Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals 2026 Preseason Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM ET

Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

TV: Bengals Preseason TV Network / FOX19 Cincinnati / FOX32 Chicago / NFL+

Tickets: As low as $25

Betting Line: Chicago Bears -1.5*

Over/Under: 36.5 Points

Betting note: The line supplied for this preview is Chicago -1.5. By Friday, some markets had moved the Bears closer to -2.5 while the total remained around 36.5, so bettors should verify the current number before wagering.

The Chicago Bears travel to Paycor Stadium Saturday night to face the Cincinnati Bengals in a Preseason Week 2 matchup between two 1-0 teams coming off very different opening victories.

Chicago opened the preseason with an impressive 34-10 win over Cleveland, scoring 34 unanswered points after falling behind 10-0. The Bears’ reserve offense was particularly impressive, while the defense shut Cleveland out on its final nine possessions and forced three turnovers.

Cincinnati’s opener was considerably tighter.

The Bengals defeated Detroit 16-14, getting limited work from Joe Burrow and the first-team offense before turning the game over to Joe Flacco, Josh Johnson and several young players competing for roster positions. Burrow played 13 snaps and completed five of six passes for 39 yards.

The biggest question Saturday is how much—if at all—the established starters play.

Both teams gave their first units substantial work during Thursday’s joint practice in Cincinnati. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams threw three red-zone touchdown passes, while the Bengals’ defense finished the practice strongly with a sack and interception during Chicago’s final two-minute possession.

Cincinnati’s starters are expected to receive considerably less work Saturday after the joint practice, while Chicago coach Ben Johnson has remained flexible about Caleb Williams’ preseason game workload.

Another important development involves Chicago backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, who missed Thursday’s joint practice with a groin injury. Veteran Case Keenum handled the second-team quarterback work instead.

That quarterback situation could become the biggest betting storyline of the night.

Top Four Prop Bets

Preseason player props are not consistently available at every sportsbook. Unless your sportsbook lists the exact numbers below, these should be viewed as projected betting targets based on expected playing time, Week 1 production and current roster circumstances.

Prop Bet #1: Case Keenum Over 109.5 Passing Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Keenum Over 109.5 Passing Yards

• 151 Yards in Week 1
• Bagent Injury
• Veteran QB Experience

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Case Keenum was nearly perfect in Chicago’s preseason opener.

The 14-year veteran completed nine of 10 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns, producing a perfect 158.3 passer rating during the third quarter against Cleveland. His touchdown passes went for 49 yards to Salvon Ahmed and six yards to Brittain Brown.

Now his opportunity could become even larger.

Bagent missed Thursday’s joint practice because of a groin injury, leaving Keenum to operate Chicago’s No. 2 offense.

If Bagent is limited or unavailable Saturday, Keenum could become Chicago’s primary veteran quarterback once the starting offense exits.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Experience matters enormously in preseason football.

Keenum has played in almost every imaginable NFL situation.

He understands protections.

He knows when to take the checkdown.

He knows how to manipulate reserve defensive backs.

He knows how to get an offense out of a bad play.

That experience showed against Cleveland.

Keenum needed just 10 attempts to generate 151 yards.

Chicago’s reserve receivers also give him legitimate weapons.

Ray-Ray McCloud III caught three passes for 63 yards in the opener, while Kaden Davis produced four catches for 88 yards.

Keenum also looked sharp during Thursday’s joint practice, throwing a touchdown to rookie Zavion Thomas and connecting with McCloud over the middle.

If Keenum gets approximately two quarters, 110 yards is very reachable.

Why the Under Could Hit

The biggest concern is workload.

Chicago still hasn’t finalized how many snaps Williams or Bagent could receive.

If Williams plays several series and Bagent is cleared, Keenum’s role could shrink dramatically.

Miller Moss also needs developmental work deeper in Chicago’s quarterback rotation.

There is another concern.

Cincinnati’s defense has looked much stronger throughout camp and finished Thursday’s joint practice by creating significant pressure on Williams.

