The Chicago Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for the Bears’ Week 11 matchup against John Fox’s old team, the Broncos, at Soldier Field on Sunday.
RICK MORRISSEY
Bears 17-14
Whom would you rather play against: a known — the struggling Peyton Manning — or the unknown — Brock Osweiler? If I’m the Bears, I like my chances against the guy making his first NFL start. No matter how good the Denver defense is. Season: 4-5
RICK TELANDER
Bears 27-21: The Bears do what you don’t expect. So I’m a contrarian. I say the Jay Cutler-led offense will sputter (despite such great works against the Rams last week), and Brock Osweiler will look like Peyton Manning, pre-petrification.
Season: 5-4
ADAM L. JAHNS
Bears 24-13
A chilly day by the lake against a red-hot Bears team should make for a long day for Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler in his first NFL start. The Broncos have a great defense, but so did the Rams. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase will figure them out, too. Season: 3-6
MARK POTASH
Broncos 23-17
Brock Osweiler making his first NFL start is the featured story line, but the marquee matchup is Jay Cutler and the Bears’ offense vs. the Broncos’ No. 1 ranked defense. With Alshon Jeffery less than 100 percent — if he plays at all — and possible inclement weather, the Broncos have the edge. Season: 5-4
PATRICK FINLEY
Broncos 24-23
The Bears are hot and Soldier Field will be cold. The Broncos’ quarterback last started a game in the 2011 Las Vegas Bowl. John Fox and Adam Gase are motivated. All are great storylines that favor the Bears, sure. But I need more than that to pick against a two-loss team with the league’s best defense. Season: 6-3
