Week 1 of the 2025 NFL preseason is almost in the books.
But before turning the page to the second week of exhibition action, football fans have two more intriguing games to check out on Sunday afternoon.
First, the Dolphins visit the Bears in a clash of two teams with significant questions at quarterback. That one kicks off at 1 p.m. EDT on NFL Network.
At 4 p.m. EDT, a huge game for New Orleans takes place in Los Angeles, as the Saints and Chargers meet at SoFi Stadium (more on why this game is a must-see for Saints fans below).
Dolphins vs. Bears Betting Odds
How To Watch Dolphins vs. Bears
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. EDT
- TV: NFL Network
Dolphins vs. Bears Betting News, Analysis, Pick
We know that Bears QB Tyson Bagent will get the start in this game. Otherwise, we’re in the dark on which players will take most of the reps in Dolphins vs. Bears.
It’s safe to assume Dolphins starter Tua Tagovailoa will play very little, if at all, but Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has not revealed how he plans to split up the reps between backup Zach Wilson and seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers.
If this becomes a duel between Bagent and Zach Wilson, I’d give the slight edge to Wilson and the Fins. Keep in mind that the Bears also have Case Keenum in the mix, though, as Bagent and Keenum are in an open battle to be Caleb Williams’ backup.
That tells me to expect a solid offensive output by Chicago by the time this one’s in the books, so give me the Bears to go over their modest team total of 20.5. In fact, Chicago to score at least three touchdowns is particularly tempting at plus-money over at DK.
Dolphins vs. Bears best bet:
- Bears Team Total Over 20.5 (+105 at DraftKings) — 1 unit
Saints vs. Chargers Betting Odds
How To Watch Saints vs. Chargers
- Kickoff: 4 p.m. EDT
- TV: NFL Net
Saints vs. Chargers Betting News, Analysis, Pick
Battles for the starting quarterback job typically mean high point totals for that team. But at the moment, I’m far from bullish on either Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough, even in the preseason.
It’s worth noting that Rattler was in an unenviable situation a year ago in terms of surrounding talent. Still, his numbers as a rookie made it hard to be optimistic about his future.
Rattler made seven appearances (including six starts) in 2024. He completed 56 percent of his passes or fewer in five of those games. His average of 5.8 yards per attempt across 228 passes was also discouraging — and so was the fact that he led New Orleans to just 10 points or fewer four times in seven appearances.
So no, I’m not expecting big things from him today, especially not against a Chargers D that shut down Hendon Hooker and veteran Kyle Allen in the Hallf of Fame Game last week.
As for Tyler Shough, I’ll believe the 26-year-old rookie is an NFL-level QB when I see it.
The Chargers, on the other hand, are letting Taylor Heinicke and Trey Lance battle it out for the No. 2 QB spot behind Justin Herbert, and I expect a solid offensive showing by Heinicke and Co.
Heinicke, who will start this game, is looking to one-up a solid effort by Lance after the former top-5 pick went 13-for-20 for 120 yards and 2 TDs while playing all but three possessions in the Hall of Fame Game last Thursday.
At the risk of piling on the Saints before they’ve ever played a game under first-time head coach Kellen Moore, the Chargers also (obviously) have a clear coaching advantage in the clash between Jim Harbaugh and Moore.
So, give me the Chargers to win. And if there’s one aggressive play worth making today, it’s backing Harbaugh’s team to make it a long day for Rattler and Shough and not just come out on top, but do so convincingly.
Saints vs. Chargers best bets:
- Chargers -2 (-110 at bet365) — 1 unit
- Chargers alt spread -6.5 (+194 at FanDuel) — 0.5 units
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