Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Chicago vs Cincinnati on August 22, 2026?

Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction: The Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals meet Saturday, August 22, 2026, in a Week 2 preseason matchup at Paycor Stadium. Chicago enters at 1-0 after an impressive 34-10 victory, while Cincinnati is also 1-0 following a 16-14 win. The Bears are listed as 2.5-point road favorites, with the total set at 37.5 points. Based on the offensive production, defensive efficiency, preseason betting trends and available matchup data, Chicago has the stronger overall profile. The Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction is Chicago -2.5, with a projected final score of Bears 24, Bengals 17.

Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction and Pick

The best Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction is to take Chicago -2.5.

Chicago has already demonstrated considerably more offensive firepower in its preseason opener. The Bears scored 34 points and generated 430 total yards, including an exceptional 348 passing yards. Cincinnati won its opener, but the Bengals managed only 256 total yards and 16 points.

That statistical gap is important in a preseason matchup because depth is often more important than the names at the top of the roster. Starters frequently receive limited snaps, meaning the quality of the second- and third-string units can ultimately determine the outcome.

Chicago’s first preseason performance suggests its depth can create problems for Cincinnati throughout four quarters.

Prediction: Chicago Bears 24, Cincinnati Bengals 17

Best Bet: Bears -2.5

Projected Total: 41 points

What Are the Bears vs Bengals Preseason Odds?

The current Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction betting market lists Chicago as a 2.5-point favorite.

Betting Market | Bears | Bengals
Moneyline | -143 | +119
Spread | -2.5 | +2.5
Total | 37.5 | 37.5
Record | 1-0 | 1-0
Location | Away | Home

Chicago being favored on the road indicates the market sees a meaningful difference between the two teams despite their identical 1-0 preseason records.

The moneyline also makes Chicago the clear favorite. A -143 price implies the Bears are expected to win more often than Cincinnati, while the Bengals are available at +119 as the home underdog.

The 2.5-point spread is particularly interesting. A field goal or less means a single late possession could determine whether Cincinnati covers, but Chicago does not need to dominate to cash a spread ticket.

A 24-17 victory would give the Bears a seven-point win and comfortably cover the number.

Why Are the Bears Favored Against the Bengals?

The primary reason behind the Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction favoring Chicago is the dramatic difference in offensive production from Week 1.

The Bears averaged:

34 points per game

430 total yards

348 passing yards

82 rushing yards

Cincinnati produced:

16 points

256 total yards

159 passing yards

97 rushing yards

The biggest difference is through the air.

Chicago’s 348 passing yards ranked first among the teams in the supplied preseason statistics. Cincinnati’s 159 passing yards ranked 21st.

That gives Chicago a significant advantage when evaluating the potential offensive ceiling of the two teams.

The Bears also converted 33.3% of their third downs, while Cincinnati converted 38.9%. The Bengals therefore have the better third-down percentage, but Chicago’s massive advantage in overall production more than offsets that particular statistic.

Can the Bears Offense Keep Producing?

That is the central question behind this Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction.

Chicago’s Week 1 offensive numbers were extremely strong, and preseason production can sometimes be misleading because of unusual personnel combinations. However, 430 total yards is still a significant number.

The Bears generated 348 passing yards, which means the offense was not dependent solely on one long rushing play or defensive touchdowns.

Chicago also scored 34 points.

That gives the Bears a much higher offensive baseline entering Week 2.

The key in preseason football is determining whether that production can carry over when the coaching staff changes the quarterback rotation and substitutes heavily. Chicago’s recent preseason trends suggest the team has been capable of performing well in these situations.

The Bears are 6-2 against the spread across their last eight preseason games, according to the supplied betting trends. They are also 6-1 straight up in their last seven preseason games as favorites.

Those numbers strengthen the case for laying the relatively short 2.5-point number.

Why Cincinnati Is Still Dangerous at Home

The Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction should not overlook Cincinnati simply because Chicago produced more yards in Week 1.

The Bengals are 1-0, and their defense was effective in the opener.

Cincinnati allowed just 14 points and 274 total yards. The Bengals surrendered only 145 passing yards, which ranked 11th in the supplied defensive statistics.

That is important because Chicago’s greatest strength is its passing attack.

