NFL Week 3 Preview: What To Watch for as Bears, Packers Collide on MNF

 The Week 3 match-up between the undefeated Bears and Packers carries a ton of hype. First of all, this is the most storied rivalry in the NFL. These 2 teams have a long history with each other. The Packers won twice last year, but the series is tied 5-5 over the last five seasons.

The Bears looked very impressive in a 27-20 Week 2 win in Dallas, shutting down the Cowboys' three-headed monster at running back and forced 3 turnovers. The Packers dominated the lifeless Bills 34-7, and Clay Matthews is playing at a high level with 6 sacks in just 2 games.

What is going to be the key for each team in this pivotal game? Let's take a look.

Bears' Offense V. Packers' Defense

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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears at Cowboys Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Bears have one of the top passing attacks through Week 2. Jay Cutler has a TD/INT ratio of 6:1 and 649 yards. Mike Martz has done a great job in orchestrating this offense, letting Cutler make smart decisions and reads.

Matt Forte hasn't ran the ball well, but he is proving to be a huge asset in the passing game. He has three touchdown catches so far and is showing the ability to create mismatches with his size and athleticism.

The wide receivers are playing very well. Devin Hester came alive last week and Johnny Knox has been very solid. Greg Olsen opens up the middle of the field and has run-after-the-catch ability.

The Packers run a base 3-4 defense that features a lot of size on the front and a solid linebacking corp. Clay Matthews has erupted this year and looks to be a stud for a long time. Their secondary is very solid, led by reigning DPOY Charles Woodson, but they will be tested by the numerous receivers the Bears will set up.

The Bears' offensive line will have a tough task against a very strong pass rush. If starting LT Chris Williams doesn't play, the Bears will need to chip Matthews in order to give Cutler.

However, the Bears did a great job against a similar defense and will get rid of the ball quickly. The Packers have played against 2 bad offensive lines, but they haven't seen this type of passing talent.

Advantage: Bears' Offense

Packers' Offense V. Bears' Defense

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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 19: Jermichael Finley #88 of the Green Bay Packers runs after grabing a pass as Donte Whitner #20 of the Buffalo Bills tries to tackle him at Lambeau Field on September 19, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the B

The Packers have one of the top young quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers. He's smart, accurate, and has a great feel for the offense. However, he needs to get rid of the ball quicker. He doesn't have the numbers that Cutler has, but he has been well so far.

The Packers' wide receivers are great in numbers. Greg Jennings and Donald Driver are a great 1-2 combonation, Jermichael Finley is a budding star, and James Jones and Jordy Nelson are nice complementary targets.

The running game took a huge hit when Ryan Grant had a season-ending ankle injury in Week 1. Brandon Jackson was okay in Week 2, but is he the guy to help take pressure off the passing game?

The offensive line took a lot of heat over the off-season after allowing 51 sacks last season. They've allowed just 3 so far, but they will need to be on their toes as they face the most talented defensive line they've seen this season.

The Bears have been awesome against the run, allowing just 56 yards on 41 carries. They made Dallas' run game disappear last week, and it appears they'll do the same against the Packers.

The pass rush hasn't been what people thought. Peppers did pick up a sack in Week 1, but he was double-teamed almost all game against Dallas. They need Tommie Harris or the other defensive end--either Israel Idonije or Mark Anderson--to step up.

The Bears have been takeaway kings so far, with 6 so far. They are in the right place at the right time and are a sound, disciplined defense. They have the speed to cover Green Bay's receivers, but a pass rush will be key.

Advantage: Push

Special Teams

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 28: Patrick Mannelly #65 of the Chicago Bears prepares to snap the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 14-9. (Photo by Jonat

I chose Patrick Mannelly because he will be playing Monday night and will play in his 192th game in a Bears uniform, a team record. Mannelly has been the best long snapper in the league for a few years. He's greatly underappreciated, but it's essential to the Bears' special teams success.

The Bears' kick and punt return will be key in getting good field position. Knox and Danieal Manning have been very good on kick returns, but the Bears have got nothing from Devin Hester on punts.

The Bears' coverage units have been strong. Outside of Dez Bryant's dazzling TD return, the Bears have been good, and Brad Maynard has been very good with 5 punts inside the 20.

Robbie Gould is 4-4 in field goals this year and 4 extra points.

Jordy Nelson has been great as a return man so far, averaging 31 yards per return. Tramon Williams has an 8 yard average on punt returns.

Their coverage units have been strong. Tim Masthay has been averaging 41 yards per punt with a net average of 36.1 yards. Mason Crosby has been great kicking field goals, making 4-4 and hit all 7 extra points.

Advantage: Packers

Coaching

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MIAMI - 2006: Dom Capers of the Miami Dolphins poses for his 2006 NFL headshot at photo day in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Getty Images)

Mike McCarthy has been great for the Packers and has handled his talented team very well. Joe Philbin calls a great game plan and uses a lot of 4-and 5-wide sets because of his receivers' athleticism.

Dom Capers did a great job implementing the 3-4 defense last year and will bring plenty of blitzes from Clay Matthews and move the versatile defensive linemen around.

Shawn Slocum has done very well with kickoffs and coverages and needs to find a way to not let up the big plays when they kick to Chicago.

Lovie Smith is often criticized for his passive, laid-back style, but he is producing and could stay in Chicago. Mike Martz is everything that was advertised and has the Bears' offense clicking.

Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli needs to find a way to get pressure on Aaron Rodgers and let his ball hawks in the back end continue to make plays.

Dave Toub needs a bounce back week after an uncharacteristic let down against the Cowboys. The Bears need to be ready for short kicks to avoid getting the ball into the hands of Knox and Manning.

Advantage: Push

Prediction

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 12: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears follows the play against the Detroit Lions during the NFL season opening game at Soldier Field on September 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 19-14. (Photo by Jonath

The Bears are riding the wave of a big win in Week 2. They are playing at home on a Monday night, so they will feed off the energy of its home crowd.

The Packers need to contain this offensive attack and not let the Bears' pass rush get to Aaron Rodgers.

In what should be a great shoot-out match, I predict

Packers 24

Bears 30

See you on Monday night!