Bears vs. Bengals 2025 Week 9 Game Preview

The upcoming matchup between the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season promises to be significant as both teams prepare for the game under challenging circumstances. The Bears are currently dealing with the absence of key players due to injury, including running back D’Andre Swift.

Bears’ Offense: Adjusting to Injuries

D’Andre Swift has been ruled out of Sunday’s game due to a groin injury. This marks the first time the veteran running back will miss a game since joining the Bears last year. Swift has been pivotal in the Bears’ offense, averaging 66.3 yards per game, with 92.3 yards in his last three outings and contributing to four of the last six touchdowns scored by the team.

Coach Ben Johnson emphasized the importance of ensuring Swift’s long-term health for both the team and the player’s well-being. With Swift sidelined, rookie Kyle Monangai will take on a larger role, having recorded 186 rushing yards and one touchdown this season. The Bears also elevated Brittain Brown from the practice squad to assist the running game.

Receiving Corps Update

While the Bears’ receiving corps faced injury concerns, players such as Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, and Olamide Zaccheaus returned to practice and are cleared to play. In contrast, rookie Luther Burden III is ruled out for the game due to a concussion.

Quarterback Caleb Williams leads the Bears’ offense, which ranks 15th in the league in scoring at 24.0 points per game. Williams has thrown for 1,636 yards this season, with a passer rating of 90.2, reducing his average sacks from 4.0 last season to 1.7 this year.

Red-Zone Performance

The Bears aim to improve their red-zone efficiency after scoring touchdowns on only five of their last sixteen possessions. They will face a struggling Bengals defense that allows an average of 31.6 points per game, ranking last in the NFL for points and total yards allowed.

• Opponent Defense: Bengals
• Ranked 32nd in total yards (407.9 per game)
• Last in rushing yards allowed (151.9 per game)
• Most red-zone touchdowns allowed (26)

Bengals’ Quarterback Situation

The Bengals face their own challenges, primarily the uncertainty surrounding their starting quarterback. Joe Flacco, currently listed as questionable, is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained last week. Should Flacco be unable to play, Jake Browning would likely step in, having completed 64.5% of his passes this season.

If Flacco plays, he brings experience, having passed for 784 yards with a 100.1 passer rating in his three games with Cincinnati. The Bengals’ running game has also improved, led by Chase Brown, who has 383 rushing yards and two touchdowns this season.

Key Matchup to Watch

A crucial individual battle will be between Bears receiver Rome Odunze and Bengals cornerback D.J. Turner. Odunze has been a standout for the Bears, while Turner leads the league with 13 pass breakups.

Fun Facts and Records

• The Bears lead the NFL with 16 takeaways this season.
• Chicago has won the last three meetings against the Bengals.
• Notable performances include Bears defenders Montez Sweat, Andrew Billings, and T.J. Edwards playing their 100th NFL game.

This matchup could be pivotal as both teams seek to improve. The Bears are looking to solidify their offensive strategy, while the Bengals hope to find consistency amidst their injury challenges. The game will likely hinge on their ability to capitalize on each other’s weaknesses.