Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans 2026 Preseason Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM CT

Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

TV: NFL Network / Chicago Bears Network on FOX32 / WKRN-TV News 2 in Nashville

Tickets: As low as $25

Betting Line: Tennessee Titans -3

Moneyline: Tennessee approximately -157 / Chicago +129

Over/Under: 36.5 Points

The Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans close the 2026 preseason Saturday evening at Nissan Stadium in a matchup between two teams that have taken very different paths through August.

Tennessee enters 2-0, beating San Francisco 19-13 and Seattle 19-16. Chicago is 1-1, opening with an impressive 34-10 victory over Cleveland before struggling in a 27-9 loss at Cincinnati. The finale is officially scheduled for 6:00 PM ET Saturday, August 29, with NFL Network carrying the game nationally and each team’s regional preseason network also providing coverage.

The current betting market matches the supplied numbers: Tennessee is approximately a 3-point favorite with a 36.5 total, while FOX Sports lists the Titans around -157 on the moneyline and Chicago around +129.

The numbers immediately create an interesting handicap.

Tennessee has won both preseason games but has scored only 38 combined points.

Chicago has shown far more offensive volatility, scoring 34 against Cleveland and only nine against Cincinnati.

Both coaching staffs will also have an additional source of information before Saturday’s kickoff: the Bears and Titans are scheduled to hold a joint practice Thursday in Nashville, and Tennessee coach Robert Saleh said that workout could provide additional clarity on several roster competitions before the preseason finale.

That joint practice makes starter participation particularly important.

Chicago’s first-team offense played only one drive against Cincinnati. Caleb Williams completed his first two passes before the possession ended with a Cairo Santos field goal, and most Bears defensive starters also departed after the first series.

Tennessee used Cam Ward for three series against Seattle. Ward completed 8 of 12 passes for 69 yards, but the Titans’ starters left the game trailing 16-3. Tennessee’s backups then scored the final 16 points to win.

That means Saturday’s betting result may be determined much more by the players fighting for the final 10 roster spots than by Williams, Ward or either team’s established stars.

Top Four Prop Bets

Preseason player props vary widely by sportsbook. Unless your sportsbook offers the exact number below, these should be treated as projected betting targets based on anticipated workload, preseason production and roster circumstances. Playing-time announcements after Thursday’s joint practice could materially change these projections.

Prop Bet #1: Case Keenum Over 109.5 Passing Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Keenum Over 109.5 Passing Yards

• 119 Yards vs Cincinnati
• 151 Yards in Week 1
• Veteran Reserve Advantage

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Case Keenum has been one of Chicago’s most productive preseason players.

In the opener against Cleveland, the veteran quarterback was spectacular.

He completed nine of 10 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns, posting a perfect 158.3 passer rating during the third quarter.

Against Cincinnati, Keenum replaced Williams after the opening series because Tyson Bagent was sidelined by injury.

Keenum completed 9 of 17 passes for 119 yards while guiding Chicago to three first-half field-goal drives.

That gives him consecutive preseason games with at least 119 passing yards.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Keenum is a 15-year NFL veteran with 66 career regular-season starts.

That experience matters enormously once preseason games move into second- and third-team rotations.

He understands protections.

He recognizes coverages quickly.

He knows when to take the easy completion.

And he has already demonstrated chemistry with Chicago’s reserve skill players.

Against Cleveland, Keenum threw a 49-yard touchdown to Salvon Ahmed and another score to Brittain Brown. Against Cincinnati, he found Sam Roush for 26 yards and JP Richardson for a key 19-yard completion before halftime.

If Keenum receives close to two quarters Saturday, another 110-yard outing is very realistic.

Why the Under Could Hit

The biggest issue is quarterback allocation.

Bagent missed the Cincinnati game because of injury, and his status for the finale could change after the practice week.

Chicago also used Miller Moss for the entire second half against Cincinnati.

