Colts vs Bears: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info, Radio, Game Time and More

Two teams that underwent wholesale changes this offseason are the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears, and they will square off in Week 1 of the NFL regular season.

The Colts released star quarterback Peyton Manning and drafted his replacement, No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck.

As for the Bears, a change in offensive scheme and the addition of two talented receivers in veteran Brandon Marshall and rookie Alshon Jeffery will make 2012 Jay Cutler’s best season.

With so many storylines coming into this matchup—coupled with the pure joy of the returning NFL season—this underrated battle will be one of the best of the entire Week 1 schedule.

Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

When: Sunday, September 9 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Listen: Online at NFL Audio Pass 

Betting Line (via Covers)

Over/Under: 43.5; Spread: Chicago -9.5

Judging from my prediction, this game will be right on both lines. For that reason—and the fact that we don’t know what the Colts are yet—I do not recommend betting on this game. If you must, take the over because neither defense is at 100 percent, and I would take the Colts with the 9.5 points.

What’s At Stake?

Week 1 is the time to set the tone for the entire season, and both squads want to make it clear that they are much better than last year. The Colts have a rookie under center in Andrew Luck, so there is much more leniency if Indianapolis loses than if the new and improved Bears lose.

In the tough NFC North, this is must win for Chicago.

Injury Report (Via ESPN)

Chicago

Stephen Paea, DT, Probable

Chris Conte, S, Probable

Brian Urlacher, LB, Questionable

Indianapolis

Justin King, CB, Probable

Jerraud Powers, CB, Probable

Austin Collie, WR, Questionable

Delone Carter, RB, Questionable

Mewelde Moore, RB, Questionable

Colts’ Player to Watch: Andrew Luck, QB

There has never been a No. 1 overall pick under the kind of scrutiny that Andrew Luck will face in Indianapolis this season. While the fanbase won’t turn on him if he plays poorly at times like other cities, the fact that he is the heir to the Peyton Manning throne is a tall order.

As smart as Luck is and as talented as the rookie can be, the Colts need to keep the game simple for the young man and not overwhelm him in Game 1. Indianapolis wants to win, but they need to get Luck acclimated to real NFL football more than anything else.

Bears’ Player to Watch: Brandon Marshall, WR

The offseason acquisition of wide receiver Brandon Marshall was one of the biggest moves of the NFL offseason for any team, but it has somehow flown under the radar for most fans.

That won’t be the case for very long.

Marshall’s best years came with the Denver Broncos when Jay Cutler was throwing him the ball, and now he gets to work with the QB again. In the two years the duo spent together, Marshall amassed 206 receptions, 2,590 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns

Prediction: Chicago 27, Indianapolis 17

As solid as Luck and the Colts will look in Week 1, there is little doubt that the rookie will face some growing pains through his first season. That first bump in the road will come in the form of the tough Bears defense.

Chicago has huge expectations in 2012, so getting off on the right foot against a team they should beat easily is a must. With the improved wide receiver group, it’s time for Jay Cutler to step up and lead his team to the Promised Land.

This will be one of the best games of the weekend.

Check back for more on the National Football League as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s NFL page to get your fill of all things football.

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