AUGUST 26 COFFEE CLUB

[Thomas]

WHAT'S BREWING TODAY Friday, August 26 On Today's Scorecard Cut Down

This is it. After Sunday, the preseason will be over and the games start to count for real. But just because we're set to wrap up the exhibition season doesn't mean there isn't a lot at stake in these contests. This will be the final action prior to the major cut down - from 80 players to 53. Many teams will hold out starters, but some clubs are planning to give their first-teamers extensive work. Here's a little of what's at stake on tonight's games – • Baker Mayfield has been a Panther fewer than 50 days. He threw seven passes the first preseason game and zero the next. Sixteen days from Friday is the Cleveland game. Mayfield needs the reps and he needs them with the first-team offense in a game setting. • Pete Carroll announced on Wednesday thatGeno Smith will start the preseason finale, but Drew Lock will play most of the game. This is one of the odder QB battles in recent memory. Something strange happening in this game is a mortal lock. Click here for more insight on these games.

Trending Today Did You Know

Per ESPN Stats & Info: In the history of the NBA, onlyDirk Nowitzki (21) played more seasons for the same team than Kobe Bryant (20).

Grinding Out The Profits Rinse And Re-Pete

Seattle head coachPete Carrollhas made a nice living in Game Three during the NFL preseason, going 11-4 SU and 12-3 ATS in his NFL career – including 11-0 SU and 10-1 ATS as a favorite. On the flip side, Dallas is 2-10-1 ATS against NFC West foes in exhibition games. With Carroll expecting to play both Geno Smithand Drew Lock extensively, and Cowboys QB Dak Prescott expected to be glued to the bench, a repeat performance by the Seahawks could be in order tonight.

[Chamblin]