Monday night at Soldier Field is the kind of spotlight the Bears were looking forward to, as this ascending team could gain further credibility with Caleb Williams at the helm and lead the Bears to another victory over the Eagles.
But that was before the injury.
With Caleb lost to a hamstring injury and exactly which backup QB, Case Keenum or Tyson Bagent, will be the starter still in doubt, the 2-0 Eagles roll in as 3½- to 4½-point favorites. That said, Chicago’s identity is still that league-leading
ground game, and it gashed Philadelphia for 281 yards last November. Whoever takes the snaps at quarterback, the Bears will lean even harder on D’Andre Swift and the offensive line. The defense needs to do just enough to keep the Bears in the game. What follows are our score pick, winner, and projected stat lines for a prime-time rematch, Monday at 7:15 p.m. CST on ESPN and ABC.
Lester: Bears win a close one, 23-21. Chicago gets back to its ground-and-pound identity, and they establish the run, while the quarterbacking, whoever it may be, is under 200 yards but efficient with several schemed-up short completions. The Eagles try to pick on rookie Malik Muhammad, but he rises to the moment with an interception. Tory Taylor has his banana ball floating around, and he keeps Philly’s returners off balance.
Josh: I think the Eagles pull this one out and it’s ugly. Call it 21-27, with a lot of opportunities left on the board.
Sam: It’s a tough one. But when it’s likely the third QB who’s playing, it’s hard to win a football game. The Bears keep pace with a strong ground game, but ultimately fall short: Eagles 23, Bears 20.
GOOCH: I think the Bears go back to the formula that let them dominate the Eagles last year. They stuff the ball down their throat. Keenum is efficient – even throws for a TD. But the Guy and Swift both score touchdowns, and the Bears rush for 200 yards. Booker notches a sack against Hurts, who also throws a pick to JJ. Bears 27 – Eagles 17.
Superfans: If QB1 was playing, this would have been a 47 to 12 Bears victory. If QB2 was playing, we’d be looking at a 30 to 10 win. But with QB3 likely starting, our beloved Bears will be in for a much, much, much closer contest. They’ll need to rally around 38-year-old Case Keenum, get the running game rocking, and have the defense step it up. So let’s call it, Bears 27, Eagles 4. Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift combine for 312 yards from scrimmage, Darnell Wright has a TD catch, and the defense intercepts Philly 3 times.
Who do you think is going to win, and what will be the score? Tell us that and more in the comments below!
