The Chicago Bears are 2-0 in the preseason with a pair of double-digit wins for new Bears coach John Fox.
But they will face a more determined Cincinnati teams this week on the road as the starters play a majority of the game.
ODDS
The linemakers expects a Bengals bounce back this week as Cincinnati is positioned as a 3.5-point favorite over the Bears with a total of 42.5.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
Jay Cutler played well last week going 8-for-9 for 69 yard playing four series without his top two wide receivers. He’ll play at least the first half this week before giving way to backup Jimmy Clausen. Second-year quarterback David Fales saw his first action of the preseason last week and will be limited again this week.
Andy Dalton played poorly last week going 6-for-13 for 46 yards and two INTs, although his receiver dropped one that was intercepted. AJ McCarron will again get all the backup snaps in the second half following a solid showing in his preseason debut last week passing for 97 yards.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
The Bengals have little to prove, but they have played poorly in the preseason. The offense should perform with more tempo and fire this week. The Bengals are considered an AFC contender and coach Marvin Lewis and his staff will be determined to have the starters on point to perform well in this dress rehearsal contest at home.
Following the poor performance and tackling against the Buccaneers, coach Lewis stated, "Defensively we have to get the ball tackled. I said I thought we tackled well last week, tonight was a step backward."
QUOTE TO NOTE
‘‘I would say belief is part of it,’’ Fox said. ‘‘It’s acquiring the best human talent available and motivating them to do great every day.’’ – John Fox on changing the franchises mindset, beliefs, attitudes and confidence in hopes of turning the franchise back into a winner.
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
The Bears tried Charles Leno over Jordan Mills at right tackle versus the Colts, but Leno did not play well enough to nail down the job. Kyle Long is being considered in a move to right tackle, so watch it play out against the Bengals.
INJURIES
Bengals defensive lineman Michael Johnson remains out with a knee injury but should be ready for the regular season opener. The team’s top-two picks in the 2015 draft are hobbled as both offensive linemen Jake Fisher and Cedric Ogbuchi are out with the latter on the PUP list.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Chicago's offense is a work in progress under new offensive coordinator Adam Gase, but Cutler looked sharp during the four series he played last week. The team struggled with penalties and in pass protection in the first half, but Cutler did a nice job of moving around in the pocket and finding his receivers down the field.
The Bears ran the ball 36 times for 165 yards last week & Jeremy Langford looked good as backup with nine carries for 80 yards and a touchdown. Coach Fox has long been known for a run-heavy approach, but I don’t think Case will showcase the passing plans much again this week.
The Bengals played poorly last week with just 13 first downs and 152 yards offense on 21 minutes of possession. While a bounce back is expected, I don’t feel too confident in either offense.
Cincinnati 20, Chicago 13
BookMaker sent out the NFL odds for this Saturday game at Cincinnati -3.5 with a total of 42. Gamble on the game between every commercial break with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen on the next play or how many points will be scored in the next quarter. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device or tablet at BookMaker sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! The game between the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals will take place Saturday, August 29, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Paul Brown Stadium.
