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Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Commanders prediction, pick for NFL Preseason Week 2 on Monday 8/18/25

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Commanders prediction, pick for NFL Preseason Week 2 on Monday 8/18/25

Sports Betting Picks NFL DraftKings Sportsbook Insights

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By: Ciaran Doyle

The final game of NFL Preseason Week 2 features a matchup between the Bengals and Commanders on Monday night. The Bengals are 3.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook for this one, with the total set at O/U 43.5 points.

See below for a full breakdown and my pick for tonight’s preseason matchup between the Bengals and Commanders.

Bengals vs. Commanders prediction

Both of these teams lost their opening preseason game. The Bengals fell short to the Eagles 34-27, while the Commanders lost big to the Patriots 48-18. This is a rare preseason game in which both starting quarterbacks are expected to play. Joe Burrow got some work in against Philadelphia, going 9/10 for 123 yards and two touchdowns in an almost flawless night. He is expected to start Monday’s game and will hope to replicate that performance. Jayden Daniels did not feature in the Commanders opening preseason game, but is expected to play on Monday night. For how long remains to be seen, but Washington fans are in line to get their first glimpse of their franchise quarterback this season.

Bengals vs. Commanders pick, best bet

Preseason games are always difficult to predict, which is why I’m taking the Bengals offense to score points throughout the game. They went over this tally in their opening preseason game against the Eagles, and I expect them to do the same against a Washington team that gave up 48 points in its opening game. If Joe Burrow plays another two series like he did in the opening game against the Eagles, that could easily be 14 points right off the bat for the Cincinnati offense in the first quarter. Hopefully between backup quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Jake Browning, the team can add a few more points throughout the rest of the game. The Bengals will be looking to improve on their rushing attack this week, as their 57 total rush yards in the first preseason game will have to be improved upon. The team did pass the ball well however, finishing with 268 yards through the air and three touchdowns. Give me the Bengals to score points once again in the second week of the preseason.

Best Bet: Bengals Over 23.5 Points (-125)

Ciaran Doyle
Ciaran has been an editor for the DraftKings Network team since 2023. He graduated from the University of Arizona before attending Arizona State University for his master’s degree in sports journalism. Ciaran previously covered Phoenix Rising FC for Cronkite News before joining DraftKings. He is passionate about sports betting, and his biggest focus has always been on the NFL and soccer. You can find him on X at @Ciaran_Doyle7.
Disclaimer

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is ciarandoyle77) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.