How to Watch Bengals at Commanders — Week 2 of the 2025 Preseason
Game Snapshot
Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals @ Washington Commanders
Date & Time: Monday, August 18, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Northwest Stadium (Landover, MD)
Where to Watch
- Television
National TV: The game airs live on ESPN as part of Monday Night Football .
Spanish commentary: Available on ESPN Deportes
Local (Cincinnati): Simulcast on WLWT-TV (Channel 5)
- Streaming Options
ESPN App & Watch ESPN — requires valid TV provider login
ESPN+ — national streaming access
NFL+ — national coverage for preseason, including out-of-market games, and replays via premium tier
NFL Game Pass International — available to fans outside of Canada and China
- Radio & Audio
Bengals Radio Network: Coverage on WCKY (1530), WEBN-FM (102.7), and WLW700, with Dan Hoard (play-by-play) and Dave Lapham (analyst)
SiriusXM: Listen via Channel 88 (game center) nationwide, or in-market through the Bengals mobile app
- Extra Coverage
Bengals official platforms: Follow live updates, galleries, and stats via Bengals.com and the Bengals mobile app
Broadcast team (ESPN): Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (analyst), with sideline reports from Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge
Quick Reference Table
Viewing Method Details
TV (National) ESPN; (Spanish: ESPN Deportes)
TV (Local – Cincinnati) WLWT-TV (Channel 5)
Streaming ESPN App / Watch ESPN (login required), ESPN+, NFL+, NFL Game Pass Int’l
Radio WCKY, WEBN-FM, WLW700, SiriusXM Channel 88
Official Platforms Bengals.com, Bengals App, social media updates
Why This Game Matters
As one of just five nationally televised preseason games this year, this Bengals–Commanders match is a key highlight for fans .
Expect starter action from both quarterbacks—Joe Burrow and rookie Jayden Daniels—providing valuable early-season insight .
ESPN fans get bonus content: the “Monday Night Countdown” builds up to kickoff at 7:00 p.m. ET, and afterward, Rich Eisen returns to the “SportsCenter” desk—his first time back in over two decades .
Pro Tips for Viewers
Cord-cutters: Free-trial options often include Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV Stream, and YouTube TV—great backup options to ensure you don’t miss the action .
International fans: Use NFL Game Pass International for global access (excluding Canada/China) .
Don’t rely solely on NFL Network—as a national broadcaster, it typically airs tape-delayed games and may black out this matchup in home markets .
Ready? Here’s Your Game Plan:
- Pick your access: TV, streaming, or radio.
- Log in early: For streaming, ensure your device and credentials are working ahead of the 8 p.m. ET kickoff.
- Watch the pregame: “Monday Night Countdown” starts at 7 p.m. ET—great for expert analysis and storylines.
- Stick around postgame: ESPN’s “SportsCenter” features Rich Eisen’s special return .