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Eagles at Bears: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Dan Schmelzer

Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tracy Porter (21) is congratulated by running back Paul Lasike (47) after making an interception during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tracy Porter (21) is congratulated by running back Paul Lasike (47) after making an interception during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia Eagles visit the Chicago Bears, hoping to earn their second win behind Carson Wentz.

With the entire country watching on Monday Night Football, the Chicago Bears will host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2 action.

While the Bears enter Week 2 after a tough opening game loss to the Houston Texans, the Eagles head to Soldier Field flying high after a Week 1 win. The Eagles not only easily handled the Cleveland Browns 29-10, rookie quarterback Carson Wentz played fantastic.

Wentz tossed for 278 yards and two touchdowns against Cleveland, but more importantly, he looked like a legitimate NFL quarterback. Wentz will undoubtedly struggle at times as a rookie, but he belongs in this league.

Seeing how he performs in his second career game is probably the biggest story here. Wentz has massive upside at the quarterback position. Was Week 1 a fluke against an awful team, or is Wentz legit? It is impossible to say yet, but we will have a much larger sample size after Monday night.

The Bears’ defense is not exactly loaded with talent. That being said, they are a young, up-and-coming unit who will make Wentz earn his stripes. The Bears’ front seven in particular is going to be a tough test for Wentz. He may be able to exploit their secondary at times, but their stout d-line and talented linebackers will may him work.

Related Story: What we learned from Chicago vs Houston

As always, the story when the Bears have the ball comes down to Jay Cutler. He started strong against the Texans last week, but Cutler completed only 55 percent of his passes and of course threw a crushing interception.

If Cutler can find his rhythm against a below average Eagles’ defense, the Bears’ offense may have a nice night. However, he is such an erratic player who we know they cannot count on consistently.

Wentz is undoubtedly the bigger story, but the play of Cutler could easier be the deciding factor in this game.

Date: Monday, September 19th, 2016
Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: Chicago, IL
Venue: Soldier Field
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Betting Odds

Despite the loss last week, the Bears open this game 1.5 point favorites. The Eagles looked strong last week, but they are a young and inexperienced team. It would not be surprising to see them go on the road and struggle.

The Bears are likely better than what they showed last week, and I think this line reflects that. The OVER/UNDER for this game is set at 43 points.

Prediction

Neither of these teams are likely to be post-season contenders in 2016. However, the Bears have more talent up and down their roster. Wentz’ play could be the difference here, but I see the rookie struggling on the road in primetime. Should be close, but I am going with the Bears.

Pick: Bears 23, Eagles 17

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