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The Philadelphia Eagles open their 2025 preseason by hosting the Cincinnati Bengals on 07 August 2025 at 19:30 ET (00:30 BST) at Lincoln Financial Field. The match will air live on NBC Sports and stream via Peacock and NFL+, giving fans an early look at how the reigning Super Bowl champions are shaping up.

Why the Eagles vs Bengals Preseason Opener Matters

Preseason games may not impact the standings, but they set the tone for the regular season. According to the official NFL preseason schedule, the Eagles have three matches to prepare before their title defence begins. Head coach Nick Sirianni explained the importance, 'Preseason games show us who's ready for September'.

For the Bengals, this fixture is about building confidence. They have not won a Week 1 game since 2021, and a competitive performance against last season's champions could be a valuable morale boost.

Eagles' Offence: Jalen Hurts Leads a Cohesive Unit

Philadelphia's attack was among the most effective in 2024, averaging 27.2 points per game and ranking seventh in the NFL for scoring. Quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for approximately 2,903 yards, with 18 passing touchdowns, while adding 14 rushing touchdowns. This dual-threat ability makes the Eagles difficult to defend, even in limited preseason action.

Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo will use the preseason opener to evaluate young players. New receivers and running backs must integrate with established stars such as A.J. Brown, who recorded just over 1,000 receiving yards last season. 'We want crisp execution from everyone, not just the starters,' a team source said during camp.

Bengals' Depth Must Step Up Against Philadelphia

Cincinnati's starting offence, led by Joe Burrow, was one of the league's most dynamic units in 2024. Burrow threw for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns last season, establishing himself as one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks. With star receivers Ja'Marr Chase, who topped 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns, and Tee Higgins providing reliable targets, the Bengals' first-team offence can be explosive.

However, Burrow is unlikely to play more than a series or two in the preseason opener, leaving back-up quarterbacks with the task of sustaining drives against a strong Philadelphia defence. The Bengals will use this opportunity to assess depth at key offensive positions, particularly at quarterback and along the offensive line.

Defensively, Cincinnati struggled to stop the run last season, conceding an average of 146 rushing yards per game overall, the fifth-worst mark in the NFL. This vulnerability could be exposed by Jalen Hurts, who remains a significant rushing threat from the quarterback position. Slowing Hurts early will be essential; if the Eagles' starters build momentum before the reserves enter the match, Cincinnati could find themselves on the back foot quickly.

How and Where to Watch Eagles vs Bengals

The fixture will be broadcast live on NBC Sports at 19:30 ET (00:30 BST). Fans can also stream the match on Peacock and NFL+. Veteran broadcaster Brent Musburger, who recently returned to NBC's NFL coverage, will be part of the commentary team.

Preseason fixtures focus on individual and collective performance more than the final outcome. The Eagles' offensive cohesion and depth, especially at home, give them a distinct edge in early phases of preseason action.

The Bengals, meanwhile, have not won a Week 1 preseason match since their loss streak reached at least August 2022, finishing 0–3 in 2024. With stars like Burrow and Chase likely limited to minimal action, often just one or two series, Cincinnati's reserves will face a challenging task against Philadelphia's established starters.

Prediction: Expect Philadelphia to establish early momentum. While a specific margin is speculative, the Eagles are likely to edge ahead, with Jalen Hurts leading at least one scoring drive, before the match transitions to depth evaluation.

Why This Fixture Is Worth Watching for Fans

This match offers more than just entertainment. Every snap helps players secure roster spots. 'You have to show the coaches you belong,' said Eagles safety Reed Blankenship during camp. That level of competition often creates exciting football, even in the later stages of preseason matches.

Watch Eagles vs Bengals live on NBC Sports at 19:30 ET (00:30 BST) or stream via Peacock and NFL+. For the complete 2025 NFL preseason schedule, visit the league's official website and track how your team is preparing for the regular season.

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