FanHouse

To get you ready for week 2, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is the Kansas City Chiefs/Chicago Bears preview.

2007 Records: (Click names for 2007 preview)

Chicago Bears: 0-1 (4th in NFC North)
Kansas City Chiefs: 0-1 (4th in AFC West)

Last Game(s):

Chargers 14 - Bears 3
Texans 20 - Chiefs 3

When the Chiefs have the ball: The Chiefs will look to score more than three points this week, but that may prove difficult against a defense that managed to shut down one of the NFL's best running backs. However, Kansas City also has one of the NFL's best in Larry Johnson, and it looks like he'll back in the full swing of things this Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Bears will look to put as much pressure on Damon Huard as possible. He was unimpressive against an inferior Texans defense, and will also be without his number one wide receiver, Eddie Kennison.

When the Bears have the ball: Offensively, Chicago struggled just as much as Kansas City did last Sunday, albeit against a much better defense. Rex Grossman was unable to find a rhythm and the running attack would have been almost non-existent if not for a few solid runs by Adrian Peterson.

Obviously, the Bears will look to change all of that this Sunday, and Kansas City might be just what the doctor ordered. The Chiefs gave up 109 yards on the ground against Houston, while allowing Matt Schaub to connect with Andre Johnson seven times for 142 yards and a touchdown. Will the results be the same for Grossman and the Bears offense? That remains to be seen, but it certainly possible.

The Edge: Experts, analysts and fans are always looking for the "edge" and what team has it. This week it appears to be a push. Forget home field advantage for a moment and look at the standings. Both teams will be giving 110% to avoid falling to 0-2; a record that sees teams make the playoffs only 10% of the time. I'd say the fear of that is motivation enough for both teams to leave everything they have out on the field.

Keep an eye on:

Tony Gonzalez versus Bears linebackers - With Eddie Kennison out, Damon Huard will zone in on Gonzalez. You can bet Chicago is well aware of that, and have game planned accordingly.

Rex Grossman versus Chiefs cornerbacks - This should be a chess game all day long. Grossman is looking to rebound, while the Chiefs starters will be looking for game changing turnovers.

Note: As I noted in "the edge," these two teams will be doing everything they can to avoid falling to 0-2. And while the game may not look entertaining on paper, you can bet your bottom dollar that it will be. There is nothing better than watching two desperate NFL teams clash on a Sunday afternoon.