Chicago Bears @ Cincinnati Bengals 11/02/2025
Week 9 brings a sneaky-interesting AFC vs. NFC clash as the Chicago Bears head to Paycor Stadium to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET. Both sides arrive with contrasting vibes: the Bears have been punching above expectations with steadier offense and opportunistic stretches on defense, while the Bengals have been volatile, alternating explosive plays with costly mistakes. From a betting angle, the market is painting Cincinnati as a slight home underdog on the moneyline, with a totals number sitting in that high-40s range that invites offense but warns of volatility.
Let’s set the averages. Cincinnati is scoring about 21.8 points per game while allowing around 31.6. Chicago is hovering at roughly 24.0 points per game and conceding around 26.4. That math points to fireworks potential—especially considering Chicago’s secondary is banged up and the Bengals still have one of the league’s most dangerous receiver duos. Cincinnati’s profile: middling passing yardage per game, thin rushing production, but big-play potential and a pass rush that can arrive in spurts. Chicago’s profile: improving balance, a run game that’s popped in recent weeks, and a young quarterback whose efficiency has stabilized.
This one matters for Cincinnati’s AFC North trajectory as a potential reset spot before the stretch run, and it matters for Chicago’s NFC North charge to keep momentum alive on the road. Add in the late-fall outdoor setting and a relatively short trip for the Bears, and we’ve got a high-leverage spot with live betting angles.
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Our betting predictions for the match Chicago Bears @ Cincinnati Bengals
Our prediction 1: Bengals +2.5 (Spread)
This is a classic buy-low on Cincinnati in its own building. The Bengals have enough playmaking to hang around even when the defense springs leaks, and the matchup leans toward their receivers winning against a short-handed Chicago cornerback group. Even if the Bengals stumble at times, the hook under a field goal gives you insulation against a tight finish or late swing. Our prediction is Bengals +2.5 at -115 at Caesars Sportsbook with the expectation that this stays within one possession.
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Our betting tip 2: Over 48.5 (Game Total)
The Bengals average 21.8 points per game and allow 31.6; the Bears average 24.0 and allow 26.4. That cocktail hints toward points. Cincinnati can stretch the field vertically, and Chicago’s run game has been humming, creating explosives via play-action and QB movement. Even with occasional red-zone stalls, these defenses allow enough chunk plays to keep the scoreboard busy. Our betting tip is Over 48.5 at -110 at Caesars Sportsbook with both offenses set up for timely explosives and short fields off pass rush pressure.
Our betting prediction 3: Bengals (Moneyline)
We’re siding with home-field juice and pass-game matchups. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins against a Bears secondary missing multiple corners is the kind of leverage spot that flips close contests. If you prefer the steadier recent form, Chicago’s price is understandable, but our betting prediction backs Cincinnati at best odds with DraftKings. The home side has urgency, explosive weapons, and a defensive front that can create just enough havoc to swing a possession or two.
Team news
- Chicago Bears: Multiple cornerbacks are out or limited, which raises alarms against a top-tier WR duo. Tyrique Stevenson (shoulder) has been ruled out. Kyler Gordon has been on IR, and depth is being tested. D’Andre Swift’s groin has been monitored this week, though his recent form has been strong. The offense has leaned into balance, with the line creating lanes and the QB showing better late-down composure.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson (hip) is expected to go, a critical note given his pressure rate and closing speed. Some contributors have been navigating lower-body issues, but the central storyline remains the star wideouts reasserting control at home. The Bengals’ offensive consistency has been hit-or-miss, yet the ceiling is still there—especially if the pocket time holds up.
Cincinnati Bengals performance check
Under Zac Taylor, the Bengals have been in search of a stabilizing stretch. Over the last five, they’ve gone 1-4, including a one-point home loss to the Jets (38-39). On average, Cincinnati is scoring 21.8 and allowing 31.6. The offense has hovered around 215 passing yards per game and sits thin in rushing output, roughly 69 yards per game. That puts pressure on Joe Burrow’s timing with Chase and Higgins to unlock explosive gains and red-zone conversions.
