Saints (4-2) at Bears (5-2)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Soldier Field, Chicago
TV: Fox
Danny Sheridan’s line: Saints by 2 1⁄
2
Saints’ keys to victory: They have a versatile playmaker in RB Alvin Kamara, who can break off the kind of big plays that could give New Orleans an edge. If there’s been an area of weakness on Chicago’s defense, it’s been the play against the run. On defense, New Orleans needs to contain a struggling Bears run game and force QB Nick Foles to beat them through the air. The defense needs to bring the pressure on Foles.
Bears’ keys to victory: Chicago has relied on its defense, and that will be tested against QB Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense. The goal is simple: Bring the pressure on Brees, which is something OLBs Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn and DT Akiem Hicks have done well against other quarterbacks. They also face the challenge of containing one of the game’s biggest playmakers in Kamara, who’s a threat in the run and the pass game. On offense, the Bears need to find a way to establish a rhythm. The line has struggled to get any push up front and open holes for RB David Montgomery, resulting in a one-dimensional offense.
Matchup to watch: Bears defense vs. Saints RB Kamara. In last season’s matchup, the Bears didn’t have to face Kamara, who was sidelined with leg injuries. This year’s game will be a big test for the defense.
Who wins? The Bears have beaten their fair share of highpowered teams, relying on a dominant defense and getting enough from the offense. Unless the offense can start pulling its weight, there are going to be games when the defense can do only so much. Saints 24-20