Monday Night Football catch as the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Washington Commanders in a high-profile preseason tilt. Full breakdown: Commanders vs Bengals preview, *Joe Burrow, Marcus Mariota & Jake Browning depth chart notes, Bengals schedule, and how to watch.
Overview: Monday Night Football Tonight — Bengals vs Commanders
Monday is a marquee for NFL fans — MNFootball tonight features the Cincinnati Bengals vs Washington Commanders, as part of Week 2 of the 2025 NFL preseason. Kickoff is at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, streaming via Watch ESPN, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, DIRECTV Stream, and more.
It’s the first NFL meeting between Heisman-winning QBs Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels, though both are expected to play limited reps.
Why This Game Matters: Background & Stakes
- Preseason form: Both teams lost their openers—Bengals fell 34–27 to the Eagles; Commanders suffered a blowout 48–18 loss to the Patriots.
- QB spotlight: Joe Burrow is expected to command early offense, while Commanders likely rotate between Marcus Mariota and Jake Browning under center.
- Running back intrigue: Brian Robinson Jr. will sit out amid trade talk, spotlighting Austin Ekeler and other punishing backs.
- Commanders emphasize chemistry building despite being banged-up—with key absences like Terry McLaurin, Tunsil, and Zach Ertz.
Where & How to Watch
- Channel: ESPN (national MNF coverage)
- Streaming Platforms: Watch ESPN, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, DIRECTV Stream, Sling TV
- ESPN’s Rich Eisen returns to SportsCenter postgame for a rare in-studio debut. ([turn0news32])
- Radio & alternate feeds: Local radio via Bengals/Commanders networks; Spanish audio options available. ([turn0news31])
Team Depth, QB Matchups, & Rosters
| Team | Key QBs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bengals | Joe Burrow (starter), Mariota, Browning | Burrow starts; Mariota & Jake Browning contending for backup depth. ([turn0search0], [turn0news22]) |
| Commanders | Jayden Daniels (Rookie), Mariota | Daniels makes preseason debut; coaches limit snaps. ([turn0news34]) |
One more game to close out Week 2 of preseason 👀
Watch — 8pm ET on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/na7GMmpQf1— NFL (@NFL) August 18, 2025
Bengals & Commanders Schedules
- Bengals Preseason:
- Week 1: L 34–27 @ Eagles
- Week 2: MNF @ Commanders
- Week 3: Home vs Colts
- Regular Season Highlights for Bengals:
- Week 1: @ Browns (Sep 7)
- Week 4: Monday Night vs Broncos (Sep 29)
- Week 7: Thursday Night vs Steelers
- Commanders Regular Schedule:
- Week 1: vs Giants (Sep 7)
- Week 6: Monday Night vs Bears (Oct 13)
- Other significant games TBD