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Game Preview: Chicago Bears vs Cincinnati Bengals
The Chicago Bears travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET on CBS.
Both teams enter Week 9 trying to rebound from tough losses. The Bears (4-3) fell 30-16 at Baltimore after a four-game win streak, while the Bengals (3-5) collapsed late in a 39-38 loss to the winless New York Jets — blowing two double-digit fourth-quarter leads.
This inter-conference matchup pits Chicago’s takeaway-heavy defense against a banged-up Cincinnati offense that might be without quarterback Joe Flacco, who suffered a shoulder injury last week.
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Key Storylines
- Joe Flacco is questionable with a bruised throwing shoulder; Jake Browning could start for Cincinnati.
- The Bears lead the NFL in turnover margin (+10) and interceptions (11).
- Cincinnati blew a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter to the Jets last week.
- Caleb Williams continues to show poise, topping 280 passing yards in two straight games.
- Both defenses are dealing with injuries to key starters.
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Chicago Bears Outlook
The Bears’ four-game winning streak ended in Baltimore, but rookie quarterback Caleb Williams continues to show development. He threw for 285 yards and a touchdown last week and ranks top five among rookies in total passing yards.
Chicago’s offense has been most effective when it maintains balance. Running back D’Andre Swift remains the centerpiece with 464 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while receiver Rome Odunze provides big-play potential. The Bears also rank first in the NFL in turnover margin, a testament to their opportunistic secondary led by Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon.
Head coach Ben Johnson’s main challenge will be discipline — the Bears committed 11 penalties against Baltimore. If they can play clean football, their defense and efficient passing game give them a strong chance to rebound on the road.
Bears Injury Report
Cole Kmet (TE) – Questionable, Back
Jaylon Johnson (CB) – Out, Groin
Dominique Robinson (DE) – Questionable, Ankle
Tyrique Stevenson (CB) – Questionable, Shoulder
Luther Burden III (WR) – Questionable, Concussion
D’Andre Swift (RB) – Questionable, Groin
Rome Odunze (WR) – Questionable, Heel
DJ Moore (WR) – Questionable, Hip/Groin
Olamide Zaccheaus (WR) – Questionable, Knee
Cincinnati Bengals Outlook
The Bengals’ Week 8 collapse was a microcosm of their inconsistent season. They led the Jets 38-24 before being outscored 23-7 in the final quarter. Now, their focus turns to stabilizing an offense that may be without veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who is nursing a shoulder injury.
If Flacco can’t play, Jake Browning will step in — his last three starts ended in losses. Still, Cincinnati has dynamic weapons. Ja’Marr Chase leads the team with 720 receiving yards, while the backfield tandem of Chase Brown and Samaje Perine combined for 167 rushing yards last week.
The Bengals’ defense, usually a strength, struggled late against the Jets and could be without Trey Hendrickson, who re-aggravated a hip injury. At 3-5, this is close to a must-win game to stay within reach in the AFC North.
Bengals Injury Report
Joe Flacco (QB) – Questionable, Shoulder
Trey Hendrickson (DE) – Questionable, Hip
Mike Gesicki (TE) – Out, Pectoral
Dalton Risner (G) – Questionable, Illness
Marco Wilson (CB) – Questionable, Hamstring
Cam Sample (DE) – Questionable, Knee
Cordell Volson (G) – Out, Undisclosed
Cedric Johnson (DE) – Questionable, Calf
Erick All Jr. (TE) – Out, Knee
Betting Trends
- Bears are 4-1 straight up and against the spread in their last five games.
- Bears are 4-0-1 on the over/under in their last five road games.
- Bengals are 5-0 on the over at home in their last five contests.
- Bengals have gone over the total in all four games this season.
- Bears are 4-1 ATS overall in 2025.
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Prediction
This matchup hinges on quarterback health. If Joe Flacco sits, Chicago’s secondary should feast on Jake Browning’s inexperience. The Bears’ defensive front can generate pressure and force turnovers, while Caleb Williams has the poise to exploit Cincinnati’s injuries on defense.
Projected Score: Bears 27, Bengals 24
Best Bet: Bears -2.5 (-113)
Total Lean: Under 52.5 (-111)
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