NFL Preseason Betting Guide: Bengals vs. Commanders, August 18, 2025

Football fans, it’s time to get excited! The NFL preseason is winding down, and tonight’s lone game pits the Cincinnati Bengals against the Washington Commanders at 8:00 PM ET in FedExField. Preseason games are a goldmine for prop bets, where you wager on specific player or game stats, and this matchup offers some fun opportunities. Whether you’re new to betting or a seasoned pro, I’ve dug into the stats, trends, and conditions to bring you beginner-friendly picks with real value. Let’s break it down and find some winners!

Bengals vs. Commanders: The Key Details

This preseason finale is all about young talent and team tweaks, so let’s unpack the factors that could shape your bets tonight.

Starting QBs and Key Players

•  Jayden Daniels (Commanders): This rookie QB is turning heads, leading the pack of under-25 signal-callers with sharp passing and sneaky mobility in recent preseason games. Expect him to play significant snaps, showcasing his dual-threat skills.

•  Bengals QB Situation: Joe Burrow might sit this one out (typical for preseason stars), leaving backups like a rookie or veteran to take the helm. No specific stats on their recent outings, but Bengals backups have been steady, not spectacular.

•  Other Names to Watch: Washington’s young roster is buzzing after a strong preseason Week 2, with Daniels and other rookies showing efficiency (think accurate passes, no major mistakes). Bengals’ defense has been solid but not lockdown.

Team Strengths: Offense and Defense

Here’s how the teams stack up based on recent rankings:

•  Commanders: Sitting at #6 in overall power rankings, Washington’s offense is clicking with young talent like Daniels. Their defense is middle-of-the-road but improving, especially at home.

•  Bengals: Cincinnati’s offense is pass-heavy, racking up ~4,424 passing yards league-wide, but their defense is leaky, allowing ~25 points per game. In preseason, expect conservative play-calling, which could limit their scoring.

Weather and Venue Conditions

•  FedExField (Landover, MD): Tonight’s forecast calls for 72°F, cloudy skies, a light northeast wind at 6 MPH, and high humidity (~79%). These conditions are neutral—no rain to mess with passing or kicking, and cooler temps should keep players fresh. Perfect for a clean, low-error game.

Injury Reports and Lineup Changes

•  No Major Injuries: Preseason means stars like Burrow might rest, but no significant injuries are reported for either team. Washington’s healthy, with Daniels ready to roll. Bengals’ backups are likely to see heavy action, but no game-changing absences are noted.

•  Context: Across the league, minor dings to backups are common, but nothing shifts the needle for this game.

Prop Projections and Simulations

Free tools like Dimers and CBS offer some insights, though specific props for this game are limited:

•  Daniels’ Passing Yards: Projections suggest he could top 200 yards, given his recent efficiency and Washington’s offensive rank.

•  Game Totals: Preseason games often go under due to simple playbooks and backups playing late. Simulations lean toward a low-scoring affair, around 37 points or less.

•  No Direct Hits: Sites like Swish or DraftEdge didn’t have specific props for this game, but young QBs like Daniels are trending for over bets on yards or rushes.

Betting Edges and Plus-Money Opportunities

Here’s where you can find value:

•  Daniels’ Mobility: His rushing ability makes over rushing yards props (+110) a steal, as young QBs often scramble in preseason.

•  Under Trends: Preseason games are notorious for low scores due to vanilla strategies—look for plus-money on under totals.

•  Commanders’ Home Edge: Washington’s high ranking and home-field vibe give them a slight edge, especially with Daniels playing significant snaps.

Top Betting Picks for Tonight

1.  Jayden Daniels Over 175.5 Passing Yards (-110): Daniels is a rising star who’s been sharp in preseason, slinging accurate passes. With Washington’s strong offense and Cincinnati’s defense allowing points, he should easily hit this mark in a half or more of play.

2.  Game Under 37.5 Total Points (+105): Preseason games often stay low-scoring as teams avoid showing their full playbook. Cloudy weather and conservative strategies make this plus-money under a great bet.

3.  Value Parlay: Commanders Moneyline + Under 37.5 Points (+200): Washington’s home advantage and high ranking make them a solid pick to win, paired with the under for a low-scoring game. This parlay offers a nice payout for a likely outcome.

Wrapping It Up

Tonight’s Bengals-Commanders clash is a perfect chance to bet on props, especially with a dynamic player like Jayden Daniels taking the field. Focus on his passing yards and the game staying under, and you could be in for a profitable night. If you’re new to betting, start small, check lineups closer to kickoff, and have fun rooting for your picks!

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