If Bagent returns and Ben Johnson wants significant snaps for both Bagent and Moss, Keenum’s workload could shrink considerably.

The Bears may also determine after Thursday’s joint practice that the veteran does not need much additional game work.

This prop therefore becomes strongest only if Keenum is confirmed for extended action.

Projected Bet: Case Keenum Over 109.5 Passing Yards — if he receives approximately two quarters

Prop Bet #2: D’Ernest Johnson Over 29.5 Rushing Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Johnson Over 29.5 Rushing Yards

• Game-Winning TD vs Seattle
• Titans RB Competition
• Fourth-Quarter Workload

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D’Ernest Johnson played one of the biggest roles in Tennessee’s Week 2 comeback.

The Titans trailed Seattle 16-3 in the first quarter and 16-9 at halftime before the reserves gradually took control.

Johnson eventually finished a 13-play, 64-yard fourth-quarter drive with a two-yard touchdown run that gave Tennessee a 19-16 lead with 5:45 remaining.

That wasn’t meaningless late-game work.

It was exactly the kind of possession coaches use to evaluate roster depth.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Tennessee’s running-back competition remains unsettled deeper on the depth chart.

Saleh said Monday that determining the fourth running-back spot would be a difficult decision, meaning Saturday provides one final live-game opportunity to separate the candidates.

That favors Johnson.

Established backs do not need enormous preseason workloads.

Roster-bubble backs do.

Tennessee also demonstrated against Seattle that it is willing to lean on its running game late.

Saleh specifically praised the way his young offensive players ran the football during the comeback.

If Johnson receives seven to 10 carries, 30 yards is a modest target.

Why the Under Could Hit

Tennessee has legitimate backfield depth.

Saleh’s Monday comments made clear that multiple players remain involved in the competition, and Nick Singleton was expected to return to practice during the week.

That could mean a committee approach.

Johnson may get five carries.

Another back gets six.

Someone else handles the fourth quarter.

Chicago’s run defense also played extremely well against Cincinnati, allowing only 64 yards on 20 carries—3.2 yards per attempt.

Still, the projected number is low enough to trust Johnson’s likely evaluation workload.

Projected Bet: D’Ernest Johnson Over 29.5 Rushing Yards

Prop Bet #3: Carnell Tate Over 24.5 Receiving Yards

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Tate Over 24.5 Receiving Yards

• Five Preseason Targets
• Elite Rookie Talent
• Titans Want Game Production

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–

Carnell Tate is one of Tennessee’s most interesting players entering the finale.

He also has one of the strangest preseason stat lines.

The highly regarded rookie receiver has been targeted five times through two games but has yet to record a reception. Saleh said Monday that Tate continues working relentlessly and emphasized that his quiet preseason games have not matched what the Titans have seen from him during practice.

That makes Saturday a natural opportunity to get him involved.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Tate has consistently made plays during training camp.

One of his strongest practices came August 15, when Ward threw five touchdown passes and Tate caught two of them during red-zone work.

The talent is clearly there.

The chemistry is developing.

What Tennessee has not yet seen is that production transfer to a preseason box score.

Even if Ward plays only limited snaps Saturday, Tate can continue working with the backup quarterbacks.

The number also does not require a breakout performance.

Two catches for 13 yards clears it.

One intermediate completion and one quick screen can do it.

Why the Under Could Hit

There is a reason Tate has zero catches despite five targets.

Game timing has not clicked yet.

Ward has missed him.

Tate has been unable to convert contested opportunities.

And the Titans are balancing a large receiver room.

The finale also comes two days after a joint practice, which could reduce the game workload for some young players who receive extensive Thursday repetitions.

Still, Saleh’s comments suggest Tennessee remains invested in continuing Tate’s development.

Getting him several clean opportunities in the finale would make sense.

