For the second week in a row, Chicago Bears fans will be able to enjoy a stress-free Sunday of football. Only this time, they won't be able to bask in the afterglow of a win just yet.
The Bears close out Week 8 with an NFC showdown against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football in what is turning out to be a highly anticipated matchup. Both teams are coming off statement wins against AFC contenders from a week ago, with the Bears defeating the New England Patriots 30-24, and the Seahawks dominating the Kansas City Chiefs 20-3. Now they'll each look to keep up their winning ways to keep pace in a competitive NFC North.
With no Bears football on Sunday, here are a few games worth watching while snacking on your leftover Halloween candy:
1. Vikings at Lions
- Noon CT, FOX/FOX One
For
the second week in a row, a pivotal NFC North matchup is taking place Sunday that all Bears fans will want to watch closely. The division-leading Minnesota Vikings (6-0) travel to the Motor City to take on the Detroit Lions (4-2) as they try to keep their undefeated season alive.
The Vikings defense has been elite this year, while the Lions offense has been humming much better in recent weeks. And while Minnesota would still maintain their division lead with a loss, the Lions would gain heavy ground should they win, putting a ton of pressure on the Bears.
2. Ravens at Bills
- Noon CT, CBS/Paramount+
A classic game always seems to break out every time the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills clash. And this one will feature a few prominent former Bears. The Ravens (4-3) are coming off two straight losses and need a win in the worst way to keep pace in the AFC North. Fortunately for them, starting quarterback Lamar Jackson is back in the lineup, giving their offense a much better chance for success under offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.
The Bills (5-1), meanwhile, are coming off their bye week well rested and ready to hold onto their division lead. Former Bears wide receiver DJ Moore, who missed the last few games with a shoulder injury, should be ready to go and will give the Bills' offense a much-needed threat in the passing attack. Buffalo has come out on top in each of their last two meetings, but only by one score. We'll see if this game continues that trend.
3. Chargers at Rams
- 3:25 p.m. CT, FOX/FOX One
Does this matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams have any barring on the Bears when it comes to their playoff push? Not exactly. But it does have implications regarding the NFL trade deadline. The Chargers (0-6) are in a tailspin as the most disappointing NFL team this season but are holding steadfast in their decision to not trade away some key veterans, such as defensive end Khalil Mack. Could a loss to the Rams finally change their tune and open up the flood gates?
As for the Rams (3-4), they got back on track with a blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders last week and need another one to stay in the NFC West race. Though a Rams win wouldn't help the Bears in their own playoff standings, perhaps it could be the one that gets Mack back to Chicago in a trade prior to the November 10th deadline.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 3 NFL games to watch before Bears MNF matchup
