The Philadelphia Eagles are set to host the Cincinnati Bengals in their 2025 preseason opener on August 7th at Lincoln Financial Field, an anticipated clash that offers fans an early glimpse into the reigning champions’ form. This pivotal fixture, broadcasting live on NBC Sports and streaming via Peacock and NFL+, is more than just a warm-up; it’s a critical evaluation period for both franchises, especially as the NFL Preseason gets underway.
While preseason results don’t affect regular season standings, these games are instrumental in shaping team dynamics and player readiness. Head coach Nick Sirianni emphasizes their importance, stating that “Preseason games show us who’s ready for September,” underscoring the high stakes involved for players vying for roster spots and team cohesion ahead of the regular season. This initial matchup will be crucial for the Eagles Bengals dynamic.
For the Cincinnati Bengals, this opener presents a significant opportunity to build confidence and reverse a troubling trend, as they haven’t secured a Week 1 preseason victory since 2021. A competitive performance against last season’s finalists could provide a much-needed morale boost for a team looking to set a positive tone for their upcoming campaign, highlighting the strategic importance of this early Football Prediction.
Philadelphia’s offensive prowess was a hallmark of their 2024 season, ranking seventh in the NFL for scoring with an average of 27.2 points per game. Central to this success was quarterback Jalen Hurts, whose dual-threat capabilities saw him throw for approximately 2,903 yards with 18 passing touchdowns, complemented by an impressive 14 rushing touchdowns. His ability to impact the game with both his arm and legs makes the Eagles’ attack formidable, even in limited preseason snaps.
Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo plans to use this NFL 2025 preseason opener to meticulously evaluate emerging talent. Integrating new receivers and running backs with established stars like A.J. Brown, who eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards last season, is a key objective. A team source noted during camp, “We want crisp execution from everyone, not just the starters,” indicating a strong focus on depth and seamless integration.
On the other side, Cincinnati’s starting offense, spearheaded by Joe Burrow, was one of the league’s most explosive units in 2024. Burrow amassed 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, solidifying his status as an elite NFL quarterback. With star targets like Ja’Marr Chase, who recorded over 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns, and reliable receiver Tee Higgins, the Bengals’ first-team offense can generate substantial big plays, though their playing time will likely be limited.
Defensively, the Bengals faced significant challenges against the run last season, conceding an average of 146 rushing yards per game—ranking among the league’s worst. This vulnerability could be particularly exposed by Jalen Hurts’ dynamic rushing threat from the quarterback position. Slowing Hurts early will be paramount; if the Eagles’ starters build momentum before reserves enter the game, Cincinnati could quickly find themselves disadvantaged.
The match will be broadcast live on NBC Sports at 7:30 p.m. ET (00:30 BST), with streaming options available via Peacock and NFL+. Veteran broadcaster Brent Musburger, recently returning to NBC’s NFL coverage, will be part of the commentary team. For the Eagles, their offensive cohesion and depth, especially in their home stadium, provide a distinct advantage in the initial phases of this Preseason Opener.
The Eagles are poised to establish early momentum. While predicting a precise margin remains speculative, Philadelphia is likely to gain an early lead, with Jalen Hurts expected to orchestrate at least one scoring drive before the game shifts into a full assessment of team depth. Every snap in this game is crucial for players fighting to secure their roster spots, promising an exciting display of competitive football, even in the preseason’s later stages.
