In this article, we will formulate a Bears vs Dolphins prediction for this NFL game on Sunday, August 10th at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 1 matchup in the preseason.
Miami Dolphins Betting Preview
The Miami Dolphins are determined to recover as they head into the 2025 NFL season, having wrapped up 2024 with an 8–9 record and missing the playoffs. Head coach Mike McDaniel continues to lead the team, which has spent the offseason reshaping its roster. In a key trade, the Dolphins sent star cornerback Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh and acquired All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, significantly altering a secondary that now also includes veteran safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Kendall Fuller.
The defensive front has been strengthened with the addition of veteran defensive end Calais Campbell and first-round draft pick Kenneth Grant, who will join pass rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb. On the offensive front, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has secured a four-year, $212.4 million extension, returns as the starter alongside his primary targets, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The backfield has been revamped: Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. have left, making room for free-agent signing Alexander Mattison and promising rookie De’Von Achane.
The Dolphins also traded tight end Jonnu Smith, last season’s receptions leader, raising questions about that position. To protect Tagovailoa, the offensive line has been overhauled following the retirement of longtime left tackle Terron Armstead; second-year tackle Patrick Paul and newcomer guard James Daniels are expected to step up, with rookie guard Jonah Savaiinaea adding competition. With these significant changes, Miami hopes to recapture its 2023 form and contend in the AFC East, relying on an explosive offense and retooled defense to drive a postseason push.
Chicago Bears Betting Preview
After concluding the 2024 season with a disappointing 5-12 record that resulted in the midseason termination of head coach Matt Eberflus, the Chicago Bears are gearing up for 2025 with new head coach Ben Johnson and a restructured roster. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams faced challenges but exhibited potential last year, while cornerback Jaylon Johnson earned a Pro Bowl nod as a defensive highlight.
General manager Ryan Poles took significant steps during the offseason to reshape the team. Chicago fortified its offensive line by bringing in veteran guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, as well as center Drew Dalman, after allowing a league-high 68 sacks in the previous season. The defensive front was also bolstered with the addition of former Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. Furthermore, the Bears signed receiver Olamide Zaccheaus to help fill the gap left by the departure of wideout Darnell Mooney.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Chicago provided Williams with additional playmakers by selecting tight end Colston Loveland in Round 1 and wide receiver Luther Burden III in Round 2, while also adding tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive lineman Shemar Turner to strengthen the trenches. Key returning players include Williams, top receiver DJ Moore, and lead running back D’Andre Swift on offense, along with linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson anchoring the defense.
With an improved offensive line and youthful talent surrounding their second-year quarterback, the Bears are optimistic about making progress under Johnson’s offensive-oriented leadership. While there is hope for improvement, a playoff run appears unlikely; persistent issues such as a still-questionable pass rush and overall inexperience indicate that 2025 is likely to be another year of development with limited expectations.
Bears vs Dolphins Prediction
I believe the Bears have addressed many of the issues they faced within the team during the offseason, and I consider the Bears to be a significantly improved team entering this game. Ultimately, when wagering on the preseason, one must rely on the team with greater depth, and for me, that team is the Chicago Bears in this instance.