Bears-Chargers Preview

The big offensive key to this game will be protecting Rex Grossman. Most of the Chargers' defensive stars are in their front seven. Give Grossman time to look downfield, and he can hit Bernard Berrian deep and Desmond Clark over the middle. If Grossman sees Shawne Merriman and Co. in his face too many times, it could be a long day. I don't expect Cedric Benson to have a big day, but he has to get what he can against that tough Charger front and make sure he picks up blitzes. On defense, the key will be focusing on limiting LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates. Those are the two players on that offense that you can't let beat you. Make Philip Rivers, who also had a shaky finish to last season, beat you. Bring constant pressure on him and force him into quick decisions. I think the Bears' defense can hold the Chargers' offense down; it's a matter of whether the Bears can score enough on the Chargers. Not having rookie TE Greg Olsen will hurt, but I think the Bears can pull this out if they can win the turnover battle.

Bears 17, Chargers 16