Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs: Week 5 Prediction

Sep 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) lines up against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Denver won the game 31-24. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

It won’t be prime time television for a lot of people but there is plenty of intrigue to watch the Chicago Bears visit the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Bears seek a huge momentum boost after their first win of the year a week ago while the Chiefs attempt to halt a catastrophic slide that has seen them lose three-straight.

Who gets the critical victory?

Injuries

Jeremiah Ratliff expected to play following ankle injury

The Bears defense took a sizable leap forward against Oakland in week 4 and now more good news is on the way as veteran defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff is set to make his 2015 debut after recovering from a preseason ankle injury. Having him in the middle gives their defensive front some much-need experience as well as depth.

Josh Mauga still out with groin and Achilles ailments

Run defense is heavily reliant on the inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme and the Chiefs are hurting in that area. Josh Mauga, their other starter next to Dustin Johnson is not expected to play in the game due to groin and Achilles problems. That leaves the job in the hands of 4th round pick Ramik Wilson.

Key Matchups

Marquess Wilson vs. Tyvon Branch

Somebody who has started to come into his own of late is third-year receiver Marquess Wilson. After a slow start he was a serious factor against Oakland in week 4, making some big catches and showcasing his vertical ability. Chicago may want to put that to the test at Arrowhead against safety Tyvon Branch, who has struggled all year in coverage.

Travis Kelce vs. Shea McClellin

One of the bright spots on the Chiefs offense of late has been tight end Travis Kelce, proving himself to be a serious threat in the passing game both in short and long yardage situations. Drawing responsibility for trying to cover him will be Shea McClellin, the embattled former 1st round pick who is playing inside linebacker for the first time in his career. He has the speed and athleticism to match Kelce, but does he have the awareness?

Fantasy

Sit: Jay Cutler

His gutty performance in week 4 is deserving of plenty of praise, but the situation Jay Cutler walks towards on Sunday is perilous. He’s going into one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL against a top pass rush led by Justin Houston, perhaps without his best receiver in Alshon Jeffery, his left tackle Jermon Bushrod out and still hobbled by a bad hamstring. That’s too much to ask of a quarterback from a fantasy perspective.

Start: De’Anthony Thomas

While the offense and defense in Chicago has improved, their special teams has remained consistent. That is very bad. Just a quarter of the way into the season and their coverage units have already allowed two returns for touchdowns. That is sweet music for return man De’Anthony Thomas, who has been due for a big play.

Prediction: Chiefs win 20-14

It’s not going to be a pretty affair. Kansas City will find the Bears defense to be far less accommodating than they have been in the past while Cutler should be in for a long afternoon against those Chiefs pass rushers. There could be some turnovers, bad penalties and long dry spells without scoring. In the end, home field and a good game from Jamaal Charles will be enough to get KC the win.

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