The lights shine brighter when you know every snap could shape the season. The Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders both tasted disappointment in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL preseason, but this Monday Night Football matchup promises more than another warmup. Wit
h big names on the field and questions in the air, will fans get answers, or just more reason to wonder what’s next for both squads?
How Will the Bengals and Commanders Respond in the 2024 NFL Preseason?
The final matchup of Week 2 of the NFL preseason brings the Cincinnati Bengals to face the Washington Commanders under the lights of Monday Night Football. After each team dropped its opener last week, this game offers another early look at some of the league’s brightest stars.
The Washington Commanders are eager to build on their NFC Championship Game run from last year, while the Bengals look to show their offense still packs enough punch for another deep playoff run. With Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase already flashing midseason chemistry, this preseason matchup has plenty of intrigue for August football.
When and Where Is the Bengals vs. Commanders Preseason Game?
- Date/Time: Monday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Northwest Stadium, Summerfield, Md.
The Bengals kicked off their preseason last Thursday against the Eagles.
Where Can You Watch Bengals vs. Commanders on Monday Night?
- TV Channel: ESPN (simulcast locally on WLWT-TV, Channel 5)
- Broadcasters: Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (analyst), Lisa Salters (sideline reporter), Laura Rutledge (sideline reporter)
- Online Stream: ESPN App, ESPN+, NFL+, NFL Game Pass International (outside Canada and China)
- Replay: NFL+ and NFL Network (check local listings)
Fans nationwide can catch the game on ESPN, while local Cincinnati viewers get coverage through WLWT-TV. ESPN+ and NFL+ give fans options to stream, and international viewers have NFL Game Pass International to tune in from abroad.
How Can Fans Listen to the Bengals vs. Commanders Game?
- Radio Broadcast: Bengals Radio Network (WCKY-AM 1530, WEBN-FM 102.7)
- Commanders Broadcast: 100.3 FM
- National Radio: SiriusXM channels 88, 225
The Bengals’ flagship stations bring the call with Dan Hoard on play-by-play and Dave Lapham as analyst. Commanders fans have their local radio option, plus the entire country can listen in on SiriusXM.
What Are the Key Storylines for Bengals vs. Commanders on Monday Night?
Cincinnati’s offense looked tough in its opener. Joe Burrow completed nine straight passes after just one early miss, ending up 9 of 10 for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase made his mark with four catches for 77 yards and a score, showing again why that tandem is one of the league’s best.
Head coach Zac Taylor confirmed his starters will get more time on the field in this one, so fans should see more from the big names.
Meanwhile, the Commanders are set to give Jayden Daniels some preseason snaps after not playing him in the opener. After his breakout rookie year, the spotlight is on Daniels to see how he handles the live action.
On defense, Washington exposed Cincinnati when these two teams met in primetime last season. That history makes this game a good test for the Bengals’ defense, especially with young players like Shemar Stewart, Demetrius Knight, and Barrett Carter lined up for plenty of snaps.
Preseason games might not always bring the drama of October or January. Still, this Monday night matchup should give fans a mix of proven stars, rising talent, and position battles that matter heading into the heart of the 2024-25 campaign.