Keenum will not find the Bengals’ reserve defense completely helpless.

Still, his Week 1 production and Bagent’s injury make him an attractive projected target.

Projected Bet: Case Keenum Over 109.5 Passing Yards

Prop Bet #2: Kaden Davis Over 34.5 Receiving Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Davis Over 34.5 Receiving Yards

• 88 Yards in Opener
• Explosive Camp Production
• Increased First-Team Reps

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Kaden Davis may be Chicago’s biggest preseason breakout player.

The first-year Bears receiver entered training camp fighting simply to earn a roster spot.

Now he is earning first-team practice repetitions.

Davis led Chicago with four catches for 88 yards against Cleveland, including a 41-yard reception from Bagent.

His production hasn’t been limited to the game.

Davis repeatedly made explosive plays during training camp, including a 70-plus-yard touchdown from Bagent shortly before the preseason opener.

Then came Cincinnati.

During Thursday’s joint practice, Williams found Davis for a diving touchdown near the front pylon during red-zone work. Williams later praised Davis’ ability to learn the offense quickly and consistently put himself in position to make plays.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Davis doesn’t require enormous volume.

He averaged 22 yards per reception against Cleveland.

One 25-yard catch puts him within 10 yards of this projected total.

Chicago also has every reason to continue evaluating him.

Rome Odunze and the Bears’ established receivers already have secure roster roles.

Davis is trying to force the coaching staff to find room for him.

Those players tend to receive extensive preseason snaps.

His versatility also helps because he has produced with multiple quarterbacks.

Bagent found him repeatedly against Cleveland.

Williams found him during the joint practice.

If Keenum becomes Chicago’s primary quarterback Saturday, Davis should remain involved.

Why the Under Could Hit

His success could eventually work against his playing time.

Chicago already has significant evidence that Davis belongs.

The Bears may want to create more opportunities for Zavion Thomas, Jahdae Walker and other receivers competing deeper on the roster.

Quarterback uncertainty is another factor.

Davis has demonstrated strong chemistry with Bagent, but Bagent’s groin injury could keep him out.

Still, 35 receiving yards is a modest target for one of Chicago’s hottest players.

Projected Bet: Kaden Davis Over 34.5 Receiving Yards

Prop Bet #3: Jack Endries Over 19.5 Receiving Yards

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Endries Over 19.5 Receiving Yards

• Week 1 Touchdown
• Three-Catch Debut
• Young TE Evaluation

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–

Jack Endries immediately made an impact during his first preseason game with Cincinnati.

The rookie tight end caught three passes for 25 yards, including a four-yard touchdown from Flacco after rookie edge rusher Cashius Howell recovered a Detroit fumble.

Twenty receiving yards isn’t much for a tight end who should continue receiving meaningful preseason opportunities.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Young tight ends are frequently valuable preseason targets because they remain involved long after established starters leave.

They also give backup quarterbacks reliable options in the middle of the field.

Endries already demonstrated chemistry with Flacco.

That relationship could become even more important Saturday if Burrow rests after receiving extensive joint-practice repetitions against Chicago.

Flacco is exactly the type of veteran quarterback who understands how to use a tight end against underneath zone coverage.

Endries doesn’t need an explosive catch.

Three receptions averaging seven yards would get him past the projected number.

Why the Under Could Hit

Cincinnati has multiple tight ends to evaluate and plenty of young receivers fighting for targets.

Dohnte Meyers has been one of the Bengals’ most consistent camp performers.

Colbie Young needs opportunities.

Other roster-bubble receivers need game snaps.

That spreads the football around.

Endries could also become more valuable to Cincinnati after his strong opener, causing the coaching staff to reduce his workload later in the game.

But his Week 1 usage suggests he should remain involved.

Projected Bet: Jack Endries Over 19.5 Receiving Yards

Prop Bet #4: Game Total Under 36.5 Points

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Under 36.5 Points

• Starters Got Joint-Practice Work
• Strong Defensive Depth
• QB Injury Uncertainty

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Chicago scored 34 points last week.

