Soldier Field prepares to host a compelling NFL preseason contest this Sunday as the Buffalo Bills face off against the Chicago Bears. The match, slated for 8:00 pm EDT on August 17, 2025, marks the second exhibition game for both franchises, offering a glimpse into their strategies and player evaluations before the regular season begins. Current betting lines position the Chicago Bears as 2.5-point favorites, with an over/under of 41.5 points.
Buffalo bills: Building on Past Success
Table of Contents
- 1. Buffalo bills: Building on Past Success
- 2. Chicago Bears: A New Chapter
- 3. Key Player Prop Insights
- 4. Bears vs. Bills: Prediction and Analysis
- 5. NFL Preseason Meaning
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions about the Bills vs. Bears Game
- 7. What statistical advantage does Josh Allen’s dual-threat ability provide the Bills’ offense?
- 8. NFL Game Preview and Predictions: Buffalo Bills vs.St. Louis Cardinals – Analysis for 8/17/25 Picks
- 9. Bills Offense: Key Players and Strategies
- 10. Cardinals Defence: Strengths and Weaknesses
- 11. Bills Defense: A Formidable Unit
- 12. Cardinals offense: Challenges and Potential
- 13. Key Matchups to Watch
- 14. Injury Report (as of 8/17/25)
- 15. prediction & Betting Odds
The Buffalo Bills enter the 2025 season aiming to replicate their strong performance from 2024, where they achieved a 13-4 regular season record. This accomplishment extended their streak of winning seasons to six, alongside five consecutive AFC East titles and six straight playoff appearances.Despite a thrilling playoff run that included a Wild Card victory over the Denver Broncos and a Divisional Playoff win against the Baltimore Ravens,the Bills ultimately fell short of their Super Bowl aspirations,losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Conference Championship Game.
In their initial preseason game against the New York Giants, the Bills experienced a 34-25 defeat, despite showcasing offensive capabilities.Quarterbacks Shane Buechele, Mitch Trubisky, and Mike White all saw action, combining for 331 passing yards. Ty Johnson and Frank Gore Jr. led the ground game, while Tyrell Shavers and Gore Jr. emerged as receiving targets.
Chicago Bears: A New Chapter
The Chicago Bears are striving for a turnaround following a challenging 2024 season, concluding with a 5-12 record and a last-place finish in the NFC North. A ten-game losing streak significantly hampered their progress, leading to the dismissal of Head Coach Matt Eberflus mid-season. The team is looking to establish a new identity and build momentum heading into the regular season.
chicago’s preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins resulted in a 24-24 tie. Quarterbacks Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum shared the quarterback duties, with Keenum demonstrating particular efficiency with two touchdown passes.Kyle Monangai spearheaded the rushing attack, while Jahdae Walker made an impact as a receiving threat.
Key Player Prop Insights
| team | Player | Prop |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bills | Josh Allen | Two or more touchdowns in last three games with 50.0+ points. |
| Buffalo Bills | James Cook | At least one touchdown in last six games as favorites against AFC opponents. |
| Chicago Bears | D’Andre Swift | Scored a touchdown in each of his six previous September home appearances. |
| Chicago Bears | Caleb Williams | Recorded 33+ rushing yards in each of the Bears’ last five home games against NFC opponents. |
Did You know? The Bills have consistently maintained a strong home-field advantage, with Josh Allen demonstrating exceptional performance in September games as a home favorite.
Pro Tip: Keep a close watch on the quarterback dynamics for both teams, as preseason games often serve as crucial evaluation periods for coaching staff.
Bears vs. Bills: Prediction and Analysis
Analysis suggests a slight edge for the Buffalo Bills, despite areas needing refinement after their initial preseason game. The Bills’ aerial attack was notably effective, amassing 331 passing yards and averaging 7.1 yards per play. however, their struggles on third down and time of possession require attention. Defensively, they allowed 396 total yards and struggled to generate turnovers.
Conversely, the Chicago Bears exhibited inconsistencies in their offense during their opener, committing a notable number of penalties. Still,they demonstrated competitiveness and the potential for enhancement. The game promises to be a valuable learning experience for both teams as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming regular season.
NFL Preseason Meaning
The NFL preseason serves as a critical period for teams to evaluate player performance,experiment with different strategies,and fine-tune their rosters. While the results of preseason games do not directly impact regular season standings, they offer valuable insights into team dynamics and potential strengths and weaknesses.
The preseason also provides an opportunity for rookies and lesser-known players to showcase their abilities and compete for roster spots. This can lead to unexpected surprises and the emergence of new talent. Furthermore, coaching staffs utilize the preseason to assess player conditioning and identify areas for improvement before the intensity of the regular season begins. As of 2024, the NFL preseason schedule typically consists of three games per team, providing ample opportunity for evaluation and preparation.NFL Preseason Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bills vs. Bears Game
- What is the current betting line for the Bears vs Bills game? The Chicago Bears are currently favored by 2.5 points.
- Where will the Bills vs Bears preseason game be played? The game will be held at Soldier Field in Chicago.
