Philadelphia Eagles

NostraButkus: 5 Bold Predictions for Chicago Bears vs Philadelphia Eagles

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Chicago Bears square off against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. Here are five fearless predictions for the game.

Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) celebrates with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

NostraButkus is back for yet another set of fearless predictions! The Chicago Bears dropped their season opener to the Houston Texans in week one and if you came here last week, you already would have known that. Let’s recap NostraButkus’ predictions:

NostraButkus predicted that Jay Cutler would be under constant fire (check), NostraButkus predicted that Brock Osweiler would throw for 250 yards and 2 TDs, actual- 231 and 2 TDs (check), NostraButkus predicted that Alshon Jeffery would eclipse 100 yards (check), NostraButkus predicted a 1 point game entering the fourth quarter (check), and NostraButkus predicted a Houston Texans victory (check).

As it has been stated, NostraButkus knows all, and sees all. His clairvoyance has been well-documented. He is back and gives us his five bold predictions for Monday Night Football- the Chicago Bears vs the Philadelphia Eagles.

5. The Magic runs out on Jon Dorenbos

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles long snapper Jon Dorenbos (46) during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles long snapper has become America’s sweetheart after his long run on America’s Got Talent. He dazzled America with his slight of hand and impressive magic, but on the football field, his special teams unit is going to have some trouble.

The Chicago Bears will block a kick. They had a couple impressive pushes last week against the Houston Texans and it will happen this week. It’s a little blurry as to whether it comes on a punt or on a field goal, perhaps even an extra point. The block is going to come at a critical time and will be pointed to as one of the critical plays of the game.

4. Bobbie Massie surrenders another sack

Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) rushes against Chicago Bears tackle Bobby Massie (70) during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Bobby Massie’s performance seemed like it was a joke that wasn’t funny. His performance on pass plays was one of the worst I can remember in a Chicago Bears uniform. The only silver lining that comes from his performance is that it allows me to watch this gif over and over again compliments of Tim Baffoe.

Bobby Massie pic.twitter.com/IqqbBrqkd7

— Vice President Tim (@TimBaffoe) September 11, 2016

Massie’s performance will improve this week, but it won’t improve enough. Connor Barwin will get into the backfield on more than one occasion and will tally at least one QB sack at the hands (or rather slow feet) of Massie.

3. Carson Wentz turns it over not once, but twice

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) points to the Cleveland Browns defense in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Carson Wentz’s performance against the Cleveland Browns was as impressive as you could imagine for a rookie QB’s debut. He completed 22 of 37 passes for 278 yards and 2 TDs and zero turnovers.

While a rookie being turnover-free is about as impressive as it gets, that run will end this week in Chicago. Wentz is playing his first professional road game, and is facing a defensive coordinator (Vic Fangio) that is a mastermind at providing several different looks that can confuse QBs, especially inexperienced ones.

Wentz will throw at least one interception and lose one more ball either via the air or on the ground. Those turnovers will prove costly and Wentz will play decently, but the drop off in performance will hurt the Eagles significantly.

2. Alshon Jeffery tops 100 yards again

Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes a catch over Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Alshon Jeffery got off to an impressive start against the Texans, topping the 100-yard mark by halftime of his first game. Jeffery cooled off significantly in the second half but his presence was felt and he was the main reason the Bears had a lead entering the fourth quarter.

The Philadelphia Eagles have talent on defense, but they don’t at the cornerback positions. Jeffery and Jay Cutler are going to have a field day and Jeffery is going to surpass 100 yards for the second consecutive game and start entering the conversation as one of the elite receivers in the NFL.

1. The Chicago Bears defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in a close contest

Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles started off their seasons with tallies in opposite columns. The Eagles trounced the lowly Cleveland Browns and the Bears lost on the road to the Houston Texans. After this game concludes, the two teams will have identical records.

The Bears offense will look much improved from last week. Alshon Jeffery will have another good game, as will Eddie Royal. We will see Ka’Deem Carey and Jordan Howard both get carries this week, Langford will still get the vast majority, but we will start to see a little more of a committee, and most importantly we will see improved protection of Jay Cutler.

Defensively, the Bears will continue to take steps in the right direction. They will get more pressure on Wentz than they did on Osweiler and that will rattle the rookie enough to have his performance drop. The Bears will surrender a late touchdown to the Eagles that will make this game look closer than it actually was. The Bears should hold a 7-10 point lead for most of the game, but the late score will make this game look rather close.

Final Score- Chicago Bears 27, Philadelphia Eagles 24