NFL Picks Today: Eagles vs. Bears Monday Night Football – September 28, 2026
Monday Night Football closes Week 3 with the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles visiting the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The biggest uncertainty from earlier in the week has now been partially resolved: Caleb Williams will not play, while Tyson Bagent has cleared concussion protocol and is available.
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears
Eagles at Bears
Philadelphia arrives in Chicago undefeated after opening its season 2-0. The Eagles followed their opening victory with a 24-20 road win over Tennessee, giving them another opportunity Monday night to remain unbeaten.
Chicago enters 1-1 after two dramatically different offensive performances. The Bears exploded offensively in their opener before Minnesota held them to three points in Week 2.
That Minnesota game also changed Monday night's matchup. Caleb Williams suffered a hamstring injury and has officially been ruled out against Philadelphia. Tyson Bagent subsequently entered concussion protocol but has now cleared the protocol and is available Monday.
Chicago's final quarterback decision and offensive approach become central to the handicap. If Bagent gets the start, the Bears must determine how aggressively they want to attack Philadelphia rather than simply asking the backup quarterback to manage the game.
Caleb Williams Is Out — Tyson Bagent Is Available
Chicago Will Be Without Its Starting Quarterback
Caleb Williams has officially been ruled out because of the hamstring injury he suffered against Minnesota. Williams did not practice during the week and will miss the first regular-season game of his NFL career.
Chicago does have better news behind him. Tyson Bagent has cleared the NFL concussion protocol and is available for Monday night after his status remained uncertain throughout the week.
Veteran Case Keenum gives Chicago another experienced option. The Bears therefore have a decision to make about which quarterback gives Ben Johnson's offense the best chance against Philadelphia.
Caleb Williams
Williams will not play because of the hamstring injury suffered against Minnesota.
Tyson Bagent
Bagent has cleared concussion protocol and is available Monday night.
Case Keenum
The veteran received significant practice work while Williams and Bagent were unavailable earlier in the week and remains another quarterback option.
Game Plan Matters
Chicago may adjust its passing concepts, protection plan and run-pass balance without Williams under center.
Good News for Barkley and DeVonta Smith
Philadelphia's injury situation has also become much clearer since the beginning of the week.
Saquon Barkley progressed from limited participation with a stinger to full participation and carries no game designation. DeVonta Smith also progressed to full participation after dealing with a hamstring issue.
Philadelphia will, however, be without tight end Dallas Goedert, wide receiver Marquise Brown and offensive tackle Fred Johnson. Linebacker Jonathan Greenard is questionable with a pectoral injury.
Saquon Barkley
Barkley returned to full practice participation and enters Monday without a game-status designation.
DeVonta Smith
Smith progressed from his earlier hamstring limitation to full participation.
Dallas Goedert
Philadelphia will be without its starting tight end because of a knee injury.
Marquise Brown
Brown has been ruled out with an ankle injury, reducing Philadelphia's available receiving depth.
Four Areas That Matter Monday Night
1. Chicago's Run Game
Playing without Williams increases the value of an efficient rushing attack. Staying ahead of schedule can keep Chicago's quarterback out of obvious third-and-long situations and limit Philadelphia's ability to dictate pressure.
2. Philadelphia's Run Defense
If the Eagles can control Chicago's rushing attack with their front, they can force the Bears' backup quarterback into a much more difficult game script.
3. Eagles Without Goedert
Philadelphia still has Barkley and Smith available, but Goedert's absence changes the Eagles' tight-end rotation and removes an important receiving option for Jalen Hurts.
4. The Betting Number
Chicago's quarterback news has already changed the information available to the market. The relevant question is whether the current number has moved too far, not far enough or approximately where the matchup warrants.
Don't Confuse the Likely Winner With the Best Bet
Philadelphia enters undefeated and