Projected Bet: Carnell Tate Over 24.5 Receiving Yards

Prop Bet #4: Game Total Under 36.5 Points

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Under 36.5 Points

• Titans 2-0 With Two Unders
• Bears Scored 9 Last Week
• Extensive Reserve Rotations

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The under is the strongest overall betting angle.

Tennessee’s first two preseason games:

Titans 19, 49ers 13 — 32 total points.

Titans 19, Seahawks 16 — 35 total points.

Both stayed below Saturday’s 36.5.

Chicago’s season has been more volatile, but its latest performance strongly favors caution.

The Bears scored only nine points against Cincinnati, failed to score a touchdown and went just 2-of-14 on third down.

Why the Under Is a Good Bet

This is a preseason finale following a joint practice.

That is critical.

Both coaching staffs will already have extensive competitive tape from Thursday before deciding how much their established players need to play Saturday.

That increases the likelihood of:

Short starter appearances.

Extended backup-quarterback work.

Third- and fourth-team offensive lines.

Receivers who may never have worked together extensively.

Conservative fourth-quarter play calling.

Tennessee’s first-team offense also has not been especially sharp.

Ward completed 8 of 12 passes against Seattle but produced only three points during his three possessions, and the starting unit left trailing 16-3.

Chicago’s first-team offense reached Cincinnati’s 17-yard line on its opening drive but settled for a field goal after a holding penalty.

Both teams have moved the football.

Neither has consistently finished drives with touchdowns.

Why the Over Could Hit

Chicago showed in Week 1 that its reserve offense can explode.

The Bears scored 34 unanswered points after falling behind Cleveland 10-0. Keenum threw two touchdowns and Chicago generated takeaways that created favorable situations.

Turnovers are the biggest danger to an under.

Tennessee forced three Seattle turnovers in Week 2—two interceptions and a fumble recovery.

Short fields can destroy a low total quickly.

Special teams matter too.

Tennessee kicker Joey Slye went 4-for-4 against Seattle, hitting from 55, 33, 40 and 43 yards.

But even with four Slye field goals and a late touchdown, Tennessee scored only 19.

That is exactly why the under remains attractive.

Bet: Under 36.5 Points

The Matchup Context: Tennessee Has Become Difficult to Beat in August

Preseason victories do not count in September.

But Tennessee has developed a real pattern.

The Titans have won four consecutive preseason games overall and seven straight preseason games at Nissan Stadium.

That matters when evaluating a three-point home favorite.

Tennessee has repeatedly demonstrated that its reserve players can finish games.

Against Seattle, the starters fell behind 16-3.

The backups did not panic.

The defense forced turnovers.

Slye kept converting field goals.

Levis eventually directed the 64-yard touchdown drive that gave Tennessee the lead.

That type of reserve resilience is exactly what wins preseason finales.

Cam Ward Still Needs Offensive Rhythm

Ward is Tennessee’s unquestioned starter.

The question isn’t whether he begins the regular season at quarterback.

The question is how much more preseason work he needs.

His two exhibition games have followed a similar pattern.

The opening drive has looked encouraging.

The next possessions have stalled.

Against Seattle, Ward finished 8-of-12 for 69 yards but left after three drives with Tennessee trailing 16-3.

Then Tuesday’s practice produced another reminder that the offense remains unfinished.

Ward was unofficially charted at 7-of-16 during 7-on-7 and team periods and threw interceptions to Kevin Winston Jr. and Alontae Taylor.

That does not create a crisis.

It’s August.

But Tennessee would like cleaner execution before Week 1.

The Thursday Joint Practice May Determine Ward’s Saturday Workload

This is the most important variable in the entire game.

Tennessee hosts Chicago for a joint practice Thursday.

Saleh said that session should provide additional clarity on several roster decisions.

If Ward and the first-team offense have a productive two-hour competitive practice against Chicago’s defense, Tennessee may decide it has already received enough work.

If the offense struggles again, Saleh could decide Saturday offers another opportunity to build rhythm.

