The Cincinnati Bengals travel to Northwest Stadium to face the Washington Commanders in this week’s Monday Night Football preseason clash. While wins and losses may not count for much in August, this matchup offers critical insights into depth charts, coaching strategies, and player momentum. With Joe Burrow expected to get meaningful reps and Washington’s defense still finding its footing, several betting angles are worth exploring here.
Quick Picks:
- Best Bet: Bengals -2.5 (-110) ★★★★☆
- Top Prop: Tanner Hudson Over 24.5 Receiving Yards (-110) ★★★★☆
- Value Play: Over 37.5 Total Points (-110) ★★★☆☆
Bengals vs Commanders Betting Odds & Line Movement
| Market | Cincinnati Bengals | Washington Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | -140 | +120 |
| Point Spread | -2.5 (-110) | +2.5 (-110) |
| Total | Over 37.5 (-110) | Under 37.5 (-110) |
Opening Line: Bengals -1.5, Total 36.5
Sharp Money Breakdown: Where the Smart Bets Are Going
When this line opened at Bengals -1.5, I anticipated movement — and we got it. The adjustment to -2.5 reflects early action on Cincinnati, especially after reports indicated Joe Burrow and the first-team offense would play significant time in the first half. While Washington’s starters also figure to play, the absence of Terry McLaurin due to contract holdout issues has pushed money toward the Bengals. The total has ticked up slightly as well, suggesting expectations for sharper offensive execution than typical preseason affairs.
Quarterback Matchup: Joe Burrow vs Jayden Daniels – Who Has the Edge?
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow
- Expected to play nearly a full half after limited action in preseason opener
- Showed excellent chemistry with Chase Brown and Tee Higgins in camp
- Fully recovered from wrist injury that cut short his 2023 season
- Looking to build momentum heading into critical 2025 season
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels
- Coming off historically impressive rookie season
- Will play without top target Terry McLaurin
- Working behind an offensive line still building chemistry
- Played poorly in preseason opener against Patriots (5-for-10, 47 yards)
QB Edge: Bengals. Burrow is healthy and has his full complement of weapons, while Daniels is still adjusting to life without his top target.
Defense Comparison: Which Unit Will Step Up?
Both defenses struggled in their preseason openers. Washington surrendered 48 points to New England, showing poor tackling and communication issues. Cincinnati’s defense allowed 34 points to Philadelphia, with the secondary looking particularly vulnerable. Washington’s defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has emphasized better run defense after the Commanders ranked 31st against the run last season. Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s defense is hoping to bounce back from a poor showing in Philadelphia where backup QB Tanner McKee carved them up.
The Bengals defense, despite its struggles, has shown improvement in its run defense during camp. Washington’s secondary could be a strength with Marshon Lattimore now healthy, but rookie corners will be tested against Cincinnati’s talented receiver corps. I give a slight edge to Cincinnati’s defense, which has more established veterans and should be motivated after a poor showing last week.
Key Betting Trends & Team Stats You Should Know
- Bengals are 1-10 in Weeks 1-2 under Zac Taylor
- Commanders allowed 48 points in their preseason opener
- Cincinnati’s defense ranked 25th in points allowed (25.5 PPG) last season
- Washington’s run defense ranked 31st in 2024, allowing 143.4 rushing yards per game
- The Bengals lost to Washington 38-33 in Week 3 of the 2024 regular season
- Cincinnati’s offensive line allowed a league-worst 50.1% pass block win rate in 2024
Tanner Hudson: Bengals TE Making His Case for Bigger Role
Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson is coming off an emotional performance against Philadelphia where he scored two touchdowns on the birthday of his late father. Sadly, his grandmother passed away hours after that game. Hudson is fighting for a roster spot in a crowded tight end room that includes Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample, but his connection with Joe Burrow has been evident. After catching 50 passes in 2023 but seeing his production drop to just 19 catches last year, Hudson appears determined to carve out a larger role in 2025. Look for him to be featured prominently as Burrow works the middle of the field on Monday night.
Northwest Stadium Factor: What to Expect on Game Day
Northwest Stadium (formerly FedEx Field) has undergone renovations and improvements under the new ownership group. While preseason crowds typically don’t fill the venue, there’s excitement building around the Commanders following their surprising run to the NFC Championship game last season. Weather forecasts call for mild temperatures in the low 80s at kickoff with low humidity, creating ideal conditions for offense. The field surface has historically been problematic, but reports indicate the playing surface is in excellent condition this year.
Expert Prediction & Best Bets for Bengals vs Commanders
Primary Play: Bengals -2.5 (-110)
I’m taking the Bengals to cover the 2.5-point spread. Joe Burrow is expected to play significant time in the first half, and Cincinnati’s offensive weapons should prove too much for Washington’s defense that looked lost against New England. Burrow’s rapport with Chase Brown, Tee Higgins and Tanner Hudson has been excellent in camp, and the Bengals’ first-team offense should put up points quickly. Washington’s defense surrendered 48 points last week, and while starters will play more, they’re still implementing a new system under Dan Quinn. Without Terry McLaurin, Washington’s offense may struggle to keep pace.
Strong Value Play: Over 37.5 Total Points (-110)
Both defenses showed significant vulnerabilities in their preseason openers. Cincinnati surrendered 34 points to Philadelphia, while Washington gave up 48 to New England. With both starting quarterbacks expected to play significant time, we should see more offensive efficiency than typical preseason games. Bengals coach Zac Taylor has emphasized the importance of getting off to a fast start this season, so expect Cincinnati to push the tempo early. This has all the makings of a higher-scoring preseason affair.
Worth Considering: Tanner Hudson Over 24.5 Receiving Yards (-110)
After his emotional two-touchdown performance last week, Hudson figures to remain involved in the game plan. The Bengals tight end has connected well with Joe Burrow in practice, and Hudson is fighting for a roster spot in a crowded tight end room. Burrow typically targets the middle of the field heavily when working in rhythm, and Hudson should benefit from that tendency. With Washington focusing on stopping the outside receivers, Hudson could easily exceed this modest receiving yardage total.
Top Player Props for Bengals vs Commanders
| Player | Prop | Odds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanner Hudson (CIN) | Over 24.5 Receiving Yards | -110 | ★★★★☆ |
| Chase Brown (CIN) | Over 32.5 Rushing Yards | -110 | ★★★★☆ |
| Jayden Daniels (WAS) | Over 29.5 Rushing Yards | -110 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Deebo Samuel (WAS) | Anytime TD Scorer | +160 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Andrei Iosivas (CIN) | Over 32.5 Receiving Yards | -110 | ★★★★☆ |
Final Thoughts: Bengals’ First-Team Strength Will Be Decisive
This preseason matchup features two teams with high expectations for 2025, but they’re in different phases of development. Cincinnati is looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024 where injuries derailed their season, while Washington is building on unexpected success with a rookie quarterback. The absence of Terry McLaurin looms large for the Commanders, while the Bengals have their full complement of offensive weapons. With Joe Burrow expected to play significant time with the first-team offense, Cincinnati should establish an early lead that their backups can maintain.
Score Prediction: Bengals 24, Commanders 19
Note: Our projections about who’s playing in preseason are based on the latest updates from beat reporters, coaches, and players. Sometimes, that info changes at the last minute or doesn’t pan out on game day. If you can’t personally confirm who’s suiting up, we recommend keeping your action light—think “beer money” bets only.
