The Cincinnati Bengals’ hopes of staying afloat without Joe Burrow are dwindling, and this Week 9 matchup pits them against a Chicago Bears team with a more realistic playoff goal.
Chicago’s four-game win streak was snapped last weekend, but my Bears vs. Bengals predictions signal a bounce-back victory for Ben Johnson’s squad, putting a spotlight on Cincy’s defensive flaws.
Check out my free NFL picks and betting tips for Sunday, November 2.
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Bears vs Bengals prediction
Bears vs Bengals Best bet: Bears -2.5 (-120)
The Chicago Bears couldn’t cash in against a backup quarterback last weekend, sliding to defeat against Tyler Huntley and the Baltimore Ravens.
They find themselves in a similar spot here, facing a Cincinnati Bengals team that’s turning to Joe Flacco in Joe Burrow’s absence, but I see Chicago taking care of business this time.
It helps that Cincinnati has been a trainwreck defensively again this season, highlighted by the 39-38 loss to the Jets last weekend, and Caleb Williams will get plenty of chances to light up the scoreboard.
The Bengals are allowing a league-worst 407.9 yards per game through eight games, and Ben Johnson will have his pick of matchups to exploit, starting with a Cincy run defense that gave up 254 yards and two TDs against the Jets. Although starting running back D’Andre Swift is out, Kyle Monangai should pick up the slack.
With a solid October run, the Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last five outings, and they’ve won two of their last three road games. Meanwhile, the Bengals are 3-6 ATS in their past nine contests, and they’re sweating on Flacco’s shoulder injury, with Jake Browning waiting in the wings.
Although Cincinnati has the firepower to keep up if it turns into a shootout, I like Chicago to get enough stops to cover this small spread.
Bears vs Bengals same-game parlay
Look for both quarterbacks to have ample time in the pocket on Sunday, and that should set up their top pass-catchers for healthy stat lines. Rome Odunze hauled in seven catches for 114 yards in the loss to Baltimore, and I expect him to shine despite a heel issue.
With Flacco under center, Ja’Marr Chase is thriving due to staggering volume. He’s seen 40 targets over his last two games and has hit this yardage Over in four straight outings, including 16 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers in Week 7.
Bears vs Bengals SGP
- Bears -2.5
- Rome Odunze Over 62.5 receiving yards
- Ja’Marr Chase Over 90.5 receiving yards
Our big-ticket SGP: Chase Bank
While I’m picking the Bears to have the last laugh, there should be plenty of points and yards to go around.
Chase Brown is one of the leading TD threats in this matchup, and the arrow is pointing up after he ended a six-game touchdown drought with a pair of scores in last weekend’s thriller.
Look for him to get chances around the goal line on Sunday.
Bears vs Bengals SGP
- Bears -2.5
- Rome Odunze Over 62.5 receiving yards
- Ja’Marr Chase Over 90.5 receiving yards
- Chase Brown anytime touchdown
Bears vs Bengals odds
- Spread: Bears -1.5 (-110) | Bengals +1.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Bears -125 | Bengals -105
- Over/Under: Over 50.5 (-115) | Under 50.5 (-105)
More NFL picks and odds from Covers
Bears vs Bengals trend to know
The Over is 5-2-1 in Cincinnati's eight contests this season. Find more NFL betting trends for Bears vs. Bengals.
How to watch Bears vs Bengals
| Location | Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH |
| Date | Sunday, November 2, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBS |
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