The Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles will meet up in a rematch of a very exciting NFC Divisional Playoff Game from a season ago. Both of these teams had hopes of returning to the playoffs this season, but each of them has plenty of work to do. Chicago is going to try to win this game with their defense, while the Eagles have been scoring plenty of points this season.
Chicago has now lost three straight games and comes into this game with a record of just 3-4. The Bears have now fallen into third place in the NFC North Division, and are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs. Philadelphia is 4-4 on the season, but they have really struggled with consistency. The Eagles are in second place in the NFC East, but a Wild Card berth might be their best bet. Philadelphia is a -4.5 point favorite over the Chicago Bears in this game.
Bears Offense Needs to Step Up
If the Chicago Bears are going to turn their season around then their offense is going to need to step up their play. The Bears are averaging just over 18.0 points per game, and that will not consistently in games in today’s NFL. Running back David Montgomery had his first career 100-yard rushing game in week eight, but the Bears are running for just 83 yards per contest. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky continues to struggle, and the fans in Chicago are letting him hear about.
Chicago’s defense has been solid this season, but they have not been as great as they were a season ago. The Bears are still allowing just 17 points per game, but Khalil Mack has been relatively quiet so far in 2019. Mack has just 5.5 sacks so far this season, which is well off of his pace from a season ago.
Eagles Need More From Carson Wentz
The Philadelphia Eagles are scoring points this season, but Carson Wentz can still play much better. Philadelphia is averaging more than 25 points per game, but Wentz and the Eagles passing attack is averaging just 218.8 passing yards per game. Wentz has been sacked 16 times this season, and his ability to stay healthy has been a concern in recent seasons. Protecting Wentz from the vaunted Bears’ defense will be priority number one for the Eagles.
Philadelphia has given up 25 points per game this season, but that shouldn’t be much of a problem against the Chicago Bears. The Eagles do have one of the best rushing defenses in the league, and that should help them shut down Montgomery and the Bears in this game. Philadelphia does have 12 takeaways as a team this season, and that could be a key for them moving forward.
Eagles Pick up Second Straight Win
Even though this is a rematch of an NFC Playoff game from a season ago, this particular game won’t have that same feel. Both teams are not as good as they were a season ago, but this game will affect the playoff race in the conference. The Bears just can’t score any points, and that is going to cost them in this game. Take the Philadelphia Eagles -4.5 over the Chicago Bears in this week nine battle.
