After edging the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, the Chicago Bears step onto the main stage for a Sunday night matchup with the Houston Texans.
The headline matchup features the top rookie quarterback from last season, C.J. Stroud, and this season’s number-one overall pick, Caleb Williams.
While both teams are 1-0, the Texans looked much better in their opener, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 29-27 on the road. The Bears had to have some unlikely things go their way to top the Titans.
Chicago scored touchdowns on a blocked punt and a pick-six, while the offense produced only nine points on three field goals while amassing a meager 148 yards.
Williams became the first quarterback taken with the No. 1 pick to win his debut since David Carr did it for the Texans in 2002, but he did so passing for a total of 93 yards.
The offense, which ranked 18th in scoring and 20th in yards last season, is still a major area of concern in Chicago, as is the health of two of the Bears’ top receivers. Rome Odunze (knee) and Keenan Allen (heel) are both listed as questionable for Sunday night’s game.
On Saturday, the Bears placed offensive lineman Ryan Bates on injured reserve, putting Williams’ protection in flux.
The combination of a rookie quarterback making his first road start and a banged-up collection of weapons around him could make for a long night for the Bears offense.
On the other side of the ball, Chicago will also face a far more talented offense than in Week 1. The Texans racked up 417 yards against the Colts, including 213 on the ground. Stroud looked in command, going 24-for-32 through the air for 234 yards and two touchdowns. Newly acquired Joe Mixon had an impressive debut with 159 rushing yards and a score of his own.
Chicago’s defense will be tested much differently than it was by the Titans. Houston has more talent, especially under center.
It should be no surprise that the Bears are 6.5-point underdogs in the latest odds.
The over/under sits at 45.5. Chicago and Houston combined to score 53 points in Week 1, but the Bears offense didn’t score a touchdown, making the under far more attractive.
Bet on the Bears with caution.
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