It seems that the Nick Foles era has kicked off in Windy City, as the quarterback led the Chicago Bears to an epic comeback victory last Sunday to help preserve the team’s unscathed win-loss record. But the challenge is about to get harder for the Bears, as they will welcome the surging Indianapolis Colts at Soldier Field in Week 3. Check out our preview of this game below.
After their stumble in their loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road back in Week 1, the Colts have seemingly regained their footing and are now on cruise control. They defeated the Minnesota Vikings at home in Week 2, 28-11, then victimized the hapless New York Jets last Sunday, also at home, 36-7. Philip Rivers came away with 217 passing yards and a touchdown on 17-of-21 competitions, while rookie running back Jonathan Taylor rushed 13 times for 59 yards and a touchdown. A win against the miserable Jets is not a reliable indicator of how things are going for Indianapolis, but having that kind of lopsided win is great in boosting any team’s morale and confidence, which the Colts also need in battling the undefeated Bears. Indianapolis’ defense is allowing just 15.0 points per game, second-fewest in the league, and that’s accounting for all of the points the Colts gave up to the Jags. The Colts picked Sam Darnold twice in the Jets game and both were returned for touchdowns. The Colts lead the league with six interceptions.
The Colts are 2-0 against the spread in their last two games.
It looks like it’s Chicago’s turn to embrace the Nick Foles experience. The Bears turned to the Super Bowl-winning quarterback in Sunday’s 30-26 come-from-behind win against the embattled Atlanta Falcons, with Mitchell Trubisky struggling — again. Foles finished with 188 passing yards and three touchdowns against an interception on 16-of-29 pass completions to lead Chicago, which is 20th in the NFL with an average of 24.7 points per game. Chicago head coach Matt Nagy has yet to name a starter for the Colts game, but that may very well be Foles, as it would be a wise decision for them to ride the hot hand while the team is still undefeated. Up against the stellar pass defense of Indiana, the Bears would be in a better place starting the quarterback with a sharper view of the field, and that’s Foles, not Trubisky. Chicago’s defense has been impressive as well, allowing just 20.7 points per game and letting just 30.95 percent of opponents’ third downs to go through. Conversely, the Colts are last in the league in third-down conversions (30.3%).
The under is 5-1 in the Bears’ last six home games.
