Chicago Bears were brought quickly back down to earth after their 59-point opening haul as they were held to just three in a narrow defeat to Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, a game that had bigger ramifications than just the result.
The Bears lost starting quarterback Caleb Williams to a hamstring injury in that loss to their NFC North rivals, while back-up Tyson Bagent suffered a concussion.
It means Chicago go into their Week 3 clash against Philadelphia Eagles with the prospect of veteran third-stringer Case Keenum - who has not played since 2023 when he threw three interceptions and just one touchdown in two games for the Houston Texans - calling the shots.
The Eagles, NFL champions in 2024, have started the season in unspectacular fashion, grinding out narrow wins over the Washington Commanders (24-22) and the Tennessee Titans (24-20).
They may have only been doing enough so far but winning is the key and they top the NFC East with a perfect two-from-two.
Chicago Bears v Philadelphia Eagles Tips Summary
Best Bet - Philadelphia Eagles -3.5 @ 20/23
Alternative Bet - Under 41.5 @ 10/11
Bet Builder - Philadelphia Eagles to win, Under 16.5 points for Chicago Bears & Kyle Monangai over 41.5 rushing yards @ 6/1
Chicago Bears v Philadelphia Eagles Prediction
Best Bet: Philadelphia Eagles -3.5 @ 20/23
The jury is perhaps still out on the 2026 Eagles given that they have edged close battles with the Commanders and Titans, two teams with perhaps lower expectations than plenty of others.
However, there is no getting away from the fact that the Bears, held to three points in their first game at Soldier Field - admittedly in a rainstorm, may well be relying on a 38-year-old veteran who has not played since 2023.
Even if Bagent passes protocols, his numbers will not strike any kind of fear into the Eagles, having thrown just three TDs and six interceptions in five games in 2023, although none of either in eight games since.
Either way, Philadelphia are expected to win as they are 20/41 favourites despite being on the road, but they can cover what looks a generous spread, given the Bears' situation, of just 3.5 points.
While Philadelphia have not set the world alight yet they still won by four points in their last game, while Minnesota scored only nine points in the Soldier Field opener and yet won by six.
Alternative Bet: Under 41.5 @ 10/11
While there were 96 points scored in the Bears' opening game, 42 points on Monday night seems a bit of a reach given there were 12 scored in total in their second where their troubles at QB started.
The Bears' defence limited the Vikings to three field goals and, given the Eagles haven't passed 24 in either game, it is unlikely they will run riot in Chicago given they are a little banged up too.
Marquise Brown and Dallas Goedert are definitely out while other offensive stars have faced limited practice this week.
Philadelphia have been scoring enough to win and there may be a similar theme on Monday night.
Chicago Bears v Philadelphia Eagles Bet Builder Tip
- Philadelphia Eagles to win
- Under 16.5 points for Chicago Bears
- Kyle Monangai over 41.5 rushing yards
Pays 6/1
The first two legs of the Bet Builder play into the fact that the Bears will be without their starting QB, and possibly the back-up too, with the Eagles expected to extend their perfect start to three games.
Chicago will likely rely heavily on their run game, given the inexperience of Bagent, who hasn't thrown a TD since 2023, while Keenum hasn't even played since that same year, and Philadelphia's defence can adapt accordingly.
Given the run game is likely to be a strong focus, Kyle Monangai can hit his rushing yard line of 41.5.
While he shares the workload with D'Andre Swift, he has been given 10 carries in both games so far, hitting the 100-yard mark in the wild game against the Carolina Panthers and gaining 47 against the Vikings, out-rushing Swift who made 45 off 16 carries.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
- Chicago Bears are 1-1 after a riotous 59-37 win over Carolina was followed by a 9-3 loss to Minnesota
- Philadelphia Eagles top the NFC East at 2-0, having edged Washington 24-22 and Tennessee 24-20
- Chicago won 24-15 at Lincoln Financial Field in the most recent meeting between these two last season
- Philadelphia had won five on the bounce prior to that defeat, including a 25-20 win in the last meeting at Soldier Field
- Tyson Bagent has not thrown a TD pass since 2023, when he threw three in five games, but also six interceptions
- Case Keenum has not taken a snap in the NFL since 2023, when he threw one TD and three picks in two games for Houston Texans
- The Bears have rushed for 425 yards from 70 attempts to lead the NFL in yards per carry (6.1)
Tactics, Form and Team News
The Bears will definitely be without QB Caleb Williams due to a hamstring injury, while back-up Tyson Bagent is questionable with a concussion.
Linebacker Noah Sewell and defensive tackle Shemar Turner will also miss Monday Night Football due to Achilles and knee injuries respectively.
Wide receiver Marquise Brown, tight end Dallas Goedert and tackle Fred Johnson are all ruled out for the Eagles, while linebacker Jonathan Greenard is questionable with a pectoral problem.
Running backs Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley were all limited in practice at some point this week but are expected to play, as is DeVonta Smith despite a hamstring issue.
Read more NFL betting tips and predictions on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
