The NFL preseason is in full swing, and fans are eagerly awaiting the upcoming clash between the Chicago Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs. This much-anticipated game, set for Thursday, August 22, 2024, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, promises to be a thrilling encounter with kickoff scheduled for 8:20 PM.
The Chicago Bears have had a strong preseason, boasting a 3-0 record. However, head coach Matt Eberflus has announced that most starters, including rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, will sit out the preseason finale. This decision aligns with the team's strategy to keep their key players fresh for the regular season opener on September 8, 2024, when they take on the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field in Chicago.
In their most recent outing, the Bears secured a dominant 27-3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Chicago was favored by -6.5, and they comfortably covered the spread with a 24-point win. The Bears' defense was particularly impressive, holding the Bengals to just 144 passing yards and 82 rushing yards.
Despite their success, the Bears' offense had its struggles, particularly on third downs, converting only 20% of their attempts. Tyson Bagent, who stepped in for Williams, threw for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Khalil Herbert led the ground attack with 31 rushing yards, while Dante Pettis caught two touchdown passes and led the team with 53 receiving yards.
The Bears' defense was the standout unit in their win over the Bengals. They recorded two interceptions, limited the Bengals to a 46.7% third-down conversion rate, and allowed just 226 total yards. The defensive line was particularly effective, winning the tackles for loss battle and hitting the quarterback five more times than the Bengals.
The Kansas City Chiefs, on the other hand, have had a challenging preseason, with an 0-2 record. Head coach Andy Reid has announced that the Chiefs will also rest their starters against the Bears, following a common practice for NFL teams in the final preseason game.
The Chiefs' latest game was a narrow 24-23 loss to the Detroit Lions. Despite leading 13-0 after the first quarter and holding a 16-12 lead at halftime, they couldn't maintain their advantage. The Lions outscored the Chiefs 6-7 in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
In their loss to the Lions, the Chiefs managed just 13 first downs and 202 yards passing on 35 attempts. The offense struggled to find rhythm, finishing with only 74 yards on 18 rushing attempts and a 28.6% conversion rate on third downs. Chris Oladokun led the Chiefs with 99 yards passing, completing 6 of 7 passes and throwing one touchdown.
The Chiefs' defense gave up 459 yards and 24 first downs in their loss to the Lions. They allowed 117 rushing yards on 31 attempts and 342 passing yards, with the Lions averaging 8.1 yards per attempt. Despite forcing two turnovers and recording one interception, the Chiefs' defense struggled to contain the Lions' offense.
With both teams resting their starters, this game will be an opportunity for backup players to showcase their talents and make a case for a spot on the final roster. The Bears' strong preseason form and defensive prowess give them an edge, but the Chiefs' home-field advantage and the potential for their backups to step up make it a balanced contest.
The Bears' offense, led by Tyson Bagent, has shown flashes of brilliance but needs to improve on third downs. The Chiefs' defense, despite its struggles, has playmakers capable of making big plays. This matchup will likely come down to which team's backup quarterback can make the most of their opportunities.
The Bears' defense has been dominant throughout the preseason, and they will look to continue that trend against the Chiefs. The Chiefs' defense, while inconsistent, has shown the ability to force turnovers. This game could be decided by which defense can create more opportunities for their offense.
While the starters may be sitting out, there are still several key players to keep an eye on in this preseason finale.
The preseason finale between the Chicago Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs promises to be an exciting clash of backups and rising stars. While both teams have had contrasting preseason fortunes, this game provides a valuable opportunity for players to showcase their talents and make a final impression before the regular season kicks off.
We think the Bears hold the edge here for backups, and let's face it, that is what this is.This is a game of backup players looking to make that final spot on the team.
The Bears QB depth will be key here. They've let the preseason and due to the fact taht we all know Andy Reid, Head Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, could care less about this preseason game, we will play the Chicago Bears -1 on the road.
