Chicago Bears may be handed three unlucky breaks vs. Saints

The Chicago Bears may be handed some untimely bad news ahead of Sunday

Coming off a disappointing loss in Week 17 to the Green Bay Packers, the 8-8 Chicago Bears still have reason for hope. Though it may be a small sliver of hope, it’s hope nonetheless.

Chicago is in the playoffs and is set to travel to take on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday afternoon, who finished as the NFC’s no. 2 seed overall. The Bears enter as an underdog, definitely, with the Saints being 7-point favorites at the moment.

However, if a few things swing the Saints’ way this week, that line could get even worse.

This week, we could see a few things break against the Bears in a big way, starting with one of their best players missing the Wild Card game.

1. The Chicago Bears could be without their defensive MVP

Against the Packers on Sunday, linebacker Roquan Smith left the game early on with an elbow injury. He did attempt to test it on the sidelines but to no avail. Smith sat out the remainder of the game, which definitely hurt the Bears’ defense.

Smith’s 2020 season is one of the best seasons by any linebacker in the league this year. Never mind the fact that he was snubbed from the Pro Bowl. Smith has played at an All-Pro level this year. The third-year pro out of Georgia finished this year sixth in the NFL in tackles (139) with 98 of them being solo, as well as fourth overall in tackles for loss with 18.

No matter what fan voting says, Smith’s season has been incredible, and if he’s unable to go against the Saints on Sunday, the Bears are in trouble.

Head coach Matt Nagy does not have a specific update for Smith yet this week, declining to give any information in regards to his status. Hopefully, today or tomorrow we hear some news (fingers crossed for positive).

For the Bears to have a chance against Drew Brees and the Saints, they’re going to need Smith active. Why? Because this next guy just might suit up.