Preseason Week 2: Bears Look to Build on Blowout Win in Cincinnati
The Chicago Bears travel to Cincinnati on Saturday, August 22, fresh off a 34-10 Week 1 win over Cleveland in which quarterback Caleb Williams looked sharp and reportedly has continued that form in practice. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent is out with a hamstring injury suffered in that opener, which should mean more reps for Case Keenum and Miller Moss behind Williams. The Bengals host looking to open 2-0 in the preseason.
Williams building on a strong opener
Continued sharpness in practice after a lopsided Week 1 win suggests Chicago's offense is developing real rhythm under new coach Ben Johnson.
Bagent's absence reshuffles the QB room
With the presumptive backup out, Keenum and Moss are set to see increased reps, adding a layer of evaluation to this game beyond Williams's series.
Bengals chasing their own 2-0 start
Cincinnati enters with its own motivation to build early preseason momentum at home.
AI Prediction
Bears 
Bengals Chicago enters with real momentum
A blowout Week 1 win and continued sharp practice from Williams give the Bears a stronger recent track record than most teams see at this point in preseason.
Bagent's injury is a minor complication, not a major one
Keenum brings enough experience that the shuffled QB2/QB3 reps shouldn't meaningfully hurt Chicago's offense.
Cincinnati's home motivation keeps this from a blowout projection
A team chasing its own 2-0 start has real incentive to play with intensity, keeping the final margin uncertain.
This is a preseason exhibition. Chicago's Week 1 momentum and Williams's continued sharp play are the driving factors behind this projection.
Bengals Leaders
Bears Leaders
Team Stats
| Bears | Stat | Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| 34.0 | Points Per Game | 16.0 |
| 450.0 | Total Yards | 273.0 |
| 368.0 | Yards Passing | 176.0 |
| 82.0 | Yards Rushing | 97.0 |
| 10.0 | Points Allowed Per Game | 14.0 |
| 336.0 | Yards Allowed | 291.0 |
| 228.0 | Pass Yards Allowed | 162.0 |
| 108.0 | Rush Yards Allowed | 129.0 |
Venue
Closing Line
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Bengals Injuries