Houston Texans at Chicago Bears 9/25/22 - NFL Picks & Predictions

Last Updated: 09/19/2022 at 9:37 PM ET

The Chicago Bears host the Houston Texans on Sept. 25. Chicago won the last meeting 36-7 in December 2020, but Houston leads the all-time series 4-1.   

The Texans have had an interesting two weeks to start their season. Hosting Indianapolis as a 6.5-point underdog in Week 1, they got a 20-20 tie. Then, in Week 2 at Denver, Houston lost 16-9 but led 9-6 at the end of the third quarter and held the Broncos to just 201 yards passing. The Broncos were only 10.5-point favorites in that game. Both games went UNDER the totals of 45.5 and 45, respectively.

The Bears are 1-1 overall and against the spread after a 27-10 loss at Green Bay. The Packers were favored by 10.5 points. Chicago knocked off San Francisco, 19-10, at home in Week 1 as 6.5-point underdogs. Both games were UNDER the totals of 42 and 38.5, respectively.

The records may be the same, but Houston and Chicago have struggled in different areas. The Texans ground game has been lacking, while the Bears have done little through the air. Houston has rushed for just 157 yards total, 77 in Week 1 and 80 in Week 2, while Chicago has only thrown for 153 yards. The Bears were particularly bad in Week 2, with a meager 48 yards passing but did run for 180 after only gaining 99 against the 49ers.

Houston quarterback Davis Mills has completed 42 of 75 passes for 417 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. Running back Dameon Pierce has run for 102 yards after gaining 69 on 15 carries in Week 2. Brandin Cooks leads the Texans receivers with 11 receptions for 136 yards, but tight end O.J. Howard has caught both of Houston’s touchdowns.

Chicago QB Justin Fields has been rather ineffective through two games, attempting just 28 passes and completing 15 for 191 yards. He’s thrown two touchdown passes but also has two interceptions. Fields does have a rushing touchdown, but he has averaged only 2.5 yards a carry (19 rushes, 48 yards). David Montgomery leads the Bears with 32 rushes for 148 yards after a 15-carry, 122-yard performance at Green Bay. Equanimeous St. Brown has caught seven passes for 57 yards and a score. The only other Chicago receiver with over 50 yards is Dante Pettis whose lone catch was a 51-yard touchdown pass from Fields.

Neither team has played particularly well, but Chicago has had the more effective defense. Both are near the bottom of the league in yards allowed on the ground, while the Bears have the superior passing defense. This will be the difference as Chicago should be able to limit Houston’s offensive strength, its passing game. It probably won’t be pretty, but we think the Bears get the job done this week. Final Score Prediction: Bears win and cover 23-16.

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