That is why projecting a Ward passing-yard prop several days in advance would be risky.

The backup players offer cleaner betting targets.

Mitchell Trubisky Faces His Former Team

There is also an obvious storyline involving Tennessee’s backup quarterback.

Mitchell Trubisky began his NFL career with Chicago after the Bears selected him second overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.

He is now competing with Levis and Hooker behind Ward in Tennessee’s quarterback room.

Against Seattle, Trubisky replaced Ward during the second quarter before Levis took over after halftime.

The Titans may use a similar rotation Saturday.

If so, Trubisky gets an opportunity to play against his former franchise while strengthening his case to be Ward’s primary backup.

Will Levis Produced When Tennessee Needed It

Levis may have generated the most important quarterback drive against Seattle.

He entered for the second half and eventually directed the 13-play, 64-yard touchdown possession that ended with Johnson’s game-winning run.

That drive matters in a quarterback competition.

Preseason statistics can be misleading.

Game situations are harder to fake.

Tennessee needed points.

Levis managed the possession.

The Titans scored.

That is useful evaluation tape.

Hendon Hooker Still Needs Opportunities

Hooker finished the Seattle game at quarterback after Levis completed the comeback drive.

He remains part of a crowded room.

Ward is the starter.

Trubisky has extensive NFL experience.

Levis has starting experience.

Hooker therefore needs every snap he can get.

That is another reason the Titans may limit Ward Saturday.

The coaching staff needs information on the quarterbacks behind him.

Tennessee’s Biggest Offensive Question Is Finishing Drives

The Titans moved the football enough against Seattle to create scoring chances.

They just kept settling for field goals.

Slye made four of them.

That is excellent for Slye.

It is less encouraging for the offense.

Tennessee cannot build its regular-season scoring plan around four field goals every week.

Ward and the first team need to become more efficient in the red zone.

The backups need to do the same.

Saturday’s result may depend on whether either offense can turn 10-play possessions into seven points instead of three.

Carnell Tate Needs One Game Moment

Tate has already shown plenty in practice.

Now Tennessee wants to see something happen in a game.

Five targets.

Zero catches.

That can change instantly.

One catch on Tennessee’s first drive could settle him.

One third-down conversion can build confidence.

One red-zone touchdown could completely change the narrative surrounding his preseason.

Saleh has made clear that the organization remains pleased with Tate’s development despite the empty receiving stat line.

That makes him one of Saturday’s most important players to watch.

Joey Slye Has Been a Major Weapon

Slye has been spectacular.

Against San Francisco, he hit four field goals, including kicks from 55, 53 and 58 yards.

Against Seattle, he made four more.

That changes the betting dynamics.

A low-scoring game can be decided by field position.

Chicago might force a stop at Tennessee’s 38-yard line and still surrender three points.

At Titans -3, Slye’s range matters.

Chicago’s Week 2 Performance Was a Reality Check

The Bears looked outstanding against Cleveland.

Then Cincinnati exposed several problems.

Chicago committed 11 penalties.

The offense went 2-of-14 on third down.

The defense allowed Cincinnati to convert six of 13 third downs.

The Bears never scored a touchdown.

Ben Johnson was particularly frustrated with the penalties, third-down execution and red-zone failures.

That gives Chicago a clear checklist entering Nashville.

Play cleaner.

Stay ahead of the chains.

Finish drives.

Caleb Williams Probably Doesn’t Need Much More

Williams played one series against Cincinnati.

He completed his first two passes—18 yards to Rome Odunze and 10 to Colston Loveland—before missing his final three throws.

The possession still reached Cincinnati’s 17-yard line.

Then a penalty helped stall it.

Johnson explained that Chicago used its starters because they had not received enough competitive practice repetitions during the week.

That context matters.

Chicago will receive those competitive repetitions Thursday against Tennessee.

If the first-team offense performs well during the joint practice, Williams may have little reason to play extensively Saturday.