So why take the under?

Because Saturday’s situation is very different.

The Bears’ Week 1 explosion was fueled partly by an extraordinary performance from Keenum and three Cleveland turnovers. Chicago scored 34 unanswered points after falling behind 10-0.

Cincinnati’s opener produced only 30 combined points.

The Bengals won 16-14 despite forcing early turnovers and getting a 56-yard field goal from Evan McPherson.

The 36.5 total requires something like a 20-17 game to go over.

That’s certainly possible.

But there are enough reasons to prefer the under.

Why the Under Is a Good Bet

Both starting units received high-intensity work Thursday.

Williams threw three red-zone touchdowns.

Burrow worked against Chicago’s starting defense.

Both first-team defenses received extensive competitive repetitions.

That reduces the need for significant star-player exposure Saturday.

Cincinnati’s defense also appears considerably deeper than it was a year ago.

The Bengals forced two turnovers in the preseason opener, with Jordan Battle intercepting Luke Altmyer and Howell recovering a fumble.

Chicago’s defense was even more disruptive against Cleveland.

The Bears shut the Browns out over their final nine possessions and generated three takeaways.

Those defenses could control the second half.

Why the Over Could Hit

Chicago’s quarterback depth is the biggest threat.

Bagent threw for 169 yards in the first half against Cleveland before Keenum threw for 151 yards and two touchdowns after halftime.

That’s 320 passing yards from Chicago’s top two backups.

Cincinnati also has experienced quarterbacks behind Burrow.

Flacco has started extensively throughout his career, while Josh Johnson completed 10 of 19 passes for 84 yards in the second half of the Detroit game.

One defensive touchdown could also destroy an under quickly.

Still, with both teams likely emphasizing evaluation after a demanding joint practice, 36.5 is just high enough to lean under.

Bet: Under 36.5 Points

The Matchup Context: The Starters Already Had Their Big Test

Thursday may have been more meaningful for Chicago and Cincinnati’s starters than Saturday’s game will be.

Johnson and Bengals coach Zac Taylor deliberately emphasized first-team work during their joint practice.

Johnson said beforehand that the starters would receive the bulk of the workload, and Taylor had the same approach.

The intensity reflected it.

Williams threw three touchdowns during red-zone drills.

Burrow faced Chicago’s starting defense.

Dillon Thieneman intercepted a deflected Burrow pass.

The Bengals’ defense closed the two-minute period with pressure and an interception of Williams.

Those repetitions offered nearly everything coaches want from preseason starters without exposing quarterbacks to live tackling.

That should shift Saturday’s emphasis toward roster evaluation.

Caleb Williams Looked Sharp Until the Final Drill

Williams didn’t play against Cleveland.

Thursday provided his most significant work against another NFL defense this summer.

There was plenty to like.

Williams hit Colston Loveland for a touchdown down the middle.

He used play action to find Kalif Raymond wide open for another score.

Then he hit Davis for a diving touchdown near the pylon.

Those plays showed Chicago’s offensive potential.

The final two-minute drill showed there is still work to do.

Cincinnati’s defense produced a sack and then an interception after Williams was pressured and threw high over the middle.

That’s why the joint practice was valuable.

Chicago got success.

Chicago got adversity.

Now Johnson must decide whether Williams needs additional game repetitions Saturday.

The Tyson Bagent Injury Changes Chicago’s Rotation

Before Thursday, Bagent appeared positioned to receive another substantial preseason workload.

He played the entire first half against Cleveland and completed 13 of 22 passes for 169 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Then came the groin injury.

Bagent did not participate in Thursday’s joint practice. Keenum quarterbacked the second-team offense instead.

That creates several possibilities.

Chicago could rest Bagent as a precaution.

Williams could receive a limited amount of action.

Keenum could handle much of the game.

Miller Moss could receive extensive developmental snaps.

