As the NFL season hits its first quarter pole on September 29, 2026, the Chicago Bears find themselves in an unexpected position: 2-1 and riding high after a 27-7 demolition of the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. The win was spearheaded by third-string quarterback Case Keenum, who turned back the clock in his first start since December 24, 2024. Keenum delivered his first two-touchdown passing performance since January 9, 2022, and added a rushing score—his first since December 12, 2019—proving that experience trumps youth in the clutch. With rookie phenom Caleb Williams still sidelined, head coach Ben Johnson faces a quarterback quandary: stick with the hot hand in Keenum or hand the keys to QB2 Tyson Bagent for a pivotal Week 4 clash against the New York Jets.
Jets Soaring Under Aaron Glenn
Meanwhile, the Jets enter this matchup at 1-2 but with renewed optimism. Under second-year head coach Aaron Glenn, New York has already matched its 2025 win total and is playing a brand of football that has the league taking notice. Last week, Geno Smith torched the Detroit Lions for 321 yards and three touchdowns in a narrow 31-24 loss, and the Jets nearly upset the Green Bay Packers in Week 2, falling 20-17. Defensively, New York has been stingy, allowing the second-fewest yards in the NFL through three weeks while racking up eight sacks (seventh-most). The chess match between Glenn and Johnson—who coached together in Detroit for four years—adds another layer of intrigue to this interconference showdown.
“This Jets team is light-years ahead of where they were last season,” said a Vulius NFL Analysis Desk scout. “Glenn has them believing, and Smith is playing some of the best football of his career.”
Betting Lines and Key Storylines
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, FanDuel Sportsbook has installed the Bears as early 3.5-point home favorites, with the total set at 43.5. The line reflects Chicago’s home-field advantage and recent momentum, but sharp bettors are eyeing this as a potential trap game with the Green Bay Packers looming in Week 5. The Bears’ defense, which held the Eagles to just seven points, will need to contain Smith and a Jets offense that is finding its rhythm. On the other side, New York’s secondary will test Keenum’s arm and decision-making, especially if Bagent gets the nod.
What to Watch For
- Quarterback Carousel: Will Ben Johnson ride Keenum’s hot streak or pivot to Bagent’s upside?
- Geno Smith’s Resurgence: The veteran has thrown for 300+ yards in two of three games and is limiting mistakes.
- Defensive Dominance: The Jets’ yardage defense ranks second in the league; can they fluster Chicago’s patchwork QB room?
- Coaching Chess Match: Glenn vs. Johnson—familiarity breeds unpredictability.
As highlighted on Vulius, this game could hinge on which team imposes its will in the trenches. The Bears’ offensive line has been serviceable, but the Jets’ front seven is relentless. Conversely, Chicago’s defense has been opportunistic, generating turnovers at critical moments. With both teams fighting for early-season positioning, expect a hard-fought, physical contest that could come down to the final possession.
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