High scores expected when Seahawks visit Bears

Sky Sports Action, 1.20am Monday night

Chicago have had a week to dwell on how they allowed a hobbling Aaron Rodgers to inspire a 20-point comeback and deny the Bears an opening win over Green Bay.

Having what looked a certain victory over their arch rivals snatched from them will have led to some extensive soul-searching, but new head coach Matt Nagy should not be too downhearted as there was plenty to like about much of their performance at Lambeau Field as they prepare to host Seattle.

His team were particularly strong defensively, boosted by the acquisition of Oakland defensive end Khalil Mack, who terrorised Rodgers and his replacement DeShone Kizer after the Packers' star turn limped out of the game.

Mack should be licking his lips at the thought of taking on the Seahawks, whose offensive line is probably the weakest component of a roster that is a far cry from the dominant outfit who won the Super Bowl five seasons ago.

When these teams last met in 2015, Chicago were handed a 16-point handicap start for their trip to CenturyLink Field, but that may as well be a lifetime ago.

Now Seattle head coach Pete Carroll will need his star quarterback Russell Wilson to have a strong game if they are to claim their first victory of the season.

Wilson was sacked six times in their 27-24 defeat in Denver last week and will need to be on his toes to escape the attentions of Mack and his colleagues.

Bears backers will be heartened that Denver still managed to get over the line despite new quarterback Case Keenum throwing three interceptions.

Seattle's linebacker resources are hit by the injured absences of KJ Wright and Bobby Wagner, but they could still play their part on the other side of the ball.

Despite an uncomfortable afternoon in Denver, Wilson threw three touchdown passes with rookie tight end Will Dissly rising to prominence.

Dissly could be heavily involved again as wide receiver Doug Baldwin will be missing with the knee injury he suffered in the trip to Colorado.

Veteran receiver Brandon Marshall can also make his presence felt against one of his former teams. Like Dissley, he was on the end of one of Wilson's touchdown passes against the Broncos.

Chicago should continue to grow in confidence and it looks as if there is a good chance second-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky will kick on.

So this could turn into a decent game and it is worth backing that the points line of 42.5 will be eclipsed. The line has gone over in each of the last six meetings.

Recommendation
Over 42.5 points
2pts 5-6 Betfred

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The lowdown

Venue Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Surface Grass
Weather Cloudy, 24C
Vegas handicap Seattle +3.5
Vegas points line 43

Team news
Seattle
Linebackers KJ Wright (knee) and Bobby Wagner (groin) are out, as is wide receiver Doug Baldwin. Guard DJ Fluker and rookie cornerback Tre Flowers are doubtful.

Chicago
Safety DeAndre Houston-Carson is out with an arm injury.

Key stat
Seattle have covered the handicap in just four of their last 13 away games.

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