The Indianapolis Colts (0-2) and Chicago Bears (1-1) are set for a Week 3 matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium featuring two young quarterbacks looking to break through as the next big thing.
While Anthony Richardson looks to shake off a three-interception performance, rookie Caleb Williams hopes to find the end zone for the first time in 2024.
There's a good chance the Bears lean heavily on the run game, which could help Williams relax a bit more in the pocket. The Colts have been the NFL's worst run defense, allowing an incredible 237 rushing yards per game thus far.
They've allowed the most carries of at least 10 rushing yards (15) and the eighth-most yards before contact (1.78), according to Next Gen Stats.
The Colts enter this matchup as 1.5-point home favorites, but some of the experts around the league are hardly confident in a victory.
NFL picks, predictions Week 3: Colts vs. Bears
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Colts 20, Bears 17
Bender: "The Bears will have to protect Caleb Williams better. He has taken league-high nine sacks in two games, but they can keep it on the ground against a bad rushing defense that has allowed 237 yards per game through two weeks. The Colts have issues, too, but Anthony Richardson will make a few big plays at home to help Indianapolis avoid a 0-3 start. Williams makes it a coin flip with the possibility of late-game heroics, but we'll take the home team."
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Bears 24, Colts 20
Iyer: "The Bears will get their offense going this week by trusting more in D'Andre Swift and the running game and getting more successful downfield shots from Caleb Williams to his receivers. Matt Eberflus' defense will win the battle vs. Shane Steichen's offense in his return to Indianapolis. The pressure and coverage won't do favors for slumping sophomore Anthony Richardson."
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports Colts 23, Bears 20
Pricso: "The Bears are on the road for a second straight week and they are facing a desperate 0-2 team. The Colts have been gashed in the run game the past few weeks, which could mean a lot of D'Andre Swift. Both Anthony Richardson and Caleb Williams have to play better, but this is a tough spot for Richardson. Even so, I think he plays the better of the two."
