1. Bengals vs Colts: Why This Game Has Preseason Weight
- Week 3 Finale: The Cincinnati Bengals take on the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET—the final stop before regular-season rosters are finalized. (Bengals, Indianapolis Colts)
- Regional Rivalry & National Reach: A matchup between AFC North and AFC South teams, this fixture provides regional bragging rights and is broadcast locally, with remaining fans tuning in via NFL-plus or applicable streaming options. (Bengals, Indianapolis Colts)
2. Players to Watch Who Bring Legacy & Momentum
Cincinnati Bengals
- Joe Burrow (QB) – The offensive engine and franchise cornerstone. Expect him to play limited—but meaningful—snaps given last year’s slow starts. (Reuters, Bengals)
- Dillon Gabriel (QB, Rookie) – Showed poise and arm accuracy upon debut, turning heads in his first preseason outing. (Bengals, FOX Sports)
- Shedeur Sanders (QB, Rookie) – His potential is high—but an oblique concern has clouded his availability. (Bengals, Reuters)
- Cam Taylor-Britt & Daxton Hill (Defensive Backs) – Exempted from Week 1 preseason; both are on course to contribute good camp progress. (Reuters)
Indianapolis Colts
- Anthony Richardson Sr. (QB) – Battling consistency and health concerns, the preseason showcases the status of the QB competition. (Axios, New York Post)
- Michael Pittman Jr. (WR) – Leading the receiving corps and a trusted target for Colts QBs. (New York Post, Stampede Blue)
- Quenton Nelson (OL) – A formidable presence on the line—key for offensive protection and establishing the run game. (New York Post)
- Tyler Warren (Rookie) – A top draft choice carrying big expectations in camp and preseason reps. (New York Post)
3. Who Likely Will Suit Up—and Who Might Sit Out
- Bengals: Expect Burrow to play minimally, while Gabriel and Taylor-Britt are more active. Sanders’ status will be updated ahead of kickoff. (Reuters, Bengals)
- Colts: Richardson’s playtime depends on health and depth situations. Look for top receivers and OLs like Pittman and Nelson to contribute, while Richardson, Warren, and new D-line prospects compete for depth. (Axios, New York Post, Indianapolis Colts)
4. Broadcasting & Viewing Guide for Bengals vs Colts
| Region | How to Watch |
|---|---|
| Cincinnati (In-Market) | WXIX (CBS-12); streaming available via Bengals App or website (Bengals, Wikipedia) |
| Indianapolis (In-Market) | Colts games air on WXIN or WTTV; listen via local radio 93.5/107.5 The Fan or 97.1 HANK FM, plus Colts App livestream (Indianapolis Colts, Wikipedia) |
| Out-of-Market | NFL+ mobile streaming, includes live & on-demand preseason games (Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Tom’s Guide) |
| International | NFL Game Pass International, some preseason streams via DAZN where available (Tom’s Guide) |
5. Match Logistics – When and Where
- Date & Time: Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET (FOX Sports)
- Venue: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH (Bengals, Ticketmaster)
- Contest Flow: Fans inside the stadium can catch player warmups, while those outside can stream locally or via NFL+.
6. Every Fan’s Step-By-Step Game-Day Itinerary
- Frame the Day: Saturday, Aug 23 at 1 p.m. ET.
- Pick Your Viewing Option:
- Local (Cincy): Watch via WXIX or stream via team app
- Local (Indy): TV via WXIN/WTTV or listen on the Colts App or radio
- Elsewhere: Stream via NFL+
- Outside USA: Access via Game Pass International or (where legal) DAZN + VPN (Tom’s Guide)
- Track Player Status: Monitor team updates on Bengals.com and Colts.com for start/sit announcements.
- Storyline Watch: Will Richardson show growth? Does Gabriel challenge Burrow? Do Sanders, Taylor-Britt, or Burrow outshine expectations?
- Engage Online: Share predictions, celebrate highlights, and follow team hashtags.
- Recap Ready: Postgame analysis and interviews will be available on official team media platforms and NFL Network.
7. Why This Game Lights Preseason Fire
- QB Rival: Pros vs. hopefuls—Burrow vs. Richardson adds drama and depth to the narrative.
- Rising Talent Spotlight: Gabriel, Warren, Sanders—watch for breakout preseason moments.
- Final Cut Stakes: Coaches finalize rosters; every snap counts.
- Wide Coverage: Local and national visibility—fans won’t miss moments, no matter where they watch.
8. Final Thoughts
This is more than just a preseason matchup. Bengals vs Colts is a narrative-rich, tension-filled showdown with roster implications, QB intrigue, and regional pride at stake—all under the spotlight of league attention.
Official Sources for Verification
- Bengals Preseason Schedule: Bengals.com & FoxSports (Bengals, FOX Sports)
- TV & Streaming Options: Bengals.com, Colts.com & team-affiliated stations (Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Wikipedia)
- Injury & Roster News: Reuters, local news, team bulletins (Reuters, Axios, New York Post)
- Colts Preseason Details: Colts official announcements & schedule tracker (Indianapolis Colts, FOX Sports)
- NFL Network Coverage: Confirmed 21 preseason games schedule (The Economic Times)
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All game-related details—including schedule, coverage, and player status—are accurate as of August 18, 2025 and are based on official team and media sources. The Bengals, Colts, and NFL are not affiliated with this blog. Information is subject to change; for real-time accuracy, visit the official team websites or NFL platforms. All images used in this article are royalty‑free or licensed for commercial use and are provided here for illustrative purposes.