Dolphins vs. Bears Prediction, Odds & Expert Picks: NFL Preseason Week 1

Can Zach Wilson shine for the Dolphins in what's expected to be a game featuring plenty of backups?

Mike Spector

Last Updated: August 9, 2025 1:31 PM EDT • 4 minute read

Pictured Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel watches during warmups as we eye our Dolphins vs. Bears prediction. Photo by Sam Navarro / Imagn.

The Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears play the first game of a Sunday doubleheader of preseason football, and we have you covered with our Dolphins vs. Bears prediction.

This game kicks off from Soldier Field in Chicago at 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network), and we offer our best ATS and O/U picks with the Bears as the 3-point favorites and the game getting a total of 34.5. It's all part of our NFL preseason Week 1 predictions.

🏈 Dolphins vs. Bears expert picks & predictions

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✅ Against the spread pick: Dolphins +3 (-110 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐
✅ My best bet: Under 34.5 (-105 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔮 Dolphins vs. Bears ATS prediction

🐬 Dolphins +3 ⭐⭐⭐

📊 Best odds: -110 via BetMGM ($10 to win $9.09)
🔢 Implied probability: 52.38%

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Chicago opened as a 2.5-point favorite but was bet up to the key number of 3 later in the week. But I'm not sure that movement was justified since Bears head coach Ben Johnson declared that at least 17 starters won't play on Sunday.

As with most preseason games, this wager comes down to which stable of backup quarterbacks you feel more confident in right now. Chicago’s Tyson Bagent is a respectable 2-2 in his career as a starter, but he also holds an unappealing 3-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio in his nine career appearances.

While Zach Wilson was a disaster leading the New York Jets, he's still logged much more game experience than Bagent.

This is only a three-star play, as the Commanders vs. Patriots game burned me when I went against the storyline of Mike Vrabel coaching in his first game with a new team. That has me hesitant to fade Johnson here. But I'll still back Mike McDaniel, who needs positive momentum given that his seat may be the hottest of any NFL coach.

📖 Check out our 2025 NFL preseason betting guide for the best betting strategies and full NFL preseason schedule.

💰 Dolphins vs. Bears best bet

⬇️ Under 34.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📊 Best odds: -105 via DraftKings ($10 to win $9.52)
🔢 Implied probability: 51.22%

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There are no player props available for this game at the best NFL betting sites currently due to the bevy of starters known to be ruled out. Accordingly, the total dipped from 35.5 to 34.5 mid-week, and I'm supporting the Under at the lower number in what should be an ugly contest between backups.

Ben Johnson openly talked about how he used the team’s scrimmages against the Dolphins to get his starters meaningful reps. And with Chicago’s players still getting used to a different offensive scheme featuring a new coaching staff, it should take time for the Bears' offense to gel.

📊 Dolphins vs. Bears odds

Live updated odds from our best live betting sites. Follow the latest NFL scores for line history and matchup info.

🪧 Dolphins vs. Bears opening odds:

Dolphins: +2.5 (-105)
Bears: -2.5 (-115)

🚑 Dolphins vs. Bears injuries

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Written by:
Mike Spector

Mike started in the sports writing industry in July 2019, and gained a lot of followers in his first year after finishing with the No. 2 overall record in an annual NFL betting competition, which made picks against the spread, and from an Over/Under and moneyline perspective. Mike is an avid fan of the NFL, MLB, tennis, and all college sports. In his opinion, March Madness is the best sporting event there is, and he's especially euphoric starting with conference tournament time in college basketball. Mike's a big advocate of "fading the public" and making plays that are contrarian, constantly citing that "there are reasons why they have those big shiny buildings in Las Vegas." When making wagers, Mike always scours the best odds at all of the major sports betting sites, where he mostly sifts through DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and bet365. He's tried several others and is of the firm belief that bettors should not just stick to one sportsbook, as there is always likely better value to be had with the same wager. In addition, while Mike received his undergraduate degree from Villanova University, he has no issue betting against the Wildcats when it comes to college basketball wagering, and suggests other bettors should always put their “head” before their “hearts.”