The New Orleans Saints (1-5) will be on the road to face the Chicago Bears (3-2) on Sunday. The matchup features a Saints team looking to change their midseason momentum. Meanwhile, the Bears are looking to extend their three-game winning streak.
New Orleans ran into a red-hot Patriots team a week ago that defeated them 25-19. Drake Maye and company held off a Saints’ comeback attempt, moving New Orleans to 1-5 overall.
Chicago got themselves a come-from-behind win on Monday Night Football 25-24 over the Commanders. A late turnover gave them the opportunity, and the Bears moved into range for a game-winning field goal.
Kickoff between the Saints and the Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 19th.
TEAMMATES THAT ARE CORDIAL
Spencer Rattler and Caleb Williams were once teammates at Oklahoma in college. Williams took the starting role from Rattler, but both ultimately ended their careers in different places.
While the Saints’ QB downplayed any bad blood between the two, he appeared to make it clear that the two are not best friends. He called their relationship “cordial” when asked about it this week. It remains to be seen if either uses this game as extra motivation to beat the opposition.
SOLDIER FIELD CONDITIONS
Going on the road is not easy, and the Saints have struggled this year, yet to win a game away from home.
Sunday could provide more than just a challenge in environment. THe field conditions at Soldier Field could be slippery, especially if rain enters the forecast. The Bears are just 1-1 at home so far this year, so this is an opportunity for them to get things rolling as well.
DIFFERENT SITUATIONS
The Saints and Bears have a few things in common. They both have rookie head coaches, and they both have second year quarterbacks.
However, the Bears have won three straight and find themselves above .500. The Saints are just 1-5 and near the bottom of the league standings.
A win for Chicago moves them into a real contention position in the early portion of the season. A win for the Saints, however, allows them to continue their progress in trying to reset the organization and its standards.
SERIES RECORD: Saints lead 19-15
Last 5 Meetings:
2023: SAINTS 24 – BEARS 17
2021: SAINTS 21 – BEARS 9 (Wild Card)
2020: SAINTS 26 – BEARS 23 (OT)
2019: SAINTS 36 – BEARS 25
2017: SAINTS 20 – BEARS 12
STAT LEADERS:
Saints
Spencer Rattler: 139-203, 1,217 Yards, 6 TD, 1 INT
Alvin Kamara: 83 Carries, 314 Yards, 1 TD
Chris Olave: 39 Catches, 342 Yards, 1 TD
Carl Granderson: 4.5 Sacks
Demario Davis: 51 Tackles (27 Solo)
Kool-Aid McKinstry: 2 INT
Blake Grupe: 14-of-19 Field Goals, Long of 54, 9-of-9 PAT
Bears
Caleb Williams: 98-159, 1,179 Yards, 9 TD, 2 INT
D’Andre Swift: 70 carries, 295 Yards, 2 TD
Rome Odunze: 22 Catches, 328 Yards, 5 TD
Gervon Dexter Sr: 2.5 Sacks
Tremaine Edmunds: 53 Tackles (25 Solo)
Kevin Byard III: 3 INT
Cairo Santos: 6-of-7 Field Goals, Long of 52, 11-of-11 PAT
INJURY REPORT:
Saints
Isaac Yiadom, CB, Hamstring, Questionable
John Ridgeway, DT, Shoulder, Questionable
Bears
Grady Jarrett, DL, Knee, Questionable
Cairo Santos, K, Right Thigh, Out
Noah Sewell, LB, Concussion, Out
Austin Booker, OL, Knee, Questionable
Travis Homer, RB, Calf, Questionable
Amen Ogbongbemiga, LB, Knee, Questionable
D’Andre Swift, RB, Groin, Questionable