Eagles vs. Bengals 2025 Preseason: Complete Watching Guide and Game Preview
The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Cincinnati Bengals in their 2025 NFL preseason opener on Thursday, August 7, at 7:30 p.m. ET, kicking off what is anticipated to be a competitive preseason matchup at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Game Details and Broadcast Information
The game starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on NBC10 and other local channels, offering fans easy access to watch the competition live. The matchup marks the beginning of the preseason schedules for both teams and a chance for coaches to evaluate players and strategies before the regular season.
Teams Overview and Season Outlook
The Cincinnati Bengals, coming off a 9-8 finish in the 2024 season, narrowly missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Head coach Zac Taylor aims to lead the Bengals to a stronger start this year, as last season’s 1-4 beginning was a significant factor in their postseason absence. The Bengals are favored by six points for this preseason opener.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles enter the game as reigning Super Bowl LIX champions, having finished the previous season with a 14-3 record. Expectations remain high, but the Eagles are expected to play fewer starters in this preseason contest as they focus on preserving their championship core.
Preseason Schedules
This game represents Week 1 of both teams’ preseason campaigns. Following this opener, the Bengals will host the Washington Commanders on August 18 and face the Indianapolis Colts on August 23. The Eagles will continue their preseason schedule with subsequent games against the Cleveland Browns and others.
Expert Predictions and Betting Insights
NFL betting expert Matt Severance, known for his strong track record on Eagles games, suggests betting on the Eagles with a +6 point spread and predicts the total points scored will remain under 37.5. His insights highlight the cautious approach typical of preseason games, where starters’ playing time is limited.
Key Points to Watch
- Playing Time for Starters: Bengals’ starters are expected to play several series in the first quarter to get a feel for game tempo, while Eagles may limit their top players to reduce injury risk.
- Evaluation of New Talent: Both teams will use this game to assess depth players and potential roster additions ahead of the regular season.
- Coaches’ Strategies: Observing how coordinators manage the game can offer early indications of tactical approaches for the regular season.
What’s Next for the Bengals?
The Bengals face a critical 2025 regular season where they aim to improve upon their 9-8 record and return to playoff contention. The preseason serves as a valuable platform to build team chemistry and refine strategies. Their regular season kicks off on September 7 against the Cleveland Browns, with several challenging divisional and out-of-division games to follow.
Conclusion
The Eagles vs. Bengals preseason game offers fans the first glimpse of both teams’ preparations for the upcoming NFL season. It provides a preview of potential lineups, coaching decisions, and strategy implementations that will shape the 2025 campaign. With kickoff scheduled for the evening of August 7, fans should tune in to NBC10 or local channels to catch the action live from Lincoln Financial Field.