Fansided

Bears at Colts: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Russell S. Baxter

Oct 2, 2016; London, ENG; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) hands off to running back Frank Gore (23) against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; London, ENG; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) hands off to running back Frank Gore (23) against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Chicago Bears finally got a win last week and now look to start a streak as they clash with the struggling Indianapolis Colts this weekend.

The Indianapolis Colts, off a tough loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars at London, England, host the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Head coach John Fox has to be feeling a bit better about his team following a 17-14 win over the Detroit Lions.

Naturally, when a team comes off a win and they’re using a backup quarterback, questions will ensue. So when John Fox was asked about Brian Hoyer (via Chris Emma of 670 The Score), the head coach stated that “Anybody’s that performing well, I don’t think we’re going to be likely to change.”

It’s a bit of a small sample size but you can’t help but noticed how much better the journeyman quarterback has played. Hoyer has hit on 69.1 percent of his throws, good for 697 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. He’s been sacked three times in 100 pass plays and fumbled twice, losing one of those bobbles.

On the other hand, much-maligned Jay Cutler was off to a very rough start before being injured in the Week 2 home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. In less than two games, he completed 28-of-46 passes (60.9 percent) for 373 yards and a score. But he was also picked off twice and fumbled three times (1 lost). The 11-year pro has been sacked eight times and looked far from sharp.

Odds

Line: Colts (-4.5)
Over/Under: 47.5

While the Bears’ defense has shown signs of life this season, the same can’t be said for the Colts. They’ve allowed 382.8 total yards per game and 10 offensive touchdowns, as well as 31.3 points per contest. Quarterback Andrew Luck remains the main threat on offense while the running game is still a work in progress. Last week, the team started three rookies on the offensive line so look for the Bears and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to have some wrinkles ready for a rebuilding unit.

More fansided.com: NFL Power Rankings Week 5: Steelers Bounce Back

Hoyer comes off a solid performance against the Detroit Lions. Chicago’s pass-catching corps (including wideouts Alshon Jeffery, Kevin White and Eddie Royal and tight end Zach Miller) will present plenty of issues for an Indianapolis defense that can’t seem to get out of its own way.

However, the Colts can more than match the Bears when it comes to offensive weapons and an Adam Vinatieri field goal will eventually prove to be the difference.

Pick: Indianapolis 27, Chicago 24

Home/Chicago Bears