Colts vs. Bears: A Crucial Week 3 Matchup as Both Teams Seek Early-Season Redemption

The Indianapolis Colts (0-2) are set to face the Chicago Bears (1-1) in a highly anticipated Week 3 NFL matchup on Sunday. The game will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Both teams are aiming to turn their seasons around early, with the Colts looking for their first win and the Bears aiming to bounce back after a close Week 2 loss. You can watch this exciting showdown live on CBS or stream it on Paramount+, which is currently offering a 7-day free trial along with 50% off your first year subscription for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME.

What to Expect from the Game

The Bears, led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, have shown flashes of potential despite some offensive struggles. Williams is still searching for his first NFL touchdown after two weeks of action, and this game could offer him the opportunity to break through. The Colts, on the other hand, have also had difficulties on offense but hope to make a statement at home.

Chicago's defense has been one of its strengths, and it will be crucial for the Bears to lean on that unit to keep the game within reach. The Colts' defense, currently ranked 31st in the NFL, has struggled against both the pass and the run, making it possible for Chicago to exploit these weaknesses.

Key Matchups to Watch

Caleb Williams vs. Colts' defense:** Williams has yet to find the end zone through the air, but this could be his breakout game. The Colts’ secondary has been leaky, allowing plenty of passing yards in the first two weeks. If Williams can settle down, this might be the game where he throws his first NFL touchdown.

D'Andre Swift vs. Colts’ run defense: The Colts have struggled mightily against the run, and Bears running back D'Andre Swift could take advantage of that. Swift has been a consistent performer for Chicago, and his ability to move the ball on the ground might be the key to keeping the Colts’ offense off the field and controlling the game’s tempo.

Bears’ defense vs. Colts’ offense: The Bears’ defense has held up well so far this season and will look to continue their strong play against a Colts team that has yet to find an offensive rhythm. If Chicago can disrupt the Colts’ game plan and force mistakes, they will have a good chance of staying in the game and possibly winning it.

Colts’ Struggles on Defense

Indianapolis has had one of the worst defenses in the league through the first two weeks, and that will be an area of focus heading into Week 3. Their issues defending the run could allow Swift to have a big day, and with Williams growing more comfortable, the Colts' defense could be in for another tough outing.

Zach Allen, a standout defensive end for the Colts, will need to step up to generate pressure on Williams. If the Colts' pass rush can make life difficult for the Bears’ rookie quarterback, they could limit Chicago’s offensive output. However, without a strong showing from their defense overall, Indianapolis may struggle to contain the Bears.

Injuries to Watch

The Bears will have to navigate some injury concerns heading into Sunday’s game. Linebacker Baron Browning and safety JL Skinner have both been ruled out, while defensive end John Franklin-Myers and safety Brandon Jones are expected to be available after being upgraded to full participants in practice.

For the Colts, several key players have been ruled out or are questionable for the game. Tackle Luke Goedeke, defensive lineman Calijah Kancey, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. are out, while wide receiver Kameron Johnson and nose tackle Vita Vea are doubtful. The absence of these players could further weaken an already struggling Colts defense.

How to Watch and Stream the Game

You can catch the Colts vs. Bears game live on CBS or stream it on Paramount+, which offers several benefits. With a Paramount+ subscription, you can watch every NFL on CBS game live, as well as other sports content like the UEFA Champions League, Serie A, and NWSL. Paramount+ also provides access to countless movies and shows, making it a great all-around entertainment package. If you're not already subscribed, you can take advantage of the current promotion for 50% off your first year and a 7-day free trial, valid until September 23, 2024.

Predictions and Betting Odds

The Colts are slight favorites heading into the game, with a 1.5-point advantage according to SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points scored is set at 44, indicating a potentially low-scoring affair. While both teams have had their struggles, the SportsLine computer model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, gives the Bears a strong chance to cover the spread.

The model points to Chicago’s defense as a key factor in keeping the game close. With the Colts' defensive struggles, the Bears could find enough opportunities on offense to stay competitive, and possibly even steal a win on the road.

Final Thoughts

Both the Colts and Bears are in search of consistency early in the 2024 season, and this Week 3 matchup could provide a turning point for either team. While the Bears have the defensive edge, the Colts will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage to secure their first win. Whether you’re watching on CBS or streaming live on Paramount+, this game promises to be a compelling battle as both teams try to prove they belong in the NFL conversation this season.