Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
TV: FOX
The Buffalo Bills head to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bears in a Week 2 preseason showdown. Buffalo is looking to build on an efficient offensive performance from their opener, while Chicago is aiming to rebound from a slow start with better execution on both sides of the ball.
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Matchup Overview
Buffalo enters as a 0.5-point road favorite with the total set at 39.5. The Bills are expected to give extended snaps to Kyle Allen and rookie QB Joe Milton III after Josh Allen’s brief appearance. The Bears will rotate Tyson Bagent and Brett Rypien for much of the game after Caleb Williams sees his limited preseason reps.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo’s offense moved the ball with rhythm in Week 1, thanks to Allen’s quick release and RB Ray Davis’ strong rushing performance. The offensive line gave solid protection to the backups, allowing time for developing receivers to make plays. On defense, the Bills applied steady pressure, registering three sacks and holding opponents to under 300 total yards. Special teams were a bright spot, with Tyler Bass connecting from 50 yards out. Buffalo has covered in five of their last six preseason games.
Chicago Bears
The Bears’ offense sputtered early last week but gained momentum when Bagent entered, showing confidence in intermediate throws. Rookie WR Rome Odunze impressed with precise route running. Defensively, Chicago was tough against the run but gave up big plays through the air. Special teams were efficient, with accurate kicking and solid coverage units. The Bears have gone Over in four of their last five preseason contests.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Backup QB Play – Allen and Milton (BUF) vs. Bagent and Rypien (CHI) could decide the game flow.
- WR Development – Odunze (CHI) and Buffalo’s young receivers will be worth watching.
- Defensive Fronts – Both teams want to control the line of scrimmage early.
Betting Odds
- Spread: Bills -0.5 / Bears +0.5
- Total (O/U): 39.5
- Moneyline: Bills -110 / Bears -110
(Odds via ESPN BET at time of writing — subject to change)
Prediction
Buffalo’s depth at quarterback and defensive line gives them a slight edge, but Chicago’s young playmakers could keep things close into the fourth quarter. In the end, the Bills’ efficiency should win out.
Projected Final Score:
Bills 21 – Bears 19
- Total Points: 40 → ✅ Over 39.5
- Margin: 2 points → ✅ Bills cover -0.5
Best Bets
- Bills -0.5 (-110) – Slight QB and defensive depth advantage.
- Over 39.5 (-110) – Both offenses have the potential to break big plays.
- First Half Bills -0.5 (-110) – Early momentum could tilt in Buffalo’s favor.
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