Watch to watch for: Bears vs. Texans
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The painted fingers of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams as he prepares prior to last week's game versus the Tennessee Titans. Photo: Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images
I'm making it my mission each week to get you fully prepared for the Bears game.
Why it matters: Whether you are a die-hard or a casual fan, I want you to be the best, most educated fan you can be.
Driving the news: The Bears (1-0) head to Houston for a prime time matchup against the Texans (1-0) on Sunday Night Football.
Good news: The Bears won last week without scoring an offensive touchdown.
Bad news: The Bears haven't won a road Sunday Night Football game since 2011.
What to watch for:
Who makes big plays: It's a nationally televised game and in the NFL, superstars separate themselves from the pack by playing their best when the lights are brightest.
- Watch for Bears stars like Jaylon Johnson, DJ Moore and Montez Sweat.
Compare and contrast: This will not be an easy game for quarterback Caleb Williams. The No. 1 overall draft pick didn't play well last week, and the Texans defense is tougher than the Titans.
- Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was last year's AFC Rookie of the Year so watch closely how he operates and if Williams can match him. That's why this game is being nationally televised.
Monsters of the Midway: Whenever the Bears have early success, it's usually because the defense makes big plays. The nation expects it. If they get a few sacks, the broadcast will cue up Mike Singletary highlight clips.
- Watch T.J. Edwards, Darrell Taylor and this week's NFC Defensive Player of the Week, Tyrique Stevenson.
Punts and kicks: Last week, the Bears won because of a game-turning blocked punt for a touchdown.
- The best Bears teams have had great special teams, including the 1985 and 2006 Super Bowl teams. If they show up again Sunday with a big play or two, this will become a bigger storyline.
The broadcast: Be ready for analyst Cris Collinsworth to salivate over deep dish pizza while talking gibberish about hot dogs and heart attacks.
- If this game were played in Chicago, there would definitely be b-roll from Mr. Beef.
- Instead, there will be graphics and charts showing how bad Bears quarterbacks have been and close-up shots of Williams' fingernail polish.
The bottom line: The Bears are expected to lose this one. But if they can pull off the upset, the rebuild will quickly turn into a resurgence.
How to watch: Game starts at 7:20pm Sunday on NBC.