🏈 Game Overview
- Date & Time: Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
- Broadcast: CBS
- Betting Line: Bears -2.5; Over/Under 51.5
🔍 Team Form & Momentum
- Bears (4-3):
- Coming off a tough 30-16 loss to the Ravens, snapping a four-game win streak
- Wins include strong performances against the Cowboys, Raiders, Commanders, and Saints
- Rookie QB Caleb Williams has shown flashes of brilliance, especially against weaker pass defenses
- Bengals (3-5):
- Started 2-0 but lost five of their last six after Joe Burrow’s season-ending toe injury
- Veteran Joe Flacco has taken over at QB, showing promise despite a shoulder sprain
- Defense ranks last in EPA/pass, struggling to contain opposing QBs
🚑 Injury Report
- Bears:
- RB D’Andre Swift (groin) and backup Roschon Johnson (back) are both out
- Rookie Kyle Monangai will start, with Brittain Brown activated from the practice squad
- WR Luther Burden III is sidelined with a concussion
- Bengals:
- Star DE Trey Hendrickson likely out, weakening an already struggling defense
- Flacco expected to start despite shoulder issues
🔑 Key Matchups
- Caleb Williams vs Bengals Secondary: Williams has topped 250 passing yards in three of his last five games. With the Bengals’ pass defense ranked worst in the league, this could be a breakout opportunity
- Bears Defense vs Flacco: Chicago’s defense has been inconsistent but could capitalize on Flacco’s limited mobility and timing with receivers
📊 Prediction
Bears vs Bengals +2.5 O/U 51.5
- This should be a fun game with a high total of 51.5 points.
- The Bears have actually been a pretty average team ranking 17th in offensive EPA and 19th on defense. The Bengals have been a step lower ranking 23rd in offensive EPA and 31st on defense.
- I like the Bears here for a few different reasons. First of all, the Bears will be able to move the ball behind a good offensive coach like Ben Johnson against a terrible Bengals defense. Secondly, the Bengals have Joe Flacco, but he isn’t exactly a world beater when it comes to performing with expectations. Joe has done well against some pretty bad defenses and hasn’t been tested yet against a feisty Bears team. Joe also has an AC joint sprain that could affect his throwing motion.
- Third, it looks like the Bengals best defensive player in Tre Hendrickson may not play due to injury. I know he is also disgruntled this year as well, and probably should not risk it for a future contract.
- The Bengals will move the ball some against the Bears, but the Bears defense has been very prone to getting turnovers. The Bears lead the league in +10 turnover margin.
- The Bears offensive line has looked very improved this year. I also like the coaching advantage that they have with Ben Johnson over Zac Taylor. Take the Bears below the three.
Bears -2.5 – 2 stars
