Monday Night Football Week 3: TV Schedule, Live Stream for Bears vs. Jets

Monday Night Football has already yielded some tantalizing matchups through two weeks of the 2014 NFL season, and when the Chicago Bears and New York Jets take the gridiron in Week 3, we can expect more fireworks.

The Bears began the season with a loss to the Buffalo Bills in an overtime thriller, although the team fought back the following week, producing a stunning comeback to defeat the San Francisco 49ers. The Jets edged out the Oakland Raiders in Week 1, but allowed the Green Bay Packers to gain a comeback win in Week 2.

Needless to say, Monday will certainly be a battle between two teams looking to establish momentum and stay afloat in their respective divisions. With 60 minutes of compelling football on its way, let's take a look at the game's viewing information and predict how it's likely to unfold.

Viewing Information

When: Monday, Sept. 22

Where: MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Channel: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Preview and Prediction

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

This matchup is the epitome of teams that have created success in completely opposite manners. While the Bears have created offense through the air and defended nicely against the pass, the Jets have been a superior rushing team with a stout run defense.

After losing to a surprising Bills team in the home opener, the Bears traveled to San Francisco to take on the daunting task of rebounding against a strong 49ers squad. Despite early struggles, Jay Cutler looked extremely polished late in the game en route to four touchdown passes and a rating of 119.2.

Both Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery were questionable heading into the contest, but both suited up and delivered game-altering performances in the clutch. The performance of Chicago's passing game—and three interceptions by its secondary—led to a 28-20 victory.

The Bears' Twitter account noted Marshall's effect when active:

New York thwarted a late run from rookie quarterback Derek Carr in Week 1, riding 212 team rushing yards to a victory; however, the team's secondary allowed Aaron Rodgers to climb back from an 18-point deficit in the second half for a Packers win in Week 2.

With both the Bears and Jets sitting with 1-1 records, and facing the possibility of falling into an early-season hole, expect each to head into Monday with game plans that attempt to rely on their strengths while exploiting their opponent's weaknesses.

Chicago will be aiming to utilize its aerial attack to avoid New York's stingy run defense. While the Bears have a very capable running back in Matt Forte, his season is off to a rather slow start. Forte is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry and has yet to reach the end zone. The health of the team's big wide receivers will be crucial, and an early report from Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News indicated both were questionable:

While a questionable status isn't exactly comforting, it's worth noting that neither receiver was expected to play in Week 2, yet both took the field.

New York isn't without issues at the wide receiver position, either. Free-agent acquisition Eric Decker pulled up with a hamstring injury in Week 2, and according to Mehta, will be a game-time decision on Monday:

If Decker can't go for the Jets, the offense will need to rely on the running game further. New York has been committed to the run this season, with Chris Ivory, Chris Johnson, Bilal Powell and quarterback Geno Smith getting in on the action.

Despite only averaging 3.9 yards per carry against the Packers in Week 2, the Jets still totaled 37 carries for 146 yards. Smith's tendency to take off out of the pocket can't be overlooked. He's tallied 64 yards and a touchdown through two games this season.

More effective as a passer as well, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller tweeted what he's noticed about the quarterback this season:

The quarterback's ability to scramble could be one of the game's deciding factors. Chicago struggled to defend against the run one season ago, finishing last in the league. The team appears to be continuing that trend this season, allowing an average of 160 yards on the ground per game.

The absence of linebacker Shea McClellin will only increase Chicago's inability to defend against the run. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune tweeted the reason for the missed game:

While the Jets may be able to stay in Monday's contest by utilizing their ground game, they will need to contain Cutler and Chicago's passing attack to secure a victory. New York was already very thin at cornerback coming into the 2014 season, but will be even thinner against the Bears.

According to Mehta, Dee Milliner is doubtful to play:

The Bears wide receiver corps is tough enough to handle for any secondary that's at full strength. New York's defense won't be able to contain Jeffery and Marshall in its current state. The edge goes to Chicago here.

Prediction: Bears 23, Jets 17