The main focus of this game is Caleb Williams and the rest of the Chicago Bears offense versus the Bengals reserves. Given how lopsided the game is, we're betting on the Bears for a few reasons, which you can read more about below.
August 15, 2024 • 19:13 ET • 4 min read
Week 2 of the NFL preseason continues on Saturday afternoon, which means it's time to dig into our Bengals vs. Bears predictions.
The two teams practiced together on Thursday, which typically means they work out in controlled environments and don't feature many starters in actual preseason games, but one team has a different plan and can't afford to miss the opportunity.
Let’s take a look at our top NFL picks for the Aug. 17 preseason games.
Bengals vs Bears predictions
My best bet
Bears -6.5 (-112 on DraftKings)
My Analysis
Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor already announced after working through Thursday's joint practice in Chicago that the Bengals will not use any starters in the game, meaning Joe Burrow, who is returning from a season-ending injury last year, and Jake Browning, who was injured in last week's game, will not play.
That means Logan Woodside will be the Bengals' starter and likely play the majority of the game, with only rookie Rocky Lombardi available. Woodside is an experienced quarterback in preseason games, having played for the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans this past season. Last week, Woodside completed 8 of 12 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
But the Chicago Bears announced they will still be playing with their starters this week, meaning they will be facing their starting defense this week. That means we'll see more from Caleb Williams and his skill position players on offense. Last week, the star rookie completed 4 of 7 passes for 95 yards, including an acrobatic escape from pressure to D'Andre Swift for 42 yards.
Even with Williams and the rest of the starting lineup out, there are still plenty of playmakers in the lineup, including Tyson Bagent at quarterback and Khalil Herbert at running back. Hard Knocks stars Veras Jones Jr. and Ian Wheeler were also impressive last week, combining for 77 yards rushing and three touchdowns. The Bengals allowed 136 yards rushing to the Buccaneers last week.
Even if the Bears don't score right away in this game, they'll likely hold the Bengals off early and then start to pick up points in the second half. It's a big margin for a preseason game, but the Bears will have a commanding advantage in the skill positions for the majority of the game. Chicago should win by double digits.
Bengals vs Bears odds
Bengals vs Bears live odds
Bengals vs Bears opening odds
Spread: Cincinnati +2.5 | Chicago -2.5 Moneyline: Cincinnati +122 | Chicago -143 Over/Under: Over 37.5 | Under 37.5
Bengals vs. Bears betting trends to know
The Bears have covered the spread in seven of their last eight preseason games. Find out more NFL betting trends for Bengals vs. Bears.
Bengals vs Bears game info
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024 Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET TV: NFL Network
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