Can the Chicago Bears silence Joe Flacco and exploit Cincinnati's struggling run defense? Key matchups and turnover battles will decide this crucial road trip.
The stage is set for the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9.
Chicago travels to the land of Skyline Chili to face Joe Flacco and the Bengals after the veteran quarterback's status was uncertain.
Flacco appeared on the injury report Friday as questionable, as he has been battling an AC Joint injury in his throwing shoulder coming into the game. However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that Flacco is going to be playing.
The Bears are 4-3 heading into the game after dropping their last game to the Baltimore Ravens 30-16. In order for Chicago to avoid another loss and go 4-4, here's what needs to happen:
Bears Must Keep Peace With Flacco and Bengals' Offense
Flacco's presence raises an interesting issue for the Bears.
In his three starts, the team has gone 1-2 but has scored plenty of points in the last two games. Cincinnati beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31 and lost to the New York Jets on Sunday 39-38.
For Chicago to have a chance in this game, the scoring will need to increase.
Chicago has converted five of its last 16 red zone trips into touchdowns. If the struggles continue into Sunday, it could be a long day for the Bears.
Force Flacco Into His First Bengals Turnover
Similar to when the Bears faced Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football, Flacco has yet to turn the ball over since joining Cincinnati.
The Bears were able to force Daniels into throwing an interception in the first quarter of that game and even recovered a fumble from the Washington quarterback.
It's no secret that Chicago has found success this season when they create turnovers. The Bears have 15 forced turnovers in their four wins and have allowed 19 points. In the three losses, Chicago has one takeaway and allowed 36.3 points.
The recipe for success is clear.
Kyle Monangai Legacy Game
Kyle Monangai is going to be called upon with D'Andre Swift (groin) and Roschon Johnson (back) both out of the game due to injury.
The rookie out of Rutgers has shown flashes of greatness this season, most recently against the New Orleans Saints, where he rushed for 81 yards and one touchdown in the 26-14 win.
He needs to step up against the awful rush defense of Cincinnati, which leads the league in most rushing yards allowed per game at 151.8.
Chicago and Cincinnati kick off at noon CT on CBS, as the Bears look for their third road win of the year.