NEWSLETTER
Even without their best defender and highest-paid wide receiver, the Chicago Bears pulled out a 14-point win against the Jets in Week 8 – and they even returned to the top of the NFC North standings in the process. In order to maintain their position as division leaders, they might be asked to do it again this Sunday – but it’s not all bad news.
Yes, star pass-rusher Khalil Mack and receiver Allen Robinson II are questionable for Sunday’s Week 9 contest against the Buffalo Bills, but the Bills will enter the matchup in a worse state of health than their counterparts from Chicago.
Starting quarterback Josh Allen remains out with an injured throwing elbow. Backup Derek Anderson hasn’t been ruled out, but has been in concussion protocol since leaving Monday’s loss to the New England Patriots early. That leaves Nathan Peterman, a second-year quarterback who has three times the number of interceptions (9) than he has touchdowns (3) in charge of the offense. With that said, the Bills defense is good and well coached. Their offense is under-performing, but features skilled position players who have put together breakout performances in the past. And on any given Sunday, any team can beat another.
The Bears *should* beat the Bills by following the blueprint they used last week against the Jets. HOWEVER, it’s not like they have to look too far back to remember how easy it is to lose your grasp on a winnable game. As Matt Nagy so often says: Don’t make the same mistake twice.
“Never Tell Me The Odds:”
The Bears are 10-point favorites at the Westgate Superbook in Las Vegas, with an over/under of 37.5. Chicago opened as 8.5-point favorites before the betting public went all in to make the team a rare double-digit road favorite.
Series History:
The Bears are 7-5 all-time against the Bills, but haven’t played the only team that plays its games in New York state New York’s AFC team since 2014, when Marc Trestman was still a thing.
Game Time, Broadcast Info, Officiating Crew:
Location: Soldier Field
Broadcast Info: Sunday, November 4 at noon on FOX (Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin), WBBM-AM 780, WCFS-FM 105.9
Referee: Shawn Smith
Expected Starters and Lineups:
Bears Offense Expected Starters:
Bears Defense Expected Starters:
Bears Specialists:
Bills Offense Expected Starters:
Bills Defense Expected Starters:
Bills Specialists:
Hot or Not and Whom to Watch
Chicago Bears – Offense
Tarik Cohen figures to be a more likely X-factor than Jordan Howard on Sunday. If Howard is the closer, then it probably means Cohen is going to be the guy who gets him the ball late. The Bills have allowed just one 100-yard rusher this season, though it came two weeks ago when Marlon Mack put up 126 yards on 19 carries with two total touchdowns. But it was James White getting it done in the passing game (13 targets, 10 catches, 79 yards) that hints at another big game being on the horizon for Cohen.
Chicago Bears – Defense
Adrian Amos hasn’t replicated his elite 2017 season, but could be well-positioned for a strong game. With question-marks surrounding Buffalo’s quarterback situation, expect the Bills to pound it on the ground behind LeSean McCoy. A commitment to the running game could put Amos in a position as an extra defender in the box who could tilt the scales in the Bears’ favor when defending the run. If he doesn’t, McCoy will be a threat to break off a huge gain on any snap.
Buffalo Bills – Offense
LeSean McCoy is still one of the league’s best running backs, even as he enters Week 9 of his age 30 season. Sure, his rushing average is at a career-low 3.4 yards per attempt. And that he has been held out of the end zone so far this year is certainly a cause for concern. But Pro Football Focus notes that McCoy has 40 carries of 20+ yards over the last five years, which is 10 more than any other back in the same amount of time. Sounds like a player who can break out at any given time.
Buffalo Bills – Defense
Tremaine Edmunds had not missed a snap until being forced out of action because of a concussion in Week 8 against the New England Patriots. That an impressive 503-snap run for one of the most talented rookie linebackers of the 2018 draft class. The Bears were believed to be a fit for Edmunds, whose athleticism, versatility, and skills could have been used by Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio in a variety of ways. Instead, the Bears snagged Roquan Smith and the rest is history. Edmunds might not play on Sunday because of the concussion, but if he is healthy enough to get in, he could be someone worth keeping an eye on.