Defensively, the Bengals’ goal is to win with the front—Hendrickson and company forcing hurried throws, setting up third-and-long, and generating a turnover or two to offset yardage allowed. Paycor Stadium crowd noise is real, and this group usually responds with juice at home. The volatility is the rub; if Cincinnati avoids the early miscue, the game state favors their playmakers.
How is the current performance of the Chicago Bears
Ben Johnson’s Bears have been trending up, posting a 4-1 run in their last five. They did take a 30-16 loss to Baltimore, but overall, the arc remains positive. The offense checks in around 24.0 points per game and has leaned on an improving ground attack that has produced back-to-back big rushing days in recent wins. The quarterback’s efficiency has steadied with a passer rating near 93, while the scheme has dialed up defined reads, moving pockets, and quick action to neutralize edge pressure.
On defense, the Bears allow about 26.4 per game—manageable when the offense sustains drives but vulnerable if forced into nickel-and-dime personnel without their top corners. The key question: can Chicago’s front create enough disruption to keep the Bengals in third-and-longs, especially with their own secondary thinned out?
Team Statistics
- – Scoring (per game): Bengals 21.8 for, 31.6 against; Bears 24.0 for, 26.4 against. – Yardage profile (per game, Cincinnati): roughly 215 passing, 69 rushing, 284 total.
- – Situational form: Bengals 2-2 at home; Bears 2-2 on the road. – Recent momentum: Bengals 1-4 in their last five; Bears 4-1 in their last five.
Keyplayer Statistics/Momentum/External Factors
- – Matchup to watch: Ja’Marr Chase/Tee Higgins vs. a depleted Bears cornerback room. If Cincinnati can protect early and often, those one-on-ones turn into chunk plays.
- – Pass rush pivot: Trey Hendrickson’s availability matters. His pressure can flip a possession and mask coverage issues. For Chicago, keeping the QB clean and on schedule is the antidote.
- – Bears’ ground game: In recent wins, Chicago’s rushing attack has averaged well over 150 yards, softening fronts and simplifying reads. If Swift is close to full speed, the Bears can control tempo and keep Cincinnati’s offense watching.
- – Stadium/weather: Paycor is an outdoor venue. Early November in Cincinnati can be cool and breezy; wind is the variable to monitor on game day for deep shots and kicking.
- – Schedule spot: Reports indicate this is Cincinnati’s final game before a bye—a classic rally point for a veteran locker room looking to reset the second half.
Last direct match Cincinnati Bengals vs Chicago Bears
The most recent head-to-head leaned heavily toward Chicago, a 27-3 home win for the Bears. Over the last five meetings overall, Chicago holds a 3-2 edge. That history isn’t destiny, but it does underscore how physical, defense-first game plans have bothered Cincinnati when the Bengals’ rhythm stalls early.
Performance last 5 matches
- – Cincinnati Bengals: 1 win, 4 losses. A roller-coaster stretch with late-game swings and occasional special-teams stress.
- – Chicago Bears: 4 wins, 1 loss. Cleaner execution, better balance, and timely red-zone answers.
Last match results: Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears
- – Bengals: 38-39 home loss to the Jets, a shootout that slipped away late.
- – Bears: 16-30 road loss to the Ravens, a reality check after a strong run of form.
TrustnBet Final Thoughts
Our three angles align with the realities of the matchup. We like the Bengals +2.5 at -115 because the WR vs. CB edge is significant, and the home field advantage positions Cincinnati to hang tight even if the run game sputters. We lean Over 48.5 at -110 with both defenses allowing ample explosive plays and each offense equipped to capitalize. Finally, on the moneyline, we side with the Bengals—home urgency, a pre-bye jolt, and a premier WR tandem facing a vulnerable secondary. That’s a recipe we trust.
