Week three of the NFL season is here with a matchup between two winless teams as the Chicago Bears travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. How many of you predicted that the Bears and Seahawks would both be looking for their first win going into week three? Despite the Bears being 14½ point underdogs, there are some interesting storylines in this game.
Injuries
The Bears will take the field without quarterback Jay Cutler and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery as both are dealing with hamstring injuries. Jeffery has been dealing with injuries off and on since preseason and it looks like playing last week at less than 100 percent might have backfired for the Bears. The Bears wide receiver depth had been already thin with first round pick Kevin White being placed on the physically unable to perform list to start the season. Cutler was injured on his pick six in the second quarter in last weekâs loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The Seahawks could be without running back Marshawn Lynch for their home opener on Sunday. Lynch is battling calf issues, according to coach Carroll, and will be a game-time decision.
The Replacements
Jimmy Clausen will replace Cutler in leading the Bears offense. As a starter, Clausen has struggled with a record of just 1-10. Last week, in relief, he was 14-23 for 121 passing yards with an interception and was sacked twice. Clausen also had multiple passes knocked down by the Cardinals defensive line as a result of staring down his targets. Wide receiver Eddie Royal has also been held out of practice this week with an injured back and hip. It is unknown if Royal will suit up for this game either, so that means third year wide receiver Marquess Wilson and Josh Bellamy could both be starting. Last week Bellamyâs one reception did end up going for a 48 yard touchdown. If Lynch is unable to go on Sunday the Seahawks will turn to veteran Fred Jackson, who they signed in the offseason. Jackson is 34 years old and so far this season has just 3 rushing attempts for 13 yards, but he can still be effective. Especially against a Bears defense who has allowed the most points in the NFL this season with 79.
Prediction
Chalk this one up to be an easy victory for the Seahawks. The Bears will try to find Matt Forte the ball every chance they get on Sunday and the Seahawks will know this. I see Seattleâs defense stacking the box to force Clausen to throw the ball. Without their two best wide receivers and the return of defensive back Kam Chancellor, Clausen and the Bears offense will be in for a long afternoon. Look for Russell Wilson to have a solid numbers even though he will just need to manage the game to get the win. I think the final score will be Seahawks 38 and Bears 10.
