Saints vs. Bears: What Are Experts Saying About Chicago?

Well, when we all looked at the schedule to start the year, we never thought we'd look at this game as a contest of the two most disappointing teams in the NFL. 

Despite the dueling 5-8 records, the show must go on in prime time. Monday Night Football invades Chicago as the Bears look to regain some pride and the New Orleans Saints try and push for a division title. 

What are the experts saying about Chicago? There's a lot of fantasy talk due to it being playoff time, and one Bears player might be the sleeper of the week.

Click ahead to find out who it is and what else is being discussed going into the game. 

CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco Thinks the Bears Can Win on the Outside

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In order for the Bears to win this game, they must take advantage of a bad Saints defense that's been susceptible to big plays on the outside. 

The Saints rank 30th in points against and 29th in passing yards surrendered. CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco believes the Bears will take advantage of the Saints on the outside and ultimately win the game: "These have to be considered two of the biggest flops so far this season. Amazingly, the Saints are still alive in the playoff chase. They just aren't good. The defenses here are a disaster. The Saints aren't good outside either. That shows up. The Bears find a way."

Prisco has the Bears winning, 30-28. They haven't scored 30 points in a game all season so why would they start now? There's no Brandon Marshall, and they still haven't found a running game. Prisco might be a little off on this prediction. 

Yahoo Sports' Brad Evans Thinks Marquess Wilson Is the Shocker Special

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If you are still focused on fantasy football, it means you are in the playoffs. Congrats on the achievement but if you have Brandon Marshall on your team you might need a sleeper replacement this week. 

Yahoo Sports' Brad Evans wants you to look no further than the Bears' own Marquess Wilson. With Marshall out and the Saints being terrible against the pass, Wilson could be in line for a big game: 

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He's a fascinating prospect with a primo shot to showcase his wares over the next three weeks. At 6-foot-4, 185-pounds, he's a lanky long-strider who can really elevate. He isn't the fastest receiver on the planet (4.51 40-yard speed), but he's an unrefined version of Mike Evans, an oversized target who's capable of humiliating smallish corners. Now sliding into the "X" role in a vertical-heavy Bears offense, he could deliver lucrative WR3 totals immediately. His likely Week 15 shadow, Corey White (68.7 catch rate allowed), ranks dead last (No. 113 of 113) among CBs in pass coverage per Pro Football Focus. Overall, the Saints have given up the sixth-most fantasy points to WRs. In a game with plenty of shootout appeal, Wilson is slated to be the breakout star of your semifinals.

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Evans is on the money here. No matter how the Bears perform in this game, Wilson will get plenty of chances. If you need a flex guy on the waiver wire, grab Wilson and start him this week. He's a great option in both points-per-reception and standard leagues. 

ChicagoBears.com's Eli Kaberon Goes by the Numbers to Predict Offense

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It's been often said that numbers never lie. When you look at the numbers behind the Bears and the Saints, it's safe to say both offenses could have a big day. 

ChicagoBears.com's Eli Kaberon took a look at some key numbers of both teams, allowing everybody to come to the conclusion we could be in store for some big points and yards accumulated Monday night: 

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25.2: First downs per game for the Saints offense, which leads the league.

47.4: Percentage of third downs converted against the New Orleans defense, highest in the NFL.

218: Receiving yards for Alshon Jeffery versus the Saints on October 6, 2013. That was a team record until Jeffery gained 245 yards versus the Vikings later in the season.

271: Rushing yards allowed by the New Orleans defense in its Week 14 loss to Carolina.

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Looks like the numbers are telling the truth again. We have two football teams who don't play a lick of defense, and even though the Saints are still playing for something, they won't always look like it. 

ESPN.com's Matthew Berry Loves Martellus Bennett This Week

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Just because the Bears are out of the playoffs doesn't mean you are. We already gave you Wilson as a sleeper for your fantasy playoffs, but what about a steady option? 

Tight end Martellus Bennett has been one of the lone bright spots on the Bears this season. It's nice to have a sleeper who can surprise you in the playoffs, but really, you need consistency and points you can count on. 

ESPN.com's Matthew Berry loves Bennett this week:

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Second only to Rob Gronkowski for tight end targets, Bennett's targets have actually increased each of the past three weeks, including a season-high 14 last week. During that same three-week time frame, the Saints have allowed the second-most receptions to opposing tight ends. With the injury to Brandon Marshall, I expect even more looks his way.

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There's no way you can argue with Berry here. We all know the Bears don't like to throw the football, and Cutler loves to throw to guys he can trust. This all spells great things for Bennett this week, who should have a huge night. 

Bleacher Report's Experts Go Against the Bears

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The picks are in. Bleacher Report's lead writers all took a vote, and the majority of the group sided with the team that still has a chance to go to the playoffs. 

AFC South Lead Writer Rivers McCown went with the home team, while both aptly naming this game and taking a (well-deserved) shot at the dismal NFC South: "Disappointment bowl! I studied these teams carefully...then I realized that Chicago was not in the NFC South. So, that was enough to pick them to win this one."

However, the Bizarro Saints of 2014 have looked better on the road than at home this year, and the majority of our voters apparently just aren't ready to pick Jay Cutler over Drew Brees.

Out of the 16 lead writers polled, 11 have the Saints winning on the road in a high-scoring game. Even though the Saints are playing just as bad as the Bears, it's the right pick given they still have something to play for.