In the final of four matchups across tonight’s NFL preseason slate, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Chicago Bears. This will mark the third and final preseason matchup for the two teams before the regular season kicks off.
The Chiefs are -130 favorites on the moneyline, while the Bears are +110 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total set at 42.5 points.
Bears vs. Chiefs prediction, pick
Bears Preview
Caleb Williams’ level of play has been the most encouraging takeaway from the preseason thus far. Last year’s No. 1 overall pick was held out of the first game, but went 6-for-10 for 107 yards and a touchdown against the Bills, looking surgical in his processing. He led Chicago on a 93-yard touchdown drive the first time he touched the football. Ben Johnson told reporters they will roll with the same game plan tonight and get Williams some more game snaps. The top skill position players are expected to get a few reps as well.
Chicago produced a 24-24 tie in the preseason opener but blew out the Bills 38-0 in the second preseason game. The Bears have showcased some intriguing depth and still have some competitions to sort out in the back of their depth chart. Expect them to make use of all 60 minutes as Johnson breaks in his offensive system and allows the roster to settle itself. Johnson is 1-0-1 straight up and against the spread thus far in his preseason head coaching career.
Chiefs Preview
Patrick Mahomes has attempted just one pass thus far in the preseason, which happened to be a one-yard touchdown, but this is expected to change tonight in the final preseason bout. Andy Reid has been more willing to play starters in preseason, so Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones and a few other impact starters will all get some work tonight.
Kansas City has dropped both preseason games thus far. It fell 20-17 to the Cardinals in the preseason opener and 33-16 to the Seahawks last week. The Chiefs’ defense has looked concerning, with its defensive line failing to make much of an impact. Several members of the secondary are also battling some injuries. Throughout his head coaching career, Reid is 46-52 straight up and 46-50-2 against the spread in the preseason.
Best Bet
The process matters more than the result in preseason, and this is especially the case with the Chiefs. Coming off three straight Super Bowl appearances and two victories, Kansas City has a feel for when it needs to put its foot on the gas. In contrast, it is a new era in Chicago and every rep is important. Johnson is entering his first season as head coach with a clear focus on getting Williams back on the proper trajectory. Expect this to remain the top priority and for this game to mean far more to Chicago.
Johnson is hailed as an offensive mastermind, and this is a great chance to continue getting the team prepared. Expect the Bears to be focused on pushing the scoring level to a point the Chiefs cannot match. Yes, Mahomes will play, but don’t expect him to have much of an impact on the game’s result. With motivation higher on the Bears’ side and some encouraging flashes being shown thus far in preseason, I am backing the Bears on an upset to finish off the preseason on the right foot.
