First, I always like the Chicago Bears. But this is actually a good match-up.
(1) The most disappointing unit in the NFL, for me, has been the Giants defensive line. How can a team with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Dexter Lawrence be midtable in the sack category? (Coaching?) And not only that, but the Giants also have the second-worst run defense in the league. The Bears should be able to control this game at the line of scrimmage, keep down and distance manageable, and put those pass rushers on their heels. It would be surprising if the offensive success does not continue.
(2) The Bears will struggle against top receiver groups, and that was certainly obvious in Cincinnati. Darius Slayton and Wan'Dale Robinson are not that. I expect Dennis Allen to be a bit more conservative Sunday, sit his safeties deep, and force Jaxson Dart to hit the mid-range throw consistently. Don't be surprised if Kevin Byard baits the rookie quarterback into a pivotal mistake or two.
(3) The Bears are 2-1 at home, with a point differential of +26. The Giants are 0-5 on the road, with a point different of -49. Sometimes, football is just that simple, and the Giants don't have the same Dart-infused energy since Nabers and Skattebo went down with season-ending injuries.
(4) The New York Times is writing about a "lack of accountability" in the Brian Daboll regime. The New York Post is writing about whether Daboll and GM Joe Schoen are a "package deal." Big Blue View is already assembling a list of candidates to replace Daboll, while the quarterback failed to endorse the coach's return. There doesn't appear to be a rally coming from this Giants roster in support of their head coach.
Prediction: Chicago Bears 27, New York Giants 16
