The Los Angeles Chargers kick off Week 8 against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 5:25 p.m. PT.
Who is going to come out victorious?
Here is a look at the predictions from each of our writers at Chargers Wire:
Gavino:
The Chargers are a more talented team and they should win this game with ease. But it’s the Chargers and no matter who they’re playing, they have to make every game, win or lose, in nail-biting fashion. Justin Herbert and company should put up points against a Bears defense that has seemed to turn the corner, but they’re one of the worst in the red zone. Chicago should find the end zone against a struggling Bolts defense. Ultimately, the Chargers do enough to win this contest barely.
Chargers 27, Bears 24
Alex K:
It’s important to remember that Los Angeles’ struggles in the last two weeks have come against two top-five defenses. Chicago’s defense, meanwhile, is 28th in DVOA with a terrible pass rush. The Chargers should be able to move the ball even with their injury situation at wide receiver. Defensively, LA needs to bring their corners closer to the line of scrimmage against Tyson Bagent, who has the lowest air yards per attempt of any quarterback of the last decade.
Chargers 31, Bears 17
Alex I:
The Chargers are looking for a way to snap their two-game losing streak out of the BYE. On paper, this game against the Bears should be a chance to get one back. It’s probably the “easiest” game LA has left on its schedule.
And yet, there should be some hesitation. The Chargers have put up just 17 points on offense in their last two games. Things, in theory, should be easier against a worse Bears’ front, but will Justin Herbert and Kellen Moore each have complete games, respectively?
On the defensive side of the ball, the Chargers have to contend with Tyson Bagent starting at quarterback. While he isn’t a Justin Fields-level threat offensively, he’s been able to execute what Chicago has asked him to do effectively. D.J. Moore is still an explosive weapon and Chicago can run the ball.
On paper, the Chargers are the much more talented team in this one. But it’s the game plan that should worry fans. If the Bolts come into this one with some aggression and spark defensively, this game should go well. If Michael Davis is yet again peeled back in coverage several yards off of the line, it could be a long one. I’m guessing the former scenario will take place as Brandon Staley, Herbert, and the Chargers find themselves back in the winner’s circle again.
Chargers 30, Bears 21