The Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals will meet on Sunday afternoon in Week 9 of the NFL season. These teams both suffered disappointing losses last week and will try to bounce back against one another here. Before kickoff from Cincinnati, continue reading to get my thoughts on this game, including my Bears vs Bengals prediction.
Our Bears vs Bengals Pick
- Pick: Over 51.5
- Confidence: 3/5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Chicago Bears vs Cincinnati Bengals
- Date & Time: Sunday, November 2, 2025, 1:00 PM ET
- Venue: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
- Broadcast: CBS
Key Storylines
The Bears are capable of big plays but inconsistent in execution. Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams has talent, yet the Bears were held to just 16 points in their last game against the Baltimore Ravens. Chicago’s defense has given up 26.4 points per game this season and 16 passing touchdowns through seven games.
Cincinnati’s offense is dangerous when it’s clicking, even with Joe Flacco on the field in the place of Joe Burrow. But their defense simply cannot stop teams, ranking last or near-last in multiple key defensive categories. The Bengals blew a huge lead to the New York Jets last week thanks to their porous defense. If the Bears can protect Williams and avoid costly turnovers, they have a shot to win on the road this week.
Quarterback Play
The Bengals’ quarterback picture is a major variable going into this game. Joe Flacco has thrown seven touchdowns and no interceptions in three starts with Cincinnati. But he is listed as questionable with an AC joint sprain and may not play. If he sits, the Bengals would turn to Jake Browning, who is 0-3 this year. Caleb Williams’ rushing ability adds an extra dimension the Bengals’ shaky defense must account for. Williams has 1,636 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions on the season.
Betting Trends
- The Bears are 4-3 against the spread so far this season.
- The Bengals enter Week 9 at 3-5 against the spread so far.
- Six of Cincinnati’s first eight games have gone over their totals.
- Chicago is 4-2-1 to the over through seven games.
Bears vs Bengals Model Projection
Score Projection: Chicago Bears 28 – Cincinnati Bengals 24
Win Probability: Bears 61%, Bengals 39%
Final Thoughts
The Bengals’ quarterback situation is something to monitor leading up to Sunday. Whether or not Flacco is able to play could have a huge impact on the Bengals’ chances of coming away with a win at home. But I think that the over will cash no matter who is in at quarterback for Cincinnati. The dreadful defense of the Bengals should help us to get into the 50s on the scoreboard as the Bengals should continue their run of cashing over tickets this season.
