Both the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs are 1-3, and they're headed into their Week 5 matchup looking for momentum to change their season. The Bears at least finally a win in Week 4 against the Oakland Raiders. They're hoping that their first win since last November will carry over to Kansas City, where they'll face a team that is three games removed from its sole victory of the season.
After a disastrous Week 3 shutout without starter Jay Cutler, the quarterback returned from a hamstring injury and brought enough of a spark to lead the team to a last-minute win. Despite the slow start for John Fox's team and injuries decimating their receiving corps, the Bears have to feel good about taking down the upstart Raiders.
One constant for the Bears' offense is running back Matt Forte. Last week, the eight-year veteran became the second-fastest player in league history to rush for 8,000 yards and amass 3,500 receiving yards, all in just 111 games. He will continue to be a key player until Cutler can establish a rhythm with newer receivers -- or at least until his top target, Alshon Jeffery, is back to full health.
Chicago's defense, once the most feared in the NFL, hasn't played at a high level since Lovie Smith's last season as head coach in 2012. So far this season, the Bears have allowed an average of 31.2 points each game, which is tied for last in the league with their next opponent. In particular, Kansas City's defense has had a tough time against the pass -- although it's easy to get embarrassed when you're facing off against Aaron Rodgers or a dialed-in Andy Dalton.
Without the ability to stop teams from scoring, the offense has had to step up, but hasn't been able to get into the end zone. Quarterback Alex Smith has been successful driving the ball down the field, and already has more than 1,100 yards in just four games. However, turnovers and struggles near the goal line have held the team back.
The good news is that wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is starting to hit his stride with his new offense. A week after becoming the first Chiefs receiver to catch a touchdown in more than a year, he totaled 148 yards in Week 4 against Cincinnati. Adding Maclin as a short and deep threat has helped open up room for pass-catching tight end Travis Kelce to create crazy routes.
Running back Jamaal Charles should see some additional targets in the red zone following a week in which the Chiefs kicked a team record seven field goals -- and still lost. Charles was a little banged up against Cincinnati, but he should be able to carry more of the load against Chicago.
If it weren't for the Bears being in the same division as the winless Detroit Lions, they'd be in last place in the NFC North -- the same position the Chiefs find themselves in the AFC West. But another win would be just what both teams need to change the trajectory of their season.
How to watch
When: 1 p.m. ET
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.
TV: FOX
Announcers: Sam Rosen, John Lynch, Pam Oliver
Online: NFL Game Pass
Radio: Chicago | Kansas City