What an incredible and pleasant surprise we saw in Week 3 when Ben Johnson put on an absolute clinic against the Philadelphia Eagles. These Chicago Bears, led by quarterback Case Keenum, made a statement at Soldier Field under the lights.
Now, at 2-1 and just behind the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North, the Bears will host the New York Jets in Week 4.
A few weeks ago, this matchup would have been laughable and well in favor of the Bears. Now, although the matchup still favors Chicago, the Jets are not the same old Jets through three weeks. New York has shown a whole lot more competitiveness. Geno Smith has ignited a fire and their offense, at the very least, looks competent.
So, how does this one shake out? As we inch closer to the game, we've got everything you need to know.
- Updated NFC North Standings ahead of Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets Week 4
- How to watch Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets in Week 4
- Chicago Bears Injury Report for Week 4
- New York Jets Injury Report for Week 4
- Weather Forecast for Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets Week 4
- Biggest Chicago Bears storylines for Week 4: QB situation tops the list
- Predictions for Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets Week 4
Updated NFC North Standings ahead of Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets Week 4
Team | Record |
|---|---|
Vikings | 3-0 |
Bears | 2-1 |
Lions | 2-1 |
Packers | 2-1 |
As it stands, we are back to the NFC North looking like a juggernaut. A lot can change, but for now, it's as close as can be.
How to watch Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets in Week 4
Date: Sunday October 4th
Time: 12pm CT
TV: FOX
Announcers: Tim Brando, Drew Brees, Kristina Pink (sideline)
Chicago Bears Injury Report for Week 4
Will be updated after each injury report is released
Player | Injury | Practice Status 9/30 |
|---|---|---|
New York Jets Injury Report for Week 4
Will be updated after each injury report is released
Player | Status | Practice Status 9/30 |
|---|---|---|
Will be updated after each injury report is released
Weather Forecast for Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets Week 4
(forecast via NFLweather)
Kickoff Temperature: 63 degrees
Wind: 7mph
Precipitation: n/a
Biggest Chicago Bears storylines for Week 4: QB situation tops the list
The Bears' quarterback situation is now a topic
We will soon hear who the starting quarterback is for Week 4, but if you ask me, there is no question it has to be Keenum again. The offense was in a rhythm. They have a good thing going. The last thing you want to do, with Caleb Williams out, is disrupt the offense when they are in sync.
Now, on the flip side, that's a tough spot to be in for Tyson Bagent, who was the no. 2 before going down with a concussion at the end of Week 2. Unfortunately, these situations arise in the NFL. That happens sometimes, and it's too bad for Bagent, but he will have to handle this like a pro -- as I am sure he will.
It's got to be Keenum, who completed 24-of-34 passes and totaled three touchdowns with no turnovers.
The other topic this prompts is a potential trade scenario for Bagent, once Williams gets close to returning, but that's a story for another time.
Do the Bears have a defense?
I've been one of the biggest critics of this defense and have blamed much of it on Ryan Poles, but you've got to give credit where credit is due. This defense has allowed back-to-back games of single-digit points.
Did they get lucky with an atrocious Andy Dalton interception thrown on the goal line? Absolutely they did. But, aside from that play, they truly stepped up against Philly. That second half, the Bears' defensive line came up big. It was the most active we've seen that line all season, with Dayo Odeyingbo really starting to change the narrative and play exceptionally well.
Malik Muhammad and Dillon Thieneman look like gems and are the future of this secondary. With questions surrounding Jaylon Johnson, the health and overall play of Tyrique Stevenson and of course Kyler Gordon, these two rookies have been a breath of fresh air and give reason for fans to be excited again about the defensive side.
Don't look now, but the Jets are no longer the bottom of the barrel. Geno Smith is 10th in the NFL in passing, the Jets are 13th in yards per game and I would say there is no reason why the Bears defense should overlook New York.
Should we worry about the Bears' pass catchers?
Rome Odunze continues to struggle with drops as he let a touchdown go right through his hands against the Eagles. Colston Loveland finally got involved and wound up with four catches on Monday night, but fans would still like to see more.
Kalif Raymond still leads this Bears team in receiving with 214 yards, however, Luther Burden III now leads the team with 23 targets to Raymond's 21.
In short, I would not worry one bit about the discrepancy. If the Bears' offense is humming, there should be no major concerns about how the ball is being spread around. Yes, Odunze's drops and 13 targets through three games are a bit alarming. But, let's give it time.
The real worry should be over rookie tight end Sam Roush, who continues to be an issue. He might've caught a fourth-down conversion against Philly, but he also tripped after the catch and fumbled the ball (out of bounds, thankfully).
Predictions for Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets Week 4
Passing yards leader: Case Keenum
Rushing yards leader: D'Andre Swift
Receiving yards leader: Garrett Wilson
Who wins the turnover battle: Chicago
Final score prediction: Bears 33 Jets 17
Add us as a preferred source on Google