The 2026 NFL preseason continued Friday night with a tripleheader of exhibition games, as teams evaluated backups, rookies, and depth while resting most starters. All three contests kicked off at 7 p.m. ET, producing decisive results and a few standout individual performances.
Broncos Overwhelm Falcons 27-7
In Atlanta, the Denver Broncos dominated the Falcons from the outset, building a 24-0 halftime lead en route to a 27-7 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
With starting quarterback Bo Nix held out, Jarrett Stidham handled the first half and completed 9 of 15 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. He connected with Courtland Sutton for big gains (Sutton finished with 3 receptions for 60 yards) and threw a 5-yard scoring pass to Jaleel McLaughlin. Fullback Adam Prentice also punched in a short touchdown run.
The Broncos’ defense created multiple turnovers. Jahdae Barron returned an interception 97 yards for a touchdown, and Riley Moss also recorded a pick. Sam Ehlinger took over in the second half and helped add a late field goal.
For Atlanta, Tua Tagovailoa made his Falcons debut and played two series, completing 3 of 5 passes for 22 yards with no points produced. Backup Cooper Rush struggled with two interceptions. Bijan Robinson and Drake London were in uniform but did not play.
Denver has now won eight consecutive preseason games dating back to 2023.
Buccaneers Edge Jets 24-16
At MetLife Stadium, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New York Jets 24-16 in a game defined by young quarterbacks and defensive takeaways.
Geno Smith was scratched with a sore ankle sustained in joint practice, elevating rookie fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik. Klubnik completed 5 of 7 passes for 56 yards and led two scoring drives, including one capped by Braelon Allen’s 31-yard touchdown run.
Bailey Zappe later threw two interceptions for the Jets—one returned 47 yards for a touchdown by undrafted rookie Ayden Garnes. For Tampa Bay, undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels impressed in relief, going 10 of 15 for 111 yards and adding a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Josh Williams also scored on a 12-yard run.
Starters for both sides saw limited or no action, consistent with typical early preseason approaches.
Commanders Defeat Dolphins 20-7
In Landover, Maryland, the Washington Commanders beat the Miami Dolphins 20-7 after a strong start by Miami’s new quarterback.
Malik Willis, signed in the offseason, directed a 14-play, 93-yard opening touchdown drive, completing 4 of 5 passes for 43 yards and adding 9 rushing yards. De’Von Achane capped it with a 1-yard score.
Washington’s Marcus Mariota started but exited after just four plays with a leg injury. Rookie running backs then took over: Kaytron Allen rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown, while Robert Henry Jr. added a long scoring run. The Commanders controlled the ground game and limited Miami’s backups, who threw multiple interceptions.
Jayden Daniels and many other healthy Commanders starters sat out.
Looking Ahead
These results are purely exhibition, with limited starter participation across the board. Key storylines to monitor include the Broncos’ backup quarterback competition between Stidham and Ehlinger, the Jets’ evaluation of Klubnik behind Smith, Tagovailoa’s continued integration in Atlanta, and Willis’s early chemistry with the Dolphins’ skill players.
Saturday’s slate features seven more Preseason Week 1 games, including nationally televised matchups on NFL Network. Preseason continues through late August before the regular season begins in September. All final scores and key stats are drawn from official game reports.