Until Chicago announces a definitive game-day rotation, quarterback props carry additional uncertainty.

But if Bagent cannot play, Keenum becomes one of the most valuable players in the matchup.

Case Keenum Showed Why Veteran Backups Matter

Preseason football frequently becomes chaotic after halftime.

Young offensive linemen miss protection assignments.

Receivers run incorrect routes.

Quarterbacks struggle with timing.

Keenum avoids much of that because he has spent more than a decade in NFL meeting rooms.

His performance against Cleveland demonstrated the difference.

9-of-10.

151 yards.

Two touchdowns.

158.3 passer rating.

That kind of quarterback play can completely change a preseason game.

Chicago didn’t merely survive once Bagent left.

The Bears became more explosive.

If Keenum receives meaningful time in Cincinnati, the Bears have an obvious quarterback advantage over most third-team defenses.

Kaden Davis Is Playing His Way Onto the Roster

Davis entered Bears camp without much NFL production.

He played only one offensive snap last season.

Then he caught four passes for 88 yards against Cleveland.

Now he is receiving first-team practice opportunities.

Williams’ praise Thursday was telling.

The quarterback specifically noted Davis’ ability to quickly learn where to line up, how to run the routes and how to put himself in position to make plays.

Preseason roster competitions aren’t always won by the most athletic player.

They’re often won by the player coaches trust.

Davis is beginning to earn that trust.

Saturday provides another opportunity to strengthen his case.

Chicago’s Offensive-Line Battle Remains Important

One of the Bears’ biggest unresolved questions is at left tackle.

Theo Benedet has spent time with the No. 2 offense while also rotating with the first unit, and Chicago continues evaluating its options entering the regular season.

Thursday provided a serious test.

Cincinnati’s upgraded defensive front pressured Williams late and consistently challenged Chicago’s blockers.

Dexter Lawrence II gives the Bengals a completely different interior presence than they had a year ago.

Cashius Howell adds young pass-rush ability.

Myles Murphy remains another edge threat.

If Chicago’s reserve offensive line struggles Saturday, even Keenum’s experience might not be enough to create consistent scoring drives.

Cincinnati’s Starting Defense Is Already Making an Impact

The Bengals rebuilt major portions of their defense during the offseason.

The early results have been encouraging.

Detroit’s opening possession reached Cincinnati territory before Battle produced an interception.

Howell later recovered a fumble.

Those takeaways helped Cincinnati establish its early advantage.

The unit then finished Thursday’s joint practice strongly against Williams.

That matters because preseason success often comes from defensive depth rather than offensive stars.

If Cincinnati’s young defensive linemen continue generating pressure once the starters leave, the Bengals can make Chicago’s quarterbacks uncomfortable all night.

Joe Burrow Probably Doesn’t Need Much More Work

Burrow received exactly what Cincinnati wanted in the preseason opener.

He played 13 snaps.

Completed five of six passes.

Finished with 39 yards.

Avoided turnovers.

Got hit without incident.

Then left.

Thursday’s joint practice gave him another extended series of competitive repetitions against Chicago’s first-team defense.

That may be enough for this stage of the preseason.

Cincinnati has another exhibition game at Philadelphia on August 28, so Taylor still has flexibility if he wants another tune-up before Week 1. Cincinnati’s schedule confirms the Bears game is followed by the preseason finale in Philadelphia.

Saturday should therefore be much more important for Flacco, Johnson and Cincinnati’s young pass-catchers.

Joe Flacco Gives Cincinnati Stability

Flacco’s presence gives Cincinnati one of the most experienced backup quarterbacks in football.

He immediately demonstrated that value against Detroit.

After Howell’s fumble recovery gave Cincinnati possession near the goal line, Flacco rolled right and found Endries for a touchdown.

The statistics weren’t enormous.

The operation was clean.

That’s what Cincinnati needs.

If Burrow sits, Flacco can start Saturday without changing the structure of the offense.

He knows how to handle pressure.

He understands where the football needs to go.