If Cincinnati can pressure Chicago’s quarterbacks and force the Bears into unfavorable down-and-distance situations, the Bengals have a legitimate opportunity to keep this game close.

Cincinnati also has home-field advantage at Paycor Stadium.

Preseason home-field advantage is generally less important than it is during the regular season, but travel, unfamiliar surroundings and roster rotations can still matter. Cincinnati’s ability to play its reserves in a familiar environment could help keep the game within the 2.5-point spread.

The Bengals also have a strong recent preseason Over trend, which makes the total worth examining separately from the side.

Bears Offensive Statistics

Chicago’s Week 1 numbers immediately stand out.

The Bears scored 34 points, ranking first among the supplied offensive statistics.

They also produced 430 yards, ranking second.

Their passing attack was particularly impressive with 348 yards, good for first.

The rushing attack was less dominant at 82 yards, ranking 24th, but Chicago didn’t need a huge ground game because of its passing efficiency.

That creates an interesting matchup against Cincinnati.

The Bengals allowed 145 passing yards in their opener, but Chicago’s passing attack was far more productive than the offense Cincinnati faced.

If the Bears can consistently attack Cincinnati through the air, they should have opportunities to score enough points to cover the spread.

Bengals Offensive Statistics

Cincinnati scored 16 points in its preseason opener.

The Bengals accumulated 256 total yards, including 159 passing yards and 97 rushing yards.

The rushing production was respectable, but the passing game was significantly below Chicago’s output.

Cincinnati’s 38.9% third-down conversion rate was better than Chicago’s 33.3%, giving the Bengals one statistical advantage in sustaining drives.

However, third-down efficiency alone does not tell the entire story.

Chicago’s 430 yards demonstrate that the Bears were able to consistently move the football.

Cincinnati needs its offense to become more explosive in Week 2 if it wants to beat a Bears team that has already shown the ability to put 30-plus points on the board.

Bears Defensive Statistics

Chicago’s defense also had an excellent preseason opener.

The Bears allowed only 10 points and 314 total yards.

They surrendered 206 passing yards and 108 rushing yards.

Chicago also recorded three takeaways and three sacks.

Those turnover and pressure numbers are particularly important in preseason football.

Backup quarterbacks frequently hold onto the ball too long, struggle to identify disguised coverages or force throws into tight windows. That can create sudden scoring opportunities for defenses.

Chicago’s three takeaways give the Bears another path to victory beyond offensive production.

A defensive touchdown or short field can dramatically change a preseason game.

Bengals Defensive Statistics

Cincinnati allowed 14 points and 274 yards.

The Bengals gave up 145 passing yards, which was an impressive number, although they allowed 129 rushing yards.

They also recorded three takeaways and two sacks.

The defense therefore enters Week 2 with a respectable profile.

The question is whether Cincinnati can reproduce those numbers against Chicago’s considerably more productive passing attack.

The Bears generated 348 passing yards in Week 1. Even a substantial regression from that figure would still leave Chicago capable of putting pressure on the Bengals secondary.

That is why the defensive matchup slightly favors Chicago overall despite Cincinnati’s strong opening performance.

Bears vs Bengals Preseason Betting Trends

The supplied trends provide several reasons to support the Bears.

Chicago has gone 6-1 straight up in its last seven preseason games as a favorite.

That is particularly relevant because the Bears are once again listed as favorites.

Chicago has also gone 6-2 against the spread in its last eight preseason games.

That suggests the market has historically underestimated the Bears in August.

Another interesting trend is Chicago’s performance in preseason games with totals of 42 points or fewer. The Bears are 10-2 against the Over/Under in those situations according to the supplied data, although the trend itself does not identify which side of the total those results represent consistently enough to make it the primary handicap.

Cincinnati has also been strong against the Over, going Over in four of its last five preseason games.

That creates an interesting conflict between the historical trends and the current total.

Bears vs Bengals Head-to-Head History

The recent Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction history includes several preseason meetings.

In the 2024 preseason, Chicago defeated Cincinnati 27-3.

That game stayed Under the posted total of 36.5.

The Bengals previously defeated Chicago 30-27 at Paycor Stadium during the 2018 preseason, with that game going Over 35.5.

Cincinnati also defeated Chicago 21-10 at Paycor Stadium during the 2015 preseason.

