KC Chiefs vs. Chicago Bears: NFL Week 3 Preview and Predictions
The Kansas City Chiefs got their first win of the 2023 season last week. On Sunday, they have an opportunity to double their win total.
Coming into town are the 0-2 Chicago Bears, a squad that has struggled immensely under second-year head coach Matt Eberflus and third-year quarterback Justin Fields. Chicago's offense has yet to get off the ground this season, and its defense is a far cry from the Bears of old. Kansas City is heavily favored in this matchup, for good reason.
How will today's game unfold? The Arrowhead Report crew makes their predictions.
Aug 13, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) warms up with wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) before a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Joshua Brisco: The Bears are a mess and the Chiefs’ defense has been one of the most fun developments of the first two weeks of the NFL season. Even with a think-less/run-more strategy on the horizon for Justin Fields, I trust the KC D to handle business. I’m more interested in how the offense performs against the mess that is the Bears’ defense. Even in a perfect get-right opportunity, Andy Reid’s tendency to take his foot off the gas with large leads and the Chiefs’ offensive disjointedness has me taking the Chiefs and the under.
Prediction: Chiefs 27, Bears 10
Jordan Foote: On paper, this game isn't remotely close. The Bears have an anemic roster and their coaching staff has struggled to formulate worthwhile game plans through two games this season. Factoring in Alan Williams's recent resignation and the drama with quarterback Justin Fields, this could have the makings of a surprise game for the visiting team if everything breaks their way. That likely won't happen, though, and I'm chalking this one up to an improved performance from the Chiefs' offense being enough to barely cover the spread and get KC to above .500 on the year.
Prediction: Chiefs 31, Bears 17
Mark Van Sickle: The Chicago Bears are a disaster right now, both on and off the field. It would take quite a large self-implosion for the Chiefs to lose another game at home, especially against a team like the Bears. The defense is keeping the team steady while Mahomes and the offense figure things out. This will be a good week for the Chiefs.
Prediction: Chiefs 34, Bears 14
Zack Eisen: Honestly, I’m unsure how to predict this game for the Chiefs. I think they win, but how they win is the question. Up to this point of the season, the offense has looked entirely out of sync. Is this the week that the miscues and mistakes get cleaned up? Because if it is, this game could get out of hand quickly. For confidence’s sake, Kansas City’s offense should come out guns blazing, trying to score on every possession. That would be a step toward getting the unit back in a groove and rolling. Hopefully, a non-Kelce weapon can emerge as a guy Mahomes and Reid can trust moving forward to help steady the minds of Chiefs’ fans.
Prediction: Chiefs 30, Bears 13
Conner Christopherson: I mean, it's the on-fire Bears... the Chiefs have to have a rare blowout at home, right? Well, that is certainly the hope. The side of the ball many Chiefs fans want to see get going in this game is, surprisingly, the offense. After a slow start to the season, the Chiefs are facing a hapless Bears defense having many things go wrong for them recently.
The two aspects of the offense that have some hiccups so far this season — the wide receivers and offensive line — have a great opportunity to build confidence and mojo. Players like Rashee Rice and Jawaan Taylor are names to watch when it comes to building that confidence, as this is a perfect game for both to either refine their games or work into the offense more. With the Chiefs' defense rolling so far this year with Chris Jones back, it's hard to think this is anything but a big Chiefs win.
Prediction: Chiefs 30, Bears 13
Marlow Ferguson Jr.: There’s never a right time to see the Chiefs up next on the schedule, but for the Chicago Bears, the timing couldn’t be worse. From a banged-up secondary to off-field issues, it’s difficult to imagine them mentally going toe-to-toe with the Chiefs, especially at Arrowhead. This has the makings of a get-right game for Kansas City: ironing out some issues, padding some stats and introducing some of their less productive players to start the year. Expecting a competitive first quarter, and then the Chiefs pulling away from there.
Prediction: Chiefs 37, Bears 16
