Bengals vs. Commanders Preseason Prediction | NFL Picks Today, Best Bets

The Cincinnati Bengals are set for a Monday night showdown against the Washington Commanders, the second of three preseason games for each team. Cincinnati is making it a priority to use the stretch of preseason matchups to get in rhythm ahead of the start of the regular season. With multiple key starters expected to suit up for at least the first few drives, this battle could be a fun one to watch.

Although Washington may not be looking to send out their starters on Monday, the Commanders’ reserves will still make this matchup an intriguing watch as players continue to battle for roster spots.

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Bengals vs. Commanders

Location: Northwest Stadium (Landover, Maryland) 
Time: 8:00 PM ET | Where to Watch: ESPN
Spread: Bengals -3.5 | Moneyline: Bengals -200 | Total: 42.5

Bengals vs. Commanders Best Bet: Bengals -3.5

Assuming the Bengals do roll out their starters for the first few drives tonight, there’s no reason that they shouldn’t get a jump on the Commanders early. Cincinnati has multiple key roster battles still in play, and if they’re able to put a couple of scoring drives together with the first-team offense, the reserves should have enough fight to keep the Bengals ahead down the stretch. I’ll take the odds that Zac Taylor’s squad comes out on top.

Bengals vs. Commanders Best Total Bet: Over 42.5

In Week 1 of the preseason, both the Bengals and the Commanders’ offenses had their fair share of impressive moments. Cincinnati may have the scoring edge in this one, but with the Bengals defense working through some issues (a Trey Hendrickson-sized issue), Washington’s offense could find its footing in this Week 2 preseason matchup. That said, a final score of 27-17 seems like a realistic outcome in this battle.

Bengals Offensive Player to Watch: RB Tahj Brooks

The Bengals drafted Tahj Brooks in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after an impressive college career at Texas Tech. Brooks got the majority of the backfield reps in the first preseason game for Cincy. With the backup role behind Chase Brown seemingly up for grabs after the team let Zack Moss go, Brooks could be in a position to carve out a solid role heading into his rookie season. To do that, though, he’ll need to impress through the rest of preseason play.

Bengals Defensive Player to Watch: EDGE Shemar Stewart

Shemar Stewart finally ended his contract dispute with the Bengals, and after returning to practice, the athletic defender was able to suit up in the first preseason game. However, the Texas A&M product struggled to make his mark on the field. Now, with Cincinnati fielding calls for Hendrickson, it only adds weight to the shoulders of Stewart, who the team will need to produce as a rookie if they hope to have a disruptive defense. That said, if Stewart plays, all eyes will be on him.

Commanders Offensive Player to Watch: RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt

The Commanders selected Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round of this offseason’s NFL Draft. After an impressive start in training camp, there seems to be real smoke around the possibility of the rookie carving out a huge role in Washington’s offense. With Brian Robinson Jr. reportedly being shopped, Croskey-Merritt will continue to have all eyes on him. If he can deliver in preseason, his stock will only continue to rise.

Commanders Defensive Player to Watch: CB Trey Amos

Trey Amos could carve out a solid role as a rookie with the Commanders, and after his impressive play against SEC competition at Ole Miss, it makes it easy to understand why. The Commanders’ defensive unit has been exceptional under Dan Quinn, and with a reliable corner like Amos being added to the mix, it adds plenty of playmakers for Washington to depend on in the secondary. Keep an eye on Amos to prove why the Commanders took him in the second round.

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