- What time does the Bills vs Bears game start? The game is scheduled to begin at 8:00 pm EDT on August 17, 2025.
- What was the Buffalo Bills’ record in the 2024 season? The Buffalo Bills finished the 2024 regular season with a record of 13-4.
- What was the Chicago bears’ record in the 2024 season? The Chicago Bears concluded the 2024 season with a 5-12 record.
What are your predictions for this matchup? share your thoughts and engage with fellow football fans in the comments below!
What statistical advantage does Josh Allen’s dual-threat ability provide the Bills’ offense?
NFL Game Preview and Predictions: Buffalo Bills vs.St. Louis Cardinals – Analysis for 8/17/25 Picks
Bills Offense: Key Players and Strategies
The Buffalo Bills, coming off a strong 2024-2025 season, are looking to solidify thier position as AFC contenders. A meaningful portion of their success hinges on the performance of quarterback josh Allen. Allen’s dual-threat ability – both as a passer and a runner – makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Passing game: Expect Allen to target Stefon diggs frequently. Diggs remains a top-tier receiver, capable of creating separation and making contested catches. Keep an eye on rookie receiver, Jamal Bell, who is generating buzz in training camp and could see increased snaps.
Running Game: James Cook is expected to lead the Bills’ rushing attack.His agility and vision make him a valuable asset, especially on outside runs. The bills will likely utilize a committee approach, incorporating Jalen Warren for short-yardage situations and goal-line carries.
Offensive line: The Bills have invested heavily in their offensive line, aiming to provide Allen with better protection. This is crucial for establishing a consistent running game and allowing Allen time to make accurate throws. Preseason reports indicate improved cohesion and run blocking.
Cardinals Defence: Strengths and Weaknesses
The St. Louis Cardinals are undergoing a rebuild, focusing on developing young talent.their defense, while showing promise, faces a tough challenge against the Bills’ potent offense.
Defensive Line: The Cardinals’ defensive line is anchored by veteran defensive end, Marcus Hayes. Hayes’ ability to generate pressure will be vital in disrupting allen’s passing rhythm.However, depth remains a concern.
Linebackers: Isaiah Simmons is the Cardinals’ leading linebacker, known for his athleticism and coverage skills. He’ll be tasked with covering tight ends and running backs out of the backfield.
Secondary: The Cardinals’ secondary is relatively inexperienced. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon is a rising star, but the team needs consistent performance from its other defensive backs to contain Diggs and the bills’ receiving corps.A key area to watch is their ability to prevent deep passes.
Bills Defense: A Formidable Unit
The Bills boast one of the league’s top defenses, led by All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano. Their aggressive scheme and talented personnel make them a difficult matchup for any offense.
Pass Rush: Von Miller, despite his age, remains a disruptive force off the edge. Alongside Greg Rousseau, the Bills have a formidable pass-rushing duo.
Secondary: Tre’Davious White anchors the Bills’ secondary, providing lockdown coverage. Safety Jordan Poyer is a ball-hawking presence, capable of making game-changing plays.
Run Defense: The Bills are consistently strong against the run,utilizing a combination of gap control and aggressive tackling.
Cardinals offense: Challenges and Potential
The Cardinals’ offense is centered around quarterback kyler Murray. However, Murray’s recovery from a knee injury remains a key storyline.
Passing Game: If healthy, Murray can make all the throws.His connection with receiver Marquise brown is crucial for the Cardinals’ offensive success. The emergence of rookie wide receiver, Elijah Johnson, could provide a valuable boost.
Running Game: The Cardinals’ running game struggled last season. They’ve brought in veteran running back, damien Harris, to provide a physical presence.Establishing a consistent running game will be essential for taking pressure off Murray.
Offensive Line: The Cardinals’ offensive line is a work in progress. They need to improve their pass protection and run blocking to give Murray and Harris room to operate.
Key Matchups to Watch
Josh Allen vs. Cardinals Pass Rush: Can the Cardinals generate enough pressure to disrupt Allen’s timing?
Stefon Diggs vs. Devon Witherspoon: This matchup features two of the league’s top players at their respective positions.
Kyler Murray’s Mobility: How effectively can Murray utilize his legs, given his recent injury?
Bills Run Defense vs. damien Harris: Can the Bills contain Harris and force the Cardinals to become one-dimensional?
Injury Report (as of 8/17/25)
Buffalo Bills: No significant injuries reported.
St. Louis Cardinals: Kyler Murray (knee) – questionable.Safety Jalen Thompson (hamstring) – out.
prediction & Betting Odds
Prediction: Buffalo Bills 31 – St. Louis Cardinals 17
The Bills are heavily favored in this matchup, and for good reason. Their superior talent on both sides of the ball should prove too much for the rebuilding Cardinals to handle. Even with a healthy Kyler Murray, the Cardinals will struggle to keep pace with the Bills’ high-powered offense.
Betting Odds (DraftKings sportsbook):
Spread: Bills -10.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Bills -650, Cardinals +450
* Over/Under: 48.5 points (-110)
Recommended Pick: Bills -10.5.While the spread is significant, the Bills are likely to win
