Bengals at Eagles Game Preview & Prediction (August 7, 7:30 PM EST)

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The Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) at Philadelphia Eagles (O/U: 36)

Setting the Stage: Preseason football is back! This Thursday night matchup pits the Cincinnati Bengals against the Philadelphia Eagles. While the regular season is still weeks away, this game offers a first look at rookies, backups vying for roster spots, and perhaps a glimpse of new wrinkles in each team’s schemes.

What to Watch For:

  • Quarterback Play: This is a huge opportunity to evaluate the backup quarterbacks on both teams. How well will the Bengals’ backups (likely Jake Browning and Reid Sinnett) manage the offense, and will they protect the football? On the Eagles side, Marcus Mariota is the established backup, but watch for how Tanner McKee performs as he battles for a roster spot.
  • Rookie Performances: Keep a close eye on any rookies who get significant playing time. For the Eagles, keep an eye on CB Quinyon Mitchell.
  • Offensive Line Depth: Preseason is crucial for evaluating offensive line depth. Can the Bengals and Eagles backups hold their own in pass protection and create running lanes?
  • Defensive Intensity: Preseason games tend to be lower-scoring and more vanilla on the defensive side, but look for individual players to showcase their abilities to make plays and earn their place on the roster.
  • NFL Injury Report

Key Considerations:

  • Preseason Uncertainty: It’s notoriously difficult to predict preseason games. Playing time is often spread out, and starters rarely play more than a series or two. Coaches prioritize player evaluation over winning.
  • Coaching Philosophies: Some coaches are more aggressive in the preseason than others. It’s worth considering how both Zac Taylor and Nick Sirianni have approached these games in the past.
  • Motivation: Players on the roster bubble have the most to gain, so expect to see maximum effort from those individuals.

Prediction:

Given the inherent unpredictability of preseason football, projecting a winner is challenging. However, considering the -3.5 point spread, it suggests that the Bengals are expected to have slightly better overall roster depth and coaching for these types of games. The Eagles have a decent backup QB in Mariota, so expect the Eagles to take the game seriously. With a low over/under of 36, this suggests the oddsmakers expect a low-scoring affair with conservative playcalling.

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