Bears host the Colts at Soldier

Chicago Bears vs Indianapolis Colts Preview

Today the Chicago Bears (3-0) host the Indianapolis Colts (2-1) at home on the lakeside in Soldier Field. Can the Bears keep their early season magic going versus a tough Colts defense? Can the Bears ‘Monsters of the Midway’ stop the rejuvenated Indianapolis offense directed by Phil Rivers?

Indianapolis is favored by 2.5 points according to Sunday’s Chicago Tribune. The “Dutch Lion” is very iffy on this week’s prediction. Here’s why: The Colts defense has been phenomenal so far in this young NFL season.

According to Troy Aikman’s highly acclaimed Aikman Efficiency Ratings (AER), which I firmly believe in, here’s how the teams matchup heading into Week 4.

Aikman Efficiency Ratings (AER) 

• Indianapolis (2-1) : 8th overall (163.1), 25th offense (83.2), 2nd defense (79.9)
• Chicago (3-0) : 12th overall (154.7), 24th offense (84.4), 8th defense (70.3)

So what does it all mean? As you can see, Indianapolis has the edge on defense and overall. Chicago has a slight edge on offense. However, this is based on only three games, none of which were started by QB Nick Foles.

Chicago has played three bad teams so far in Detroit, New York Giants, and Atlanta. The Colts have likewise played some bad teams in Jacksonville, Minnesota, and the New York Jets. However, they lost one, to the Jaguars 27-20. Then they dominated both the Vikings (28-11) and the Jets (36-7).

Week 4 Prediction:

Maybe it’s just me but I think the Bears will struggle today against the Colts. I believe this Colts defense is for real and I think Nick Foles is better off the bench than he is as a starter. I see a low scoring game today at Soldier Field.

Indianapolis Colts 20, Chicago Bears 16