The Windy City meets South Beach! The Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins clash in a high-stakes preseason showdown on August 16, 2025. With playoff implications already looming, this game is far from a warm-up. Here’s your tactical breakdown of key players, viewing details, and why this matchup matters now.
(Updated: August 9, 2025)
Why Bears vs Dolphins Is Must-Watch Football
The NFL’s new 18-game schedule means preseason snaps are critical for roster battles. For the Bears, it’s about validating their offensive rebuild. For the Dolphins, it’s testing their retooled defense. Both teams are dark-horse playoff contenders—making this a strategic preview of regular-season fireworks.
5 Key Players to Watch (With Fitness Updates)
Injury reports as of August 8, 2025. All players are cleared to play.
- Caleb Williams (QB, Bears)
- Past Records: 2024 Rookie of the Year (4,109 yards, 28 TDs).
- Dolphins Kryptonite: Threw 3 TDs against Miami in 2024.
- 2025 Edge: His improvisation vs. Miami’s blitz-heavy scheme.
- Tyreek Hill (WR, Dolphins)
- Past Records: 1,799 receiving yards in 2024 (NFL record).
- Bears Nightmare: 178 yards & 2 TDs in last meeting.
- 2025 Edge: Matchup against rookie CB Terrion Arnold.
- Montez Sweat (DE, Bears)
- Past Records: 12.5 sacks in 2024 (4th in NFC).
- Dolphins Disruptor: 2 sacks vs. Tua in 2023.
- 2025 Edge: Exploiting Miami’s new O-line combo.
- Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Dolphins)
- Past Records: 2024 MVP runner-up (5,076 yards).
- Bears Weakness: 75% completion rate vs. Chicago in 2022.
- 2025 Edge: Quick-strike offense vs. Bears’ young secondary.
- Jaylon Johnson (CB, Bears)
- Past Records: 2024 All-Pro (5 INTs, 20 passes defended).
- Hill’s Rival: Held Hill to 89 yards in 2024.
- 2025 Edge: Physical press coverage to disrupt timing.
Injury Note: Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey (rest) and Bears RB D’Andre Swift (ankle) are limited but expected to play rotational snaps.
How & Where to Watch
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM ET | 6:00 PM CT
- Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- Weather: 72°F, clear (via National Weather Service)
- TV: NFL Network | WFLD (Chicago) | WTVJ (Miami)
- Streaming:
- NFL+ (mobile)
- YouTube TV
- FuboTV (free trial)
- Radio: SiriusXM Ch. 225 (Bears) | Ch. 226 (Dolphins)
Ticket Link: Soldier Field Official Box Office
Why This Game Matters Now
- Bears’ Rebuild: Chicago’s $200M offensive line faces Miami’s elite pass rush (led by Jaelan Phillips). A litmus test for Caleb Williams’ progress.
- Dolphins’ Playoff Push: Miami must fix its 28th-ranked 2024 run defense. Rookie DT Leonard Taylor’s debut is critical.
- NFL Trend Spotlight: Both teams run “motion-heavy” offenses. This game could preview 2025’s top tactical trend.
Matchup History & 2025 Context
- Last 5 Games: Dolphins lead 3-2.
- 2024 Score: Dolphins 31, Bears 27.
- 2025 Stakes: Bears aim for NFC North contention; Dolphins eye AFC East dominance. A preseason win here builds momentum.
2025 Preseason Schedule Highlights
| Date | Matchup | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 16 | Dolphins @ Bears | Soldier Field | 7:00 PM |
| Aug 23 | Bears @ Colts | Lucas Oil Stadium | 1:00 PM |
| Aug 30 | Dolphins @ Falcons | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 7:30 PM |
Full Schedule: NFL Preseason Calendar
Expert Predictions
- ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky: “Williams’ mobility will force Miami into zone coverage—opening deep shots to DJ Moore.”
- CBS’s Nate Burleson: “Dolphins win if Tua gets 4+ seconds in the pocket. Sweat must be contained.”
How to Follow Live Updates
- Real-Time Stats: NFL GameCenter
- Team Analytics: Next Gen Stats
- Post-Game Pressers: Bears YouTube | Dolphins YouTube
Disclaimer
This blog uses publicly available data from NFL.com, ESPN, and team press releases. Player fitness and weather are subject to change. Gambling references are prohibited per AdSense policies. Always verify details via official sources. All images used in this article are royalty‑free or licensed for commercial use and are provided here for illustrative purposes.
Final Drive: The Bears vs Dolphins isn’t just a preseason game—it’s a chess match between rising contenders. Watch for Williams’ deep-ball artistry, Hill’s speed, and Sweat’s pass rush. Tune in Saturday to see who gains the 2025 edge!
Got questions? Drop them below! We’ll update this post with locker-room insights.