The Cincinnati Bengals kick off their 2025 NFL preseason with an exciting matchup against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. This Week 1 preseason game offers fans a first look at new rosters, strategies, and emerging talent as both teams prepare for the regular season. Whether you’re a die-hard Bengals or Eagles supporter or a neutral NFL enthusiast, this preview provides expert insights, key player updates, and a prediction to enhance your viewing experience. 
Team Analysis
Cincinnati Bengals
- 2025 Record (Preseason Start): 0-0, Awaiting First Game
- Performance Overview: The Bengals enter the preseason with high expectations after a disappointing 2024 season, missing the playoffs despite standout performances from Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson. New additions like defensive tackle T.J. Slaton Jr., linebacker Oren Burks, and quarterback Desmond Ridder aim to bolster depth. The return of running back Samaje Perine, a former Bengal with playoff experience, adds veteran leadership. This game is crucial for evaluating young talent and refining offensive and defensive schemes.
- Key Strengths:
- A potent passing attack led by Burrow (2024 leader in attempts, yards, and touchdowns), Chase (elite after-catch ability), and Tee Higgins (contested-catch specialist).
- Improved offensive line depth with free-agent signings.
- Key Weaknesses:
- A porous run defense (28th in EPA per rush in 2024), relying heavily on Hendrickson’s 17.5 sacks.
- Rookie Shemar Stewart’s limited reps due to a contract delay could hinder defensive line development.
- Player to Watch: Rookie Shemar Stewart—his debut performance could signal future impact on the defensive line.
Philadelphia Eagles
- 2025 Record (Preseason Start): 0-0, Awaiting First Game
- Performance Overview: Coming off a Super Bowl LIX victory with a 14-3 record in 2024, the Eagles aim to defend their title. Their dominant ground game (league-leading rushing attempts, 4th in yards per carry) and new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo’s scheme will be under scrutiny. Injuries to A.J. Brown (hamstring) and Andrew Mukuba (shoulder) pose early challenges, but rookies Jihaad Campbell and Mukuba offer fresh potential.
- Key Strengths:
- A mauling offensive line and Saquon Barkley’s rushing prowess, averaging 27.2 points per game in 2024.
- Experienced defense with returning linebacker Oren Burks, now with Cincinnati, adding depth.
- Key Weaknesses:
- Potential absence of key starters like Brown could test depth.
- Adjusting to new coordinators may lead to early preseason inconsistencies.
- Player to Watch: Jalen Hurts—his early rushing threat could set the tone, even with limited snaps.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The teams last met in Week 8 of 2024, with the Eagles winning 24-17, a game that propelled Philadelphia to a 13-1 finish while Cincinnati faltered to a 7-9 record.
- Preseason Relevance: With starters likely playing minimal snaps, this game focuses on reserves and rookies. The Eagles’ 2-1 preseason record in 2024 contrasts with the Bengals’ 0-3, setting a narrative of redemption for Cincinnati.
- Key Insight: Philadelphia’s home-field advantage at Lincoln Financial Field could favor their depth, but Cincinnati’s urgency to start strong may level the field.
Pitching Matchup (Quarterback Focus)
- Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow (Limited Action Expected)
- Burrow, the 2024 passing leader, is unlikely to play beyond one or two series. Backup Jake Browning (3-0 in 2023 relief) will showcase his development against Philadelphia’s reserves.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts (Limited Action Expected)
- Hurts, a dual-threat QB with 15 rushing TDs in 2024, may play briefly. Backup Kenny Pickett will face Cincinnati’s secondary, testing his accuracy (62.0% completion in 2024).
- Assessment: With limited starter involvement, the game hinges on backup QBs. Browning’s experience gives Cincinnati a slight edge, but Pickett’s familiarity with the Eagles’ system could keep it close.
Key Players to Monitor
- Cincinnati Bengals:
- Ja’Marr Chase (WR): Likely to play a series, his route-running will test Philadelphia’s secondary.
- Shemar Stewart (DE): A first-round pick whose pass-rush debut could define his rookie season.
- Samaje Perine (RB): Returning veteran whose experience could stabilize the backfield.
- Philadelphia Eagles:
- Saquon Barkley (RB): Even with limited snaps, his power running could set an early tone.
- Jihaad Campbell (LB): First-round rookie aiming to prove his worth in coverage and run defense.
- Kenny Pickett (QB): Backup QB’s performance will be critical if Hurts sits early.
Recent Performance
- Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals finished 7-9 in 2024, with a strong offense (7th in scoring) offset by a weak run defense. Training camp highlights include Chase’s route precision and Stewart’s potential, though defensive line cohesion remains untested.
- Philadelphia Eagles: The 2024 Super Bowl champs (14-3) dominated with a top rushing attack. Recent camp buzz surrounds Barkley’s conditioning and Campbell’s athleticism, but Brown’s injury status clouds their receiver depth.
Critical Factors
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field’s electric atmosphere favors the Eagles, but preseason games often see balanced play from reserves.
- Weather: Forecasted at 78°F with clear skies, conditions are ideal for an open, competitive game.
- Momentum: Cincinnati seeks to break a 0-3 preseason streak, while Philadelphia aims to maintain championship form.
- Betting Odds: Bengals are slight favorites at -3.5, with an over/under of 34.5, reflecting expectations of a close, low-scoring reserve battle.
Prediction
The Cincinnati Bengals hold a slight edge in this preseason opener, driven by Jake Browning’s proven backup experience (3-0 in 2023) and a motivated roster eager to rebound from 2024. Philadelphia’s depth will be tested with potential absences of Hurts and Brown, relying on Kenny Pickett and rookies like Jihaad Campbell. While the Eagles’ home crowd and Barkley’s brief appearance could spark early momentum, Cincinnati’s urgency to start strong and exploit Philadelphia’s run defense weaknesses should prevail. Expect a competitive game dominated by reserves, with the Bengals pulling ahead late.
Final Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals win, 20-17. Browning outduels Pickett, and a late drive led by Perine secures the victory in a tightly contested matchup.
This preview, based on the latest team trends and training camp insights as of August 6, 2025, is designed to provide expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for NFL fans. Stay tuned to local broadcasts (NBC10 in Philadelphia, FOX 19 in Cincinnati) or stream via NFL+ for live action.
