When the Bears have the ball
A week after the Bears scored a season-low 16 points against the 32nd-ranked Ravens defense, they should fare better against a Bengals defense that is not only ranked 32nd in points allowed, but 32nd in yards allowed and rushing yards allowed; 30th in passing yards allowed; 29th in sacks and 31st in third-down conversions.
The Ravens’ low ranking was deceptive. They were improving and regained star linebacker Roquan Smith. The woeful Bengals are the real deal — they’ve allowed 27 or more points in their last seven games. And they just allowed 39 to the Jets, who came in averaging 12 points in their previous five games.
Quarterback Caleb Williams will be looking to regain his early season form after subpar games against the Saints (61.7 passer rating) and Ravens (77.2). But his weapons are banged up. Running back D’Andre Swift (groin) and rookie wide receiver Luther Burden (concussion) are out. And wide receivers DJ Moore (hip/groin), Rome Odunze (heel) and Olamide Zaccheaus (knee) and tight end Cole Kmet (back) were limited in practice this week (though with full participation Friday).
Even short-handed, coach Ben Johnson should have options on offense against a Bengals defense that likely will be missing All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is doubtful with a hip injury. The Jets rushed for 254 yards and passed for 248 against the Bengals last week. Seven games in, Johnson’s offense shouldn’t have to be at full strength to beat up on a bad defense.
When the Bengals have the ball
A week after the Bears thought they were facing Lamar Jackson and lost to Tyler Huntley, they face another unknown this week, with veteran Joe Flacco questionable with a lingering shoulder injury. Jake Browning would start in his place.
Flacco sounded as if he expects to play, for whatever that’s worth. The last time he faced the Bears, with the Browns in 2023, he threw for 374 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted three times in a 20-17 loss.
Either quarterback will be dangerous with All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase on the field. In his last game with Browning, Chase had six receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions. In three games since Flacco was acquired from the Browns, Chase has 38 receptions for 346 yards (9.1 avg.) and two touchdowns. He’s been targeted an astounding 42 times in the last two games.
That doesn’t bode well for a banged-up Bears secondary. With slot cornerback Kyler Gordon (groin/calf) joining Jaylon Johnson (groin) on injured reserve, the Bears signed free agent safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who is expected to play four days after joining the team. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (shoulder) is expected to return after missing last week’s game.
The Bears defense, a work-in-progress under coordinator Dennis Allen, has struggled when its not creating turnovers, but could have opportunity in this one. The Bengals have 11 giveaways this season, tied for 23rd in the NFL.
