Bengals vs Colts | NFL Preseason Week 3, Aug 23, 2025
The NFL preseason continues to deliver excitement as Week 3 brings a thrilling matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts. Scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 1:00 PM, the game will take place at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Fans can catch all the action live on FuboTV, Ticketmaster and StubHub or attend in person with tickets starting at $23, making it an accessible and entertaining football experience.
Preseason Week 3 is often the most revealing of the year. Starters get extended playing time, rookies and backups compete for roster spots, and coaching staffs evaluate schemes in a live-game environment. For the Bengals and Colts, this matchup promises to highlight emerging talent, test key positional battles, and provide a glimpse of what fans can expect heading into the 2025 regular season.
Game Details
- Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Indianapolis Colts
- Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM (ET)
- Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
- TV/Stream: FuboTV
- Tickets: Starting at $23
Why This Preseason Game Matters
Preseason games might not count toward the regular-season standings, but Week 3 carries real significance. This is the period when starters play longer, coaches finalize rotations, and young players have a chance to make a statement.
For the Bengals, the game is about evaluating quarterback depth, sharpening offensive timing, and testing defensive adjustments against a strong Colts offense. Meanwhile, the Colts are focused on building depth, evaluating their roster, and preparing their young players for meaningful roles in the regular season.
The matchup serves as a bridge between practice reps and real-game competition, providing both teams with the opportunity to refine strategy and build confidence.
Cincinnati Bengals: What to Watch
The Bengals enter this preseason contest with a roster full of talent and high expectations. After several successful seasons under head coach Zac Taylor, Cincinnati looks to continue its upward trajectory in 2025.
Key Storylines for the Bengals:
- Quarterback Evaluation
- The Bengals’ starting quarterback may see limited action, but the primary focus will be on backup QBs and developing chemistry with skill-position players. Preseason Week 3 gives them valuable experience against a live defense.
- Offensive Weapons
- Wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs will compete for snaps. This game offers a chance to test timing and playmaking ability in a realistic setting.
- Defensive Performance
- Cincinnati’s defense will be evaluated on its ability to contain the Colts’ offense, particularly their rushing attack and intermediate passing game. Linebackers and defensive backs will need to demonstrate consistency and adaptability.
- Rookie Contributions
- Several young players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, whether on special teams or as rotational contributors, giving coaches insight into the depth chart.
Indianapolis Colts: What to Watch
The Colts are looking to strengthen their roster as they aim to compete in the AFC South. Known for a balanced attack and physical defense, Indianapolis will use this game to evaluate depth and prepare for the season ahead.
Key Storylines for the Colts:
- Quarterback and Offensive Line
- Starters may see a limited number of series, while backups are expected to handle significant snaps. Protecting the quarterback and maintaining the rushing attack are key focal points.
- Running Back Rotation
- The Colts have a versatile backfield, and preseason Week 3 allows coaches to test different rotations, evaluating who can handle multiple roles.
- Defensive Evaluation
- The Colts’ defense must remain disciplined against the Bengals’ mix of quick passes and dynamic playmakers. Preseason snaps are critical for defensive line and linebacker assessments.
- Roster Bubble Players
- Special teams and rotational defenders have the chance to make an impression and secure a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Coaching Matchup
- Zac Taylor (Bengals): Taylor emphasizes precision and offensive creativity. His focus in Week 3 will be evaluating depth, developing timing, and ensuring fundamentals are sharp.
- Shane Steichen (Colts): Steichen balances offensive efficiency with roster evaluation, giving young players meaningful snaps while preparing the team to compete in the regular season.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Bengals Offensive Line vs. Colts Defensive Front
- Can Cincinnati protect their quarterback and establish the run against a disciplined Colts defensive line? This matchup could define the flow of the game.
- Colts Secondary vs. Bengals Receivers
- The Colts will test their pass coverage against Cincinnati’s speedy wide receivers, providing insight into their defensive preparedness.
- Backup Quarterbacks
- Both teams will rely on backup QBs for meaningful reps. Strong performances here could determine depth chart positioning.
- Special Teams Battle
- Kickoff coverage, punt returns, and field goal units are critical. Preseason Week 3 often highlights standout contributors in these areas.
Fan Experience at Paycor Stadium
For fans attending in Cincinnati, Paycor Stadium provides a top-tier NFL experience. With modern amenities, fan engagement zones, and an energetic atmosphere, it’s a great venue to catch preseason action. Tickets starting at $23 make it an accessible and family-friendly way to enjoy live football.
Fans who prefer to watch at home can stream the game on FuboTV, allowing them to follow every play and gain insights into player performance and coaching strategies.
What to Expect
Expect a competitive and fast-paced game that balances star development with evaluation. Bengals’ young players will try to impress coaches, while the Colts aim to maintain discipline and test their depth. Preseason Week 3 often produces surprising plays, standout rookies, and insights into which players will be key contributors in September.
The final score may not be the priority, but individual performances, especially from backups and rookies, will likely have a significant impact on roster decisions.
The Bengals vs Colts preseason Week 3 matchup is more than just a tune-up; it’s a vital test of readiness, depth, and skill development. Cincinnati looks to maintain momentum and evaluate talent, while Indianapolis uses the contest to refine their roster and prepare for a competitive season.
Whether attending at Paycor Stadium or streaming via FuboTV, fans can expect exciting plays, valuable insights into team development, and a glimpse at the rising stars of the NFL. This Saturday afternoon matchup is a must-watch for anyone eager to see the future of both franchises unfold in 2025.
