Chicago Bears @ Cincinnati Bengals – Week 9 Game Preview: Overview, Keys to Game, Insights
The Bears (4-3) had a disappointing effort against the Ravens in Baltimore last Sunday, losing by two touchdowns against backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. It was another frustrating performance by QB Caleb Williams and Chicago suffered repeated breakdowns in their injury ravaged secondary. Ben Johnson’s squad stays on the road in the AFC North facing the Bengals this Sunday.
Cincinnati (3-5) suffered a huge blow early in the season when pro bowl quarterback Joe Burrow went down with a toe injury that will keep him out until late December. After a couple of ugly losses with Jake Browning at the helm, they acquired veteran Joe Flacco and have at least been competitive since, although, Flacco may miss this game with a shoulder injury.
Despite the quarterback concerns, the Bengals have two outstanding wide receivers in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase in particular is very dangerous with over 700 yards and five touchdowns at the halfway point of the season. The passing game is even more important because their running attack is the worst in the NFL.
Defense has been a tremendous issue for Cincinnati from the beginning of the season. They have allowed more yards per game (407.9) and more points per game (31.6) than any other team in football. To put an emphasis on just how much trouble they have had, Justin Fields and the Jets put up 39 points on them in a Week 8 victory.
This matchup between two beleaguered secondaries has the chance to be explosive offensively. This is a game the Bears need to win if they want to be a factor in the playoff race this year. It’s also a chance for Williams to gain some confidence and take the step forward everyone is hoping for this year.
Where to Watch/Listen
- Sunday, November 2 at 12:00pm CT on CBS, WBBM Radio (English), and WRTO Radio (Spanish).
Keys to Victory
Here are my keys to Sunday’s game. If these things happen, the Bears should have a shot to win.
- Get the run going early. After several weeks in a row over 100 yards rushing Chicago had trouble running against Baltimore. Cincinnati surrenders more rushing yards than any team in the NFL so this is a golden opportunity to get back on track.
- Creating turnovers is an absolute must. The Bears have forced more turnovers than anyone in football but they had none against the Ravens and it exposed the defense’s vulnerabilities.
- Keep Trey Hendrickson under wraps if possible. The Bengals talented defensive end is probably the only threat on the pass rush but he can wreck the game if you let him.
- Try to incorporate D.J. Moore more. Williams has been feeding the ball to fellow wide receiver Rome Odunze recently and the talented Moore is being neglected. Getting him more involved in the game plan would be very helpful.
Don’t Tell Me the Odds
The Bears are favored by 2.5 points on the road in Cincinnati Sunday. Vegas expects a shootout with an over/under set at 51.5.
It’s Football Weather
The forecast for Paycor Stadium Sunday is 59 with partly cloudy skies and very little wind.
My Prediction
This is going to be a high-scoring affair with big plays all over the field. The Bears will get a couple of key turnovers and hold off the Bengals 42-38.
Official NFL Preview
Here is the official preview for the Bears-Bengals game from the NFL.
