Chicago Bears vs Cincinnati Bengals Picks and Prediction for Saturday, August 22, 2026

The Chicago Bears visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday at Paycor Stadium, with the opening kickoff at 7:00 PM ET. Chicago is 1-0 in the preseason after beating Cleveland 34-10 last Saturday. Cincinnati is also 1-0 following a 16-14 victory over Detroit on Thursday. The Bears rested Caleb Williams and most starters in their opener, while Cincinnati gave Joe Burrow two series before turning to its reserves. Both teams have roster competitions that should receive plenty of attention in their second preseason game. Build your bankroll with our free NFL picks.

Chicago Bears Evaluate Their Offensive Depth

Chicago produced 34 points against Cleveland despite sitting Williams and several other starters. Tyson Bagent played the first half and completed 13 of 22 passes for 169 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Case Keenum followed with an excellent showing, completing 9 of 10 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears scored 24 unanswered points after halftime, giving Ben Johnson plenty to evaluate from the reserve offense. Chicago also received useful work from several players competing for larger roles.

Left tackle remains one of Chicago’s most important position battles after Ozzy Trapilo’s knee injury. Braxton Jones, Jedrick Wills Jr. and Kiran Amegadjie are among the options, with Amegadjie starting against Cleveland. Wide receiver is another position to monitor after DJ Moore’s departure opened a larger role alongside Williams. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III are candidates for more targets, while rookie Zavion Thomas is trying to earn opportunities as a receiver and returner. Chicago is also evaluating its secondary and pass rush throughout the preseason.

Cincinnati Bengals Continue Giving Starters Work

Cincinnati used its starters briefly against Detroit before relying on its backups in a 16-14 victory. Burrow completed 5 of 6 passes for 39 yards across 13 snaps, including a 16-yard completion to Ja’Marr Chase. Joe Flacco followed and completed 5 of 8 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown to rookie tight end Jack Endries. Josh Johnson handled the third-string work, finishing 10 of 19 for 84 yards. Evan McPherson added three field goals as Cincinnati scored in every quarter.

The Bengals have fewer major position competitions than many teams, but wide receiver remains worth watching behind Chase and Tee Higgins. Andrei Iosivas has the early advantage for the third receiver role, while rookie Colbie Young is among those trying to earn additional snaps. Cincinnati is also evaluating a revamped defense after struggling in recent seasons. Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. have important roles at linebacker, while Boye Mafe is expected to help the pass rush. Those defensive evaluations should continue against Chicago’s productive reserve quarterbacks.

What to Watch

Chicago’s quarterback depth was one of the biggest positives from the opening week. Bagent and Keenum combined for 320 passing yards and three touchdowns, allowing the Bears to move the ball even without Williams. Another productive showing would strengthen Chicago’s depth behind its starter.

Cincinnati’s playing-time plan for Burrow is also important after he received 13 snaps against Detroit. The Bengals could again use the preseason to give their starting offense some work before turning to Flacco and Johnson. Chicago’s reserve defense will have to be ready for several different quarterback combinations.

Chicago Bears vs Cincinnati Bengals Game Pick

• Chicago Bears -2.5

Chicago -2.5 is the game pick after the Bears showed excellent quarterback depth in their opening victory. Bagent and Keenum combined for 320 passing yards and three touchdowns, helping Chicago score 34 points despite resting Williams. Cincinnati won its opener but managed only one touchdown, with three McPherson field goals supplying much of the scoring. The Bengals may again use Burrow briefly before moving to their backups. Chicago’s proven reserve production gives the Bears enough offensive options to cover a spread below three points Saturday.

Chicago Bears vs Cincinnati Bengals Over/Under Pick

• Over 37.5

Over 37.5 is the total pick based largely on Chicago’s offensive production and the quarterback options available to each team. The Bears scored 34 points against Cleveland while Bagent and Keenum combined for three touchdown passes. Cincinnati scored only 16 against Detroit, but Burrow, Flacco and Johnson all completed multiple passes, and Flacco threw a touchdown. The Bengals also allowed Detroit to score 14 despite forcing three turnovers. With capable quarterbacks available deep into the game, these teams have enough scoring potential to cash over 37.5 points.