The Chicago Bears (3-0, 3-0 ATS, 2-1 O/U) are set to face the Kansas City Chiefs (0-2, 0-2 ATS, 1-1 O/U) in their final preseason game on Thursday evening. The Bears have secured victories in all three of their preseason matchups, including last week’s triumph over the Bengals. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are still in search of their first win after suffering a home defeat against the Lions.
Bears Aim for Preseason Perfection
The Chicago Bears are looking to extend their unbeaten streak this preseason. With a fresh roster dynamic, the team has made significant changes since last season. Quarterback Justin Fields, once considered the face of the franchise, was traded, paving the way for Caleb Williams, the #1 overall pick from USC. The squad has also welcomed running back De’Andre Swift to bolster their ground game, alongside new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
The Bears showcased a strong defensive performance in their preseason opener, dominating with a 33-6 victory against the Bills, followed by a commanding 27-3 win against the Bengals where they were favored by 6.5 points.
Caleb Williams had ample playtime last week but will not take the field for this game. The competition for the backup quarterback position is heating up between Tyson Bagent and Brett Rypien. Bagent threw for 87 yards in the last matchup, while Rypien brings experience from his time with the Broncos and Rams. Running backs Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson are also expected to play significant roles, with Johnson having accumulated 352 rushing yards last year.
Defensively, the Bears stand strong with a talented secondary led by Jaylon Johnson, who recently secured a lucrative contract. Despite the loss of Eddie Jackson, the addition of Kevin Byard III enhances their defense, which is now under the guidance of new coordinator Eric Washington. Last season, the Bears had the top-ranked rush defense, although their pass defense ranked 25th overall.
Chicago averaged 21.2 points per game last season, which placed them at 18th in the league, while their defense allowed an average of 22.3 points, ranking them 20th.
Chiefs Look to Break Preseason Streak
The Kansas City Chiefs are determined to finish the preseason with a victory. After winning the Super Bowl last season, they remain favorites for another championship. However, the team has struggled in their preseason matchups, losing 26-13 to the Jaguars and falling short 24-23 against the Lions, despite being 10-point favorites in that match.
Starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes will not be participating in this game, leaving veteran Carson Wentz to lead the offense. Wentz, who only played in a handful of games last season, completed 5 of 10 passes for 31 yards last week. Chris Oladokun is also in the mix as a backup, while Ian Book rounds out the quarterback roster.
In the offseason, the Chiefs added wide receiver Marquise Brown, who caught 574 yards last year but was sidelined by injury in the preseason opener. The running back position is solidified with Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, though neither is expected to play in this game. Deneric Prince and Keontay Ingram are likely to see the bulk of the carries. The Chiefs also drafted wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who is anticipated to become a valuable contributor.
Defensively, the Chiefs maintain strength with a formidable front line led by Chris Jones, who recently signed a significant contract extension. The team will miss cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, but they are counting on Trent McDuffie to step up. Last season, Kansas City ranked 4th in pass defense while ranking 18th against the run.
Last year, Kansas City averaged 21.8 points per game, ranking them 15th, and they held opponents to an impressive average of 17.3 points, placing them 2nd in the league.
Predictions for Bears vs. Chiefs Showdown
The Chicago Bears have shown impressive form this preseason, achieving victories in all three matches, including commanding wins against the Bills and Bengals. Their participation in the Hall of Fame game has allowed them to find a rhythm early in the preseason. Coach Matt Eberflus has a successful track record, going 6-2 in his last eight preseason games.
Additionally, the competition for the backup quarterback spot is heating up, with both Brett Rypien and Tyson Bagent performing well. Rypien has completed 15 of 21 passes for 229 yards, while Bagent has an impressive completion rate of 73%, totaling 150 passing yards. In contrast, Carson Wentz, the Chiefs’ backup, has only completed 50% of his passes for 31 yards in his last outing.
