The Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs face off in a preseason contest tonight in the third and final exhibition game for each team this offseason.
As we get closer and closer to the start of the NFL regular season, this is the last chance for many of these players to make an impact in order to make the final roster. This week, the Bears travel to Kansas City for a Thursday night tilt.
Here is everything you need to know surrounding the Bears vs. Chiefs Week 3 preseason game, including the channel, start time, live stream options, and more.
Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs Channel and Broadcast Details
- Start time: Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, 8:20 p.m. ET
- Channel: NFL Network
- Live stream options: NFL App, NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, NFL+
- Radio stations: WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM, 106.5 The Wolf
- Starting QBs:
- Bettings lines:
- Spread: CHI -3.5
- Total: 34.5
- Moneyline: CHI -180, KC +150
Although 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams sat out of the Bears’ first matchup, the rookie quarterback has made appearances in the past two weeks, and the early returns are promising.
Williams went three-and-out on the first three drives last week, but plays finally started to string together as he led Chicago on two scoring drives to take a 10-3 lead into the second half.
The first drive ended in a field goal, then the second saw Williams connect with fellow rookie Rome Odunze on a 45-yard bomb before Williams punched it into the end zone himself from seven yards out.
In addition to the offense, the defense was also on fire. The Bears forced three turnovers, intercepting two passes after leading the NFL in interceptions in 2023. They also sacked Woodside twice and ate in the backfield with five tackles for loss.
Chicago has outscored its opponents 60-9 in the last two weeks. While it’s only the preseason, the early success is promising a big improvement in the Windy City for the 2024 season.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs lost a heartbreaker at home against the Detroit Lions in Week 2 of the preseason despite a magical Patrick Mahomes moment early on in the game. In his limited action, Mahomes connected with All-Pro TE Travis Kelce on an underhand, behind-the-back toss after Kelce ran the wrong route.
Kelce gained eight yards and a first down for a gaudy highlight in a game that featured two 60+ yard touchdowns. The Chiefs saw four different quarterbacks take the field Saturday as the coaching staff continues to determine the depth behind Mahomes.
Veteran Carson Wentz has been all right, while 2022 seventh-round pick Chris Oladokun has produced some quality tape in his two appearances.
Bears at Chiefs Betting Preview
This game is really tricky to call because neither team is set to play its starters, so the odds hang in the balance. In order to get a feel for this game, it makes sense to look at how these “backup” units have been doing when in the game.
Last week, the Bears scored 17 points in the second half, largely with backups, after scoring 28 against the Buffalo Bills in the second half the week before (21 on offense). In contrast, they have allowed a total of three points in the second half of preseason games over the past two weeks and just six points in total.
The Chiefs scored 14 points last week after Patrick Mahomes left the game and managed 10 the week before. In contrast, they have allowed 43 points in total to opposing backups, including 24 to a combination of Nate Sudfeld and Hendon Hooker last week against the Detroit Lions.
For more betting analysis, make sure to check out PFN’s Week 3 preseason picks and predictions.