Case Keenum Has Been One of Chicago’s Best August Players

Keenum’s value goes far beyond his statistics.

He helps Williams.

He helps Bagent.

He helps young receivers line up correctly.

But his statistics have also been excellent.

151 yards and two touchdowns against Cleveland.

119 yards against Cincinnati.

That is why he remains one of the best projected betting targets if Chicago gives him another significant workload.

Experienced reserve quarterbacks can dominate preseason football.

Tyson Bagent’s Health Matters

Bagent did not play against Cincinnati because of injury, forcing Chicago to move from Williams to Keenum and then Moss.

His availability could completely change Saturday’s quarterback rotation.

If Bagent returns, Chicago may want him to receive significant action.

If he remains unavailable, Keenum and Moss could again divide most of the game.

That is one of the most important situations to monitor before wagering on individual Chicago players.

Miller Moss Gets One More Developmental Opportunity

Moss played the second half against Cincinnati after Keenum exited at halftime.

For a developmental quarterback, Saturday could be extremely valuable.

The Bears do not need Moss to look like Williams.

They need:

Clean huddle operation.

Correct protection checks.

Smart decisions.

Ball security.

Enough accuracy to keep the offense functioning.

Every live snap matters for a player fighting to remain part of an NFL quarterback room.

Chicago’s Run Defense Has Been a Strength

The Bears’ 27-9 loss included one significant positive.

Cincinnati rushed for only 64 yards on 20 attempts.

That is important against Tennessee.

The Titans want to establish a physical identity.

Their running-back competition is deep.

Chicago’s front must continue playing disciplined gap defense even after the starters exit.

If the Bears can force Tennessee’s reserve quarterbacks into third-and-long situations, the under becomes even more attractive.

Skylar Thomas Has Made His Case

Chicago defensive back Skylar Thomas produced the Bears’ only takeaway against Cincinnati, intercepting Sean Clifford near midfield.

That is exactly the type of preseason moment fringe-roster defensive backs need.

Interceptions matter.

But so do special teams.

Open-field tackling.

Communication.

Versatility.

Thomas will get one more opportunity Saturday to strengthen his roster case.

Players to Watch

Case Keenum, QB, Bears: Keenum has thrown for 270 yards and two touchdowns over Chicago’s first two preseason games and has looked extremely comfortable against reserve defenses.

Tyson Bagent, QB, Bears: Bagent missed Week 2 with an injury after throwing for 169 yards in Chicago’s preseason opener. His availability could reshape the entire Bears quarterback rotation.

Miller Moss, QB, Bears: Moss handled the second half against Cincinnati and remains an important developmental player entering the finale.

JP Richardson, WR, Bears: Richardson caught a 19-yard pass from Keenum late in the first half against Cincinnati and continues fighting for a role in Chicago’s crowded receiver room.

Skylar Thomas, DB, Bears: Thomas intercepted Cincinnati quarterback Sean Clifford and will have another opportunity to strengthen his roster case.

Cam Ward, QB, Titans: Ward completed 8 of 12 passes for 69 yards against Seattle but Tennessee’s first-team offense produced only three points during his three drives.

Mitchell Trubisky, QB, Titans: The former Bears quarterback remains part of Tennessee’s backup competition and should have extra motivation against his former team.

Will Levis, QB, Titans: Levis directed Tennessee’s 64-yard game-winning touchdown drive against Seattle.

Carnell Tate, WR, Titans: Tate has zero receptions on five preseason targets but continues drawing praise for his practice work.

D’Ernest Johnson, RB, Titans: Johnson scored the winning touchdown against Seattle and is competing in a crowded Tennessee backfield.

Joey Slye, K, Titans: Slye has repeatedly shown 50-plus-yard range and made four field goals against Seattle.

Keys to the Game

Chicago Bears

Chicago’s first priority is discipline.

Eleven penalties against Cincinnati were unacceptable.