The historical matchup therefore does not provide a consistent home-field or total trend.

The most recent preseason meeting, however, produced a decisive Chicago victory.

That is another reason the Bears deserve consideration as the side.

What Is the Best Bears vs Bengals Preseason Bet?

The best Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction bet is Chicago -2.5.

There are several reasons.

First, Chicago has the superior offensive profile.

Second, the Bears already demonstrated that their reserve offense can generate significant yardage.

Third, Chicago’s defense created three turnovers in Week 1.

Fourth, the Bears have a strong recent ATS preseason record.

Finally, the spread is only 2.5 points.

That last point matters.

A preseason favorite laying 5.5 or 6.5 points carries significantly more risk because one late touchdown can completely change the outcome. Chicago only needs to win by three points to cover this number.

The projected 24-17 result would produce a seven-point margin.

Should You Bet the Bears Moneyline?

The Bears moneyline at approximately -143 is another option, but it offers less value than the spread.

If you believe Chicago will win but are concerned about Cincinnati’s home-field advantage, the moneyline eliminates the possibility of a narrow Chicago victory failing to cover.

For example, a 21-20 Bears victory would cash the moneyline but lose a -2.5 spread.

However, the -143 price requires a larger financial commitment for a relatively modest return.

Because the handicap points toward Chicago winning by multiple points, the spread provides the better value.

For that reason, the Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction remains Chicago -2.5 rather than simply the moneyline.

What About the Bears vs Bengals Over/Under?

The total is listed at 37.5 points.

The case for the Over is easy to understand.

Chicago scored 34 points in Week 1.

Cincinnati has gone Over in four of its last five preseason games.

The Bears have explosive offensive potential, and preseason games can become higher-scoring when backup defenses struggle with communication.

A projected score of 24-17 produces 41 total points, which would send the game Over 37.5.

However, the Under has some support as well.

The 2024 preseason meeting ended 27-3.

Both teams allowed relatively modest point totals in their openers.

Cincinnati’s defense surrendered only 14 points, while Chicago allowed 10.

Because the side offers a clearer statistical advantage, the total is not the primary selection.

Why Chicago’s Depth Matters in Preseason

Depth is one of the most important variables in preseason handicapping.

Regular-season analysis naturally focuses on starting quarterbacks, star receivers and defensive playmakers.

That methodology becomes less reliable in August.

Starters may play only a handful of snaps. Some veterans don’t play at all. Backup quarterbacks can end up playing the majority of the game.

That means the second and third units can determine the result.

Chicago’s Week 1 performance provides encouraging evidence that its depth is capable of maintaining offensive efficiency.

The Bears scored 34 points and produced 430 yards despite the unusual preseason personnel structure.

Cincinnati also won its opener, but its offense was considerably less productive.

That depth discrepancy is the strongest argument for Chicago.

Why Preseason Quarterback Rotations Matter

Quarterback rotations can radically alter a preseason betting handicap.

A team can look excellent when its first-team quarterback is on the field and completely different once the backup enters.

The same applies to the defensive front and secondary.

Chicago’s passing production suggests its quarterbacks were comfortable operating the offense in Week 1.

The Bears threw for 348 yards.

Cincinnati’s quarterbacks, meanwhile, helped produce only 159 passing yards.

If those quarterback rotations remain relatively similar in Week 2, Chicago should again have the advantage.

That is why the Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction is based more heavily on overall quarterback-room production than on the regular-season reputation of either franchise.

Turnovers Could Decide Bears vs Bengals

Turnovers are another major preseason variable.

Chicago recorded three takeaways in its opener.

Cincinnati also recorded three.

That means both defenses have already demonstrated the ability to generate extra possessions.

In a close preseason matchup, turnovers can be worth more than conventional offensive statistics.

A short field can turn a 40-yard drive into a touchdown opportunity.

A defensive interception can also completely change the momentum of a game.

Chicago’s ability to combine offensive production with three takeaways gives the Bears multiple ways to create separation.

Bears vs Bengals Prediction: Key Matchup to Watch

The most important matchup is Chicago’s passing offense against Cincinnati’s pass defense.

Chicago generated 348 passing yards in Week 1.

Cincinnati allowed only 145 passing yards.

Something has to give.

If Cincinnati’s secondary repeats its Week 1 performance, the Bengals could keep Chicago below its preseason offensive ceiling.

