On Saturday, the Buffalo Bills will kick off their three-game preseason slate on the road against the Chicago Bears, who are coming off of a 21-17 win over the Houston Texans in the Hall of Fame Game. All eyes will be on No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams as he makes his NFL debut, and Buffalo is playing some of their starters as well (including Josh Allen).
Here’s everything you need to know about this Week 1 preseason matchup between the Bears and Bills, including how to watch, how to listen, the start time, and more.
Chicago Bears at Buffalo Bills
- Start time: Saturday, August 10, 2024, 1 p.m. ET
- Channel: NFL Network
- Live stream options: NFL App, NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV
- Radio stations:
- Starting QBs: Caleb Williams, Josh Allen
- Betting lines:
- Spread: CHI -1
- Total: 38
- Moneyline: CHI -130, BUF +110
The Chicago Bears won their first preseason game, even if it was just three quarters. Backup QB Tyson Bagent only got one series, but Brett Rypien made the most of his moment, going 11/15 for 166 yards and three touchdowns. RB Khalil Herbert also looked good, proving the ankle was still solid after spraining it last season.
However, the moment everyone will be waiting for, especially Bears fans, will be when rookie No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams takes the field and makes his NFL debut. The new and hopeful cornerstone of the franchise faces lofty expectations. While Williams is just a rookie, his talent and ability have been discussed in the college and NFL sphere for a few years. Will he live up to the hype?
It’s nice to know he isn’t getting dropped into a Chicago roster from a few years ago. Fellow top-10 2024 draft pick Rome Odunze should also make his NFL debut. He sits third on the WR depth chart behind DJ Moore and Keenan Allen.
Herbert and Roschon Johnson looked good last week and will get more reps this week, but the Bears also added D’Andre Swift to the fold after an impressive season in Philadelphia.
Williams has the weapons. Chicago will be anxious to see how quickly he can adjust to the pace of the NFL. On the other side of the football, the Bears front office has pieced together a solid defensive unit. Highlighted by the LB Tremaine Edmunds signing in 2023, Chicago brought in safety Kevin Byard to start opposite Jaquan Brisker. They also brought in safety Jonathan Owens and resigned CB Jaylon Johnson to a four-year, $76 million extension.
With Williams and Odunze on rookie deals, the Super Bowl chase is coming. It’s not fair to expect immediate success from the pair; however, the Bears have built the roster to compete in the coming seasons. The 2024 season will tell if it’s possible.
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