And he gives young receivers such as Meyers, Colbie Young and Endries a legitimate opportunity to produce.

Dohnte Meyers Continues His Push

Meyers has been one of Cincinnati’s most consistent training-camp stories.

The former CFL standout joined the Bengals after helping Saskatchewan win the Grey Cup in 2025. He finished that season with 65 receptions for 1,056 yards and eight touchdowns.

His transition to Cincinnati has gone smoothly.

The coaching staff has consistently praised his reliability, separation and hands throughout camp.

Then he tied Endries for the team lead with three catches against Detroit.

Saturday represents another important audition.

Cincinnati already knows Chase and Tee Higgins are starting receivers.

The battle is for the spots behind them.

Meyers is making that decision increasingly difficult.

Jack Endries Gives Cincinnati Another Young Weapon

Endries’ touchdown against Detroit was important for more than the scoreboard.

It demonstrated trust.

Flacco rolled outside the pocket and immediately knew where his rookie tight end would be.

Endries finished with three catches for 25 yards.

Those aren’t spectacular statistics.

They’re exactly the type of preseason production that earns additional snaps.

Tight ends must do more than catch passes.

They need to block.

Recognize coverage.

Understand protection responsibilities.

Contribute on special teams.

Saturday gives Cincinnati another opportunity to evaluate whether Endries can become more than a developmental prospect.

Players to Watch

Case Keenum, QB, Bears: Keenum posted a perfect 158.3 passer rating while throwing for 151 yards and two touchdowns against Cleveland. Bagent’s groin injury could dramatically increase his workload Saturday.

Tyson Bagent, QB, Bears: Bagent threw for 169 yards in the opener but missed Thursday’s joint practice with a groin injury. His game-day status could reshape Chicago’s entire quarterback rotation.

Kaden Davis, WR, Bears: Davis led Chicago with 88 receiving yards in Week 1 and followed it with another touchdown during joint-practice work.

Ray-Ray McCloud III, WR, Bears: McCloud caught three passes for 63 yards only days after joining Chicago and continued making plays during Thursday’s joint practice.

Jamree Kromah, DL, Bears: Kromah produced a strip-sack against Cleveland, helping Chicago’s defense begin a run of nine consecutive scoreless possessions.

Joe Flacco, QB, Bengals: Flacco provides Cincinnati with veteran quarterback stability and threw the Bengals’ first touchdown of the preseason to Endries.

Josh Johnson, QB, Bengals: Johnson played most of the second half against Detroit and completed 10 of 19 passes for 84 yards.

Dohnte Meyers, WR, Bengals: Meyers has been one of Cincinnati’s most consistent camp performers and tied for the team lead with three receptions against Detroit.

Jack Endries, TE, Bengals: The rookie caught three passes for 25 yards and Cincinnati’s only touchdown against Detroit.

Cashius Howell, EDGE, Bengals: Cincinnati’s second-round rookie recovered a fumble in his preseason debut and has consistently impressed throughout camp.

Keys to the Game

Chicago Bears

Chicago’s first priority is determining its quarterback workload.

If Bagent’s groin remains an issue, there is no reason to force him into an exhibition game.

That could mean more Keenum.

It could mean more Moss.

It could potentially influence whether Williams gets limited work.

Second, the Bears need to protect their quarterbacks.

Cincinnati’s defensive front caused problems late in Thursday’s joint practice.

Third, Chicago needs its young receivers to continue producing.

Davis has been excellent.

McCloud has made an immediate impact.

Thomas made a touchdown catch Thursday.

Those roster competitions could determine the game’s most explosive plays.

Fourth, Chicago must continue its defensive discipline.

The Bears committed only two penalties against Cleveland and held the Browns scoreless over their final nine possessions.

Finally, Chicago needs to avoid turnovers.

The Bears won comfortably last week despite Bagent throwing an interception.

Against a Cincinnati defense that has already demonstrated opportunistic play, giveaways could be more costly.

Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati’s first priority is evaluating the players behind its established stars.

