The Chargers will host the Bears on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 5:25 p.m. PT.
To get you prepped for the Week 8 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.
Tyson time
Ahead of the season, the NFL slotted this game with the thought that it would be Justin Fields vs. Justin Herbert in primetime. However, Fields will be out with a dislocated right thumb. The Bears will turn to undrafted rookie out of Division II Shepherd, Tyson Bagent. Bagent made his NFL debut last weekend in Chicago’s win over the Raiders. He completed 21 of 29 pass attempts for 162 yards and a touchdown while adding 24 yards on the ground.
Deadly weapon
The Bears aren’t a team that’s going to pose a huge threat through the air. But if they resort to it, they’re more than likely going to look to their top target, D.J. Moore. Moore, who was acquired by Chicago this past offseason, has the third-most touchdowns (5) and the fifth-most receiving yards (636). Furthermore, he is averaging 15.9 yards per reception.
One of the most efficient rushing offenses
The Bears have the fifth-best rushing offense, with an average of 141.3 yards per game. In the last four games, they’re averaging a whopping 171.0 YPG, which marks the most in the NFL in that span. Veteran D’Onta Foreman has been paving the way while they’ve been without Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson, who are dealing with an ankle injury and concussion, respectively.
Defense is clicking
The Bears defense is coming together at the right time after being one of the worst groups to start the season. In the past three weeks, Chicago is top three in defensive EPA (21.99), yards per carry (2.5), interceptions (4), yards per attempt (6.1) and third-down percentage (29.4). They are a week removed from limiting Raiders running back Josh Jacobs to his second-lowest rushing games of the season with 35 yards.
Look out for…
Jaylon Johnson. Bland, the fourth-year player, is one of the best cover corners in the league. Johnson has the second-lowest passer rating among all cornerbacks in the league entering Week 8 (24.7). He had two interceptions on Sunday against the Raiders, including a pick-6.
