The NFL preseason has kicked off, and Sunday's action features an afternoon affair between the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears.
With Miami looking to solidify its QB2 spot behind the injury-prone Tua Tagovailoa, my Dolphins vs. Bears predictions focus on Zach Wilson and Quinn Ewers making the most of their reps under center.
Find out more in my NFL picks for August 9, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. ET at Soldier Field.
Dolphins vs Bears prediction
Dolphins vs Bears Best bet: Dolphins +3 (-110 at bet365)
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel opted to roll with backup quarterbacks Skylar Thompson and Mike White in last year’s preseason opener, resting Tua Tagovailoa until the second exhibition game.
This time around, McDaniel is expected to go with Zach Wilson and Quinn Ewers.
Wilson boasted a 115.4 passer rating in last year's preseason action with Denver, completing 28-of-46 attempts for 397 yards, two touchdowns, and also finding the end zone with his legs.
Meanwhile, Ewers is ready to prove his worth after being drafted in the seventh round. At one point in time, the Texas Longhorns star was projected to be a first-round selection and future franchise quarterback. Ewers could hit the ground running in McDaniel’s system, which Steve Sarkisian described as a great fit for the rookie pivot.
With Caleb Williams ruled out for Sunday’s contest, the Chicago Bears will turn to backups Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum, a pairing that pales in comparison to Wilson and Ewers.
Bagent has posted a career 71.9 passer rating and a 3–6 TD-to-INT ratio as a starter, while the now 37-year-old Keenum was sidelined for all of 2024 with a foot injury.
Miami released veteran running back Raheem Mostert following the end of last season, so there will also be a big battle for the No. 2 job behind De'Von Achane.
Jaylen Wright, Alexander Mattison, and 2023 Doan Walker Award winner Ollie Gordon II headline the competition for the Dolphins, a step up over the Bears’ options of Roschon Johnson, Kyle Monangai, and Travis Homer.
Wright saw 68 regular-season carries for Miami last season, which included an 86-yard rushing performance in Week 5 against New England.
Mattison has experience as RB1 for both Minnesota and Las Vegas, drawing praise from running backs coach Eric Studesville during training camp.
Considering Miami’s offense has more depth, I expect the Dolphins to cover as three-point pups.
Dolphins vs Bears odds
Dolphins vs Bears live odds
Dolphins vs Bears opening odds
- Spread: Dolphins +2.5 (-110) | Bears -2.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Dolphins +120 | Bears -140
- Over/Under: Over 35.5 (-110) | Under 35.5 (-110)
How to watch Dolphins vs Bears
| Location: | Soldier Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Sunday, August 10, 2025 |
| Kickoff: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NFL Network |
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