Burrow, Chase, Higgins and the starting offense got productive work Thursday.

Saturday needs to belong to players fighting for roles.

Second, Cincinnati needs Flacco and Johnson to keep the offense organized.

The Bengals scored only 16 points against Detroit despite forcing two turnovers.

More sustained offensive possessions would help the staff evaluate its young receivers and offensive linemen.

Third, Cincinnati should keep targeting Meyers and Endries.

Both produced in the opener.

Both are fighting for regular-season roles.

Fourth, the Bengals’ defensive front needs to attack Chicago’s offensive-line uncertainty.

If Bagent is unavailable and Keenum handles substantial snaps, pressure becomes especially important. Keenum is dangerous when given time.

Finally, Cincinnati needs its special teams to continue creating field-position advantages.

McPherson hit from 56 yards against Detroit, reminding everyone that a stalled drive near midfield can still become points.

Betting Prediction

At the supplied Chicago -1.5, the Bears are the preferred side.

The strongest reason is quarterback depth.

If Williams plays, Chicago gains an obvious early advantage.

If he doesn’t, the Bears still have Keenum—the quarterback who completed nine of 10 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1.

Bagent’s injury complicates things, but Chicago still has more than enough veteran experience.

Cincinnati counters with Flacco and Johnson.

That’s a strong preseason quarterback room.

The difference may come from Chicago’s explosive young receivers.

Davis has repeatedly made big plays.

McCloud produced 63 yards immediately after joining the roster.

Keenum demonstrated that he can get those players the football.

Chicago also enters with momentum after winning its opener 34-10. Cincinnati’s 16-14 win over Detroit was much more defensive and field-position driven.

The total is more difficult.

At 36.5, the market is asking bettors whether these experienced backup quarterbacks can produce approximately five touchdowns.

They certainly can.

But the defenses may be deeper than the offenses.

Cincinnati’s defense forced two turnovers in Week 1.

Chicago forced three.

Both teams’ starters also received extensive competitive work during Thursday’s joint practice, decreasing the likelihood that Saturday becomes a long dress rehearsal for the first-team offenses.

That makes the under slightly more attractive.

The Verdict

Prediction: Bears 20, Bengals 16

Pick: Chicago Bears -1.5

Current-Market Note: Chicago is still playable around -2.5, but the original -1.5 offers better value

Total Pick: Under 36.5

Chicago’s depth was one of the biggest stories of the opening preseason weekend.

The Bears didn’t merely beat Cleveland.

They scored 34 unanswered points after falling behind 10-0 and controlled the game with their backup offense and defense.

Keenum was spectacular.

Davis was explosive.

The defense created turnovers.

Those traits travel well in preseason football.

Cincinnati should keep the game considerably closer.

The Bengals’ rebuilt defense has already shown that it can create turnovers and pressure quarterbacks.

Flacco gives the offense veteran stability.

Meyers and Endries provide emerging receiving options.

Howell and Cincinnati’s other young defensive linemen give the Bengals enough pass rush to disrupt Chicago’s reserve offensive line.

That makes a blowout unlikely.

The decisive stretch should come in the third quarter.

If Bagent cannot play, Keenum could receive substantial middle-game work against Cincinnati’s second-team defense.

His experience should allow Chicago to produce one scoring drive that creates separation.

Cincinnati should answer behind Flacco or Johnson, but the Bengals’ offense hasn’t demonstrated the same explosive preseason ceiling Chicago showed against Cleveland.

Expect a close first half.

Expect both defenses to control stretches of the game.

And expect Chicago’s veteran quarterback depth to create the decisive second-half possession.

Final Score Prediction: Chicago Bears 20, Cincinnati Bengals 16

Best Bet: Under 36.5

Against the Spread: Chicago Bears -1.5

Top Player Prop: Kaden Davis Over 34.5 Receiving Yards

Additional Props: Case Keenum Over 109.5 Passing Yards | Jack Endries Over 19.5 Receiving Yards