If Chicago’s passing game continues to operate efficiently, however, the Bears could score 24 or more points and put significant pressure on Cincinnati’s offense.

That is the matchup most likely to determine whether Chicago covers the 2.5-point spread.

Injury Considerations

The supplied injury report lists several Chicago players as unavailable.

The Bears’ inactive list includes Jonathan Garvin, Coby Bryant, Kyler Gordon, Elijah Hicks, Dallis Flowers, Noah Sewell, Beanie Bishop, Shemar Turner and Keyshaun Elliott.

Cincinnati’s listed injury report is significantly shorter, with Ceyair Wright listed as out.

That could give the Bengals an advantage in terms of available defensive depth.

However, preseason injury reports must be evaluated differently from regular-season injury reports.

Teams are already managing workloads and protecting players who are unlikely to need extended preseason exposure.

The greater concern is whether absences affect the specific units expected to play the most snaps.

What Does the 1-0 Record Mean?

Both teams enter Week 2 at 1-0.

That makes the records appear evenly matched.

The underlying statistics tell a different story.

Chicago scored 34 points compared with Cincinnati’s 16.

Chicago produced 430 yards compared with Cincinnati’s 256.

Chicago passed for 348 yards compared with Cincinnati’s 159.

Chicago allowed 10 points compared with Cincinnati’s 14.

The Bears therefore have the better point differential and superior total-yard production.

Preseason records can be deceptive because teams use different personnel strategies, but the performance gap is still meaningful.

Bears vs Bengals Prediction: Who Has the Edge?

Chicago has the edge in this matchup.

The Bears have already shown an offense capable of producing explosive yardage, while their defense generated three turnovers and held the opponent to 10 points.

Cincinnati deserves credit for winning its opener and limiting the opposing passing attack, but the Bengals have not yet demonstrated the same offensive ceiling.

With Chicago favored by only 2.5 points, the market is asking the Bears to do very little to cover.

A three-point victory is enough.

That makes the spread attractive.

Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction: Final Pick

The Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction points toward Chicago.

The Bears have the superior Week 1 offensive numbers, a strong recent preseason ATS record and a defense that has already demonstrated the ability to create turnovers.

Cincinnati’s home-field advantage and defensive performance make this less than a lock, but the 2.5-point spread is manageable.

The Bears don’t need another 34-point performance to cover.

They simply need to win by three or more.

The supplied AI projection has Chicago winning 24-17, and that score fits the statistical profile of the matchup. Chicago’s passing offense should create enough opportunities to separate from Cincinnati, while its defense has enough playmaking ability to prevent the Bengals from matching the Bears’ offensive output.

Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction: Chicago Bears -2.5

Projected Score: Chicago Bears 24, Cincinnati Bengals 17

Best Bet: Bears -2.5

Moneyline Lean: Bears -143

Total Lean: Over 37.5

Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction FAQ

Who is favored in Bears vs Bengals preseason?

The Chicago Bears are favored by 2.5 points over the Cincinnati Bengals. Chicago is also approximately -143 on the moneyline, while Cincinnati is listed around +119.

What is the Bears vs Bengals preseason prediction?

The prediction is for the Chicago Bears to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 24-17. The recommended spread pick is Chicago -2.5.

What is the Bears vs Bengals preseason over/under?

The total is 37.5 points. The projected score of 24-17 would produce 41 points and go Over the current total.

Why are the Bears favored against Cincinnati?

Chicago produced 34 points and 430 yards in its preseason opener, including 348 passing yards. Cincinnati produced 16 points and 256 total yards, giving Chicago the stronger statistical profile entering Week 2.

Are the Bears a good preseason betting team?

According to the supplied betting trends, Chicago is 6-2 against the spread in its last eight preseason games and 6-1 straight up in its last seven preseason games as a favorite.

What is the best bet for Bears vs Bengals?

The preferred Bears vs Bengals Preseason NFL Prediction bet is Chicago -2.5. The Bears’ offensive production, defensive turnover ability and recent preseason ATS performance make the spread the strongest play.

What is the projected score for Bears vs Bengals?

The projected final score is Chicago Bears 24, Cincinnati Bengals 17. That would give Chicago a seven-point victory and cover the 2.5-point spread.