network / NFL+)

Saturday, August 22

Early Window

• Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions — 12:00 PM (NFL+)
• Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns — 1:00 PM (NFL Network / NFL+)
• Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts — 1:00 PM (NFL+)
• Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings — 1:00 PM (NFL+)

Late Afternoon Window

• New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams — 4:00 PM (NFL+)
• New York Giants at Miami Dolphins — 4:00 PM (NFL Network / NFL+)

Primetime & Late Window

• Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals — 7:00 PM (NFL+)
• Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots — 7:00 PM (NFL Network / NFL+)
• Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 7:30 PM (NFL+)
• Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals — 10:00 PM (NFL Network / NFL+)

Sunday, August 23

• Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans — 8:00 PM (FOX)