A crazy week is set to conclude for the Chicago Bears when they return to action to take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football at Soldier Field. The Bears (1-1) are looking to bounce back following a dismal 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week, and they will need to do so without starting quarterback Caleb Williams, who was ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
As for the Eagles (2-0), they are undefeated through two weeks for the fourth time in five years after escaping Nashville with a 24-20 win over the Tennessee Titans. While they also have injury questions at key positions, Philadelphia will look to quarterback Jalen Hurts to keep the winning streak alive.
It's been over ten years since these last two teams met on Monday
Night Football on the lakefront, and they meet again as reigning division champions. But before we get to the grand finale of Week 3, there is a full slate of NFL games taking place Sunday. Here are some matchups worth watching.
1. Jets at Lions
- Noon CT, FOX
Bears fans get the chance to get a sneak peek at the upcoming opponent in Week 4, and they just so happen to be facing a division rival. The New York Jets (1-1) have looked more lively than they have in recent years to begin the season and are one overtime away from starting 2-0 after falling to Green Bay 20-17. Quarterback Geno Smith has played competent football, completing 70% of his passes, while the defense has looked promising with rookie David Bailey leading the way. These may not be the Jets of old.
As for the Lions (1-1), they're coming off a beatdown in Buffalo from last Thursday night, having lost 41-31 in prime time. Detroit's defense got carved up early, and it took the offense until late in the first half to show signs of life. With a banged-up defense and an offense that may not have the firepower to fully carry a team, this will be an interesting test. And to add to the intrigue, this will be the first meeting between Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn since the latter left Detroit last season to coach the Jets.
2. Bengals at Steelers
- Noon CT, CBS
Does this game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers have any relevancy to the Bears and their quest to rise back up to the division lead? Absolutely not. But how can we turn down the chance to watch one of the final Aaron Rodgers' debacles before he's retired? People love a good hate watch, after all.
The Bengals (2-0) are off to an uncharacteristically strong start to the season following a decisive 20-6 win over the Houston Texans. And even more strange is the fact that their strong start is because of their defense. Cincinnati's defensive front has transformed with the addition of Dexter Lawrence, and now he has the chance to make Rodgers wish he followed through with his retirement last year. The Steelers (1-1) look like a team on the verge of breaking, and Rodgers looks like a shell of himself at 42 years old. A bad outing from a division rival will cause plenty of uproar in Western Pennsylvania, and Bears fans can enjoy Rodgers' downfall.
3. Ravens vs. Cowboys
- 3:25 p.m. CT, CBS
Arguably the best game of the week is the one that isn't even taking place in North America. For the third year in a row, the NFL is playing a regular season game in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys prepare to square off in an AFC-NFC showdown.
The Cowboys (1-1) finally came to life last week behind quarterback Dak Prescott and his four passing touchdowns in a big 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders. Meanwhile, the Ravens (1-1) came back down to earth after their strong Week 1 performance but still possess a potent offense with former Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle calling plays. This has a chance to be a blowout in Brazil, making it a must-see game despite little to no Bears connections outside Doyle.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 3 NFL games to watch before Bears MNF matchup