Second, the Bears need better third-down offense.

Two conversions in 14 attempts will not produce enough possessions to win.

Third, Chicago must determine its quarterback rotation after evaluating Bagent’s health and Thursday’s joint practice.

Fourth, the Bears need continued strong run defense.

Tennessee has enough running-back depth to control the second half if Chicago loses gap discipline.

Finally, Chicago’s reserve offense must finish drives.

Three field goals against Cincinnati were not enough.

Touchdowns matter.

Tennessee Titans

Tennessee’s first priority is deciding how much its starters need after Thursday.

Ward and the first-team offense still need improved consistency, but the organization also needs to protect its important players.

Second, the Titans should create opportunities for Tate.

His practice production needs a chance to translate into game production.

Third, Tennessee must continue evaluating the quarterback depth behind Ward.

Trubisky.

Levis.

Hooker.

There are meaningful roster and depth-chart decisions still ahead.

Fourth, the Titans need another strong performance from their running-back room.

Saleh has already acknowledged how difficult the final backfield decision will be.

Finally, Tennessee must continue forcing turnovers.

Three against Seattle helped erase a 13-point deficit.

That formula can win another preseason game.

Betting Prediction

At Tennessee -3, the Titans are the preferred side.

The home-field advantage is one reason.

The bigger reason is reserve depth.

Tennessee’s starters were outplayed by Seattle early, yet the Titans still won.

That demonstrates something useful in preseason handicapping.

The second and third units can finish games.

Tennessee is also 2-0 and riding a seven-game preseason home winning streak at Nissan Stadium.

Chicago’s backups looked outstanding against Cleveland.

They looked much less impressive against Cincinnati.

That inconsistency makes it difficult to trust the Bears outright.

The quarterback situation also creates uncertainty.

If Bagent returns, Chicago becomes more dangerous.

If Keenum receives substantial work, Chicago remains competitive.

If the Bears emphasize Moss and deeper roster evaluation, Tennessee’s advantage grows.

At exactly -3, the Titans are playable.

At -3.5 or higher, the Bears become significantly more interesting.

The total is the stronger bet.

Tennessee’s games have finished with 32 and 35 combined points.

Chicago just produced nine points.

Both teams have a joint practice two days before the finale.

That is a strong setup for an under.

The Verdict

Prediction: Tennessee Titans 20, Chicago Bears 13

Pick: Tennessee Titans -3

Moneyline: Tennessee Titans -157

Total Pick: Under 36.5

Tennessee has not been dominant.

But it has been resilient.

The Titans have won both preseason games despite stretches in which their first-team offense struggled.

That matters because Saturday’s finale should eventually become a game dominated by backups.

Trubisky has extensive experience.

Levis has starting experience.

Hooker remains a developmental option.

Johnson and Tennessee’s reserve running backs have already proven they can finish drives late.

Chicago has a similar veteran advantage if Keenum plays extensively.

But the Bears enter with more uncertainty because of Bagent’s injury and Thursday’s joint practice.

Expect the starters—if they play at all—to receive limited work.

Expect the first half to be relatively conservative.

Expect Tennessee to lean on its running backs and short passing game.

Expect Chicago to move the football between the 20s but again struggle to consistently finish drives.

The difference may once again be Slye.

In a low-total game, Tennessee’s ability to convert from beyond 50 yards gives the Titans an important scoring advantage.

A late turnover or short-field touchdown should provide enough separation for Tennessee to cover the three.

Final Score Prediction: Tennessee Titans 20, Chicago Bears 13

Best Bet: Under 36.5

Against the Spread: Tennessee Titans -3

Moneyline: Tennessee Titans -157

Top Player Prop: Case Keenum Over 109.5 Passing Yards if extended playing time is confirmed

Additional Props: D’Ernest Johnson Over 29.5 Rushing Yards | Carnell Tate Over 24.5 Receiving Yards