NFL Preseason's Final Night: Live Updates and Season Win Forecasts

Ten NFL teams play their final preseason game tonight, with roster cuts looming Sunday. The live blog provides updates and analysis from The Athletic's writers. Austin Mock's projection model also lists win totals for every team, with the Rams leading the NFC at 11.6 projected wins.
Tonight's slate of ten games marks the end of preseason for twenty franchises, with roster decisions due Sunday. The Athletic's live coverage tracks these final auditions, while Austin Mock's projection model offers a statistical snapshot of the season ahead. Notably, the Rams top the NFC at 11.6 projected wins, while the Ravens lead the AFC at 10.9.
Beyond the field, two storylines stand out. The Packers bolstered their offense by signing veteran tight end Jonnu Smith, who posted career-best numbers in 2024 with Miami. Meanwhile, a feature on Stephen Jones examines how the Cowboys' COO has quietly served as a counterweight to his father Jerry, positioning himself to guide the franchise forward.
These projections and preseason storylines could shape fan expectations and media narratives heading into the regular season. For the twenty teams playing tonight, individual performances may determine which players secure roster spots, affecting careers and team chemistry. Win-total forecasts may also influence betting markets and public discourse around contenders like the Rams and Ravens, though such models remain inherently uncertain.