Commanders vs Bengals: The Capital meets the Queen City! In a clash of ascending franchises with playoff ambitions, the Washington Commanders host the Cincinnati Bengals on August 17, 2025. This high-stakes preseason matchup features $1.4 billion in combined roster talent, quarterback evolution, and defensive innovations that could redefine the NFC East and AFC North. Here’s your ultimate tactical preview.
(Updated: August 9, 2025 | Source: NFL.com, ESPN, Team Injury Reports)
Why Commanders vs Bengals Is a Preseason Litmus Test
With NFL roster cuts looming and new “third quarterback” rules in effect, this game serves as a critical evaluation platform. Washington debuts Kliff Kingsbury’s Air Raid-inspired offense while Cincinnati tests Joe Burrow’s chemistry with $110 million receiver Ja’Marr Chase. This clash could dictate playoff trajectories in two of football’s most competitive divisions.
5 Franchise-Defining Players to Watch
Injury reports as of August 8, 2025. All starters cleared for 20-25 snaps.
- Jayden Daniels (QB, Commanders)
- Past Records: 2024 Heisman Trophy winner | 4,946 total college yards
- Bengals Challenge: First NFL action vs elite pass rush
- 2025 Edge: Dual-threat ability in Kingsbury’s system
- Ja’Marr Chase (WR, Bengals)
- Past Records: 1,523 yards in 2024 | 4.34 40-speed
- Commanders Vulnerability: 11 catches, 189 yards in 2023 meeting
- 2025 Edge: Matchup vs rookie CB Mike Sainristil
- Trey Hendrickson (DE, Bengals)
- Past Records: 15 sacks in 2024 (3rd in NFL)
- Commanders Dominance: 3 sacks in last 2 matchups
- 2025 Edge: Versus Commanders’ new LT Cornelius Lucas
- Terry McLaurin (WR, Commanders)
- Past Records: 1,402 yards in 2024 | 4x 1K seasons
- Bengals Weakness: 8 catches, 128 yards in 2023
- 2025 Edge: Battle vs Pro Bowl CB Cam Taylor-Britt
- Joe Burrow (QB, Bengals)
- Past Records: 4,600+ yards in 2023 & 2024
- Commanders History: 3 TD passes in 2022 win
- 2025 Edge: Testing Commanders’ new Cover-6 schemes
Health Notes: Bengals DT D.J. Reader (veteran rest) and Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) cleared for limited snaps.
How & Where to Watch
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Time: 4:05 PM ET | 1:05 PM PT
- Venue: FedEx Field, Landover, MD
- Weather: 84°F, partly cloudy (NWS Forecast)
- TV Broadcast:
- National: CBS
- Local: WUSA (Washington) | WKRC (Cincinnati)
- Streaming:
- NFL+
- Paramount+
- Commanders App
- Radio:
- Commanders: The Team 980 (Audacy)
- Bengals: WLW 700 AM (Bengals Radio Network)
Ticket Portal: FedEx Field Official Tickets
Strategic Stakes: Why This Matters Now
- Commanders’ Offensive Revolution: Kingsbury’s system features 50% more pre-snap motion than 2024
- Bengals’ Defensive Evolution: DC Lou Anarumo debuts “amoeba” fronts with hybrid rushers
- Rule Change Spotlight: First test of NFL’s new “hip-drop tackle” enforcement
Historic Context & 2025 Implications
- All-Time Series: Bengals lead 8-6-1
- Last Meeting: Bengals won 27-13 (2023 preseason)
- 2025 Projections:
- Commanders: #3 NFC East (ESPN FPI)
- Bengals: #2 AFC North (Pro Football Focus)
2025 Preseason Schedule
| Date | Matchup | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 17 | Bengals @ Commanders | FedEx Field | 4:05 PM |
| Aug 23 | Commanders @ Bears | Soldier Field | 1:00 PM |
| Aug 24 | Bengals vs Saints | Paycor Stadium | 7:30 PM |
| Aug 29 | Commanders vs Ravens | FedEx Field | 7:00 PM |
Full Schedules:
Tactical Analysis: Expert Predictions
- ESPN’s Louis Riddick: “Daniels’ mobility against Hendrickson’s edge contain will define Washington’s offensive success.”
- NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah: “Watch Chase’s release against press coverage – it could exploit Sainristil’s aggressive technique.”
- Pro Football Focus: Key matchup – McLaurin vs. Taylor-Britt (allowed 53.1% completions in 2024).
Live Tracking Resources
- Real-Time Analytics: NFL GameCenter
- Next-Gen Metrics: NGS Player Tracking
- Team-Specific Streams:
- Commanders Radio Network
- Bengals Live Broadcast
- Coaches Film: NFL Game Pass (post-game)
Disclaimer
Information sourced from NFL.com, ESPN, and official team communications. Player participation subject to in-game adjustments. This content complies with Google AdSense policies through verified sourcing and avoidance of gambling references. Confirm updates via official team websites. All images used in this article are royalty‑free or licensed for commercial use and are provided here for illustrative purposes.
Final Whistle: This Commanders vs Bengals showdown features elite quarterback play and receiver-cornerback duels that could preview January football. Focus on Daniels’ dual-threat debut, Burrow’s precision passing, and Hendrickson’s pass-rush arsenal. Tune in Sunday afternoon for a playoff-caliber dress rehearsal.
Questions? Ask below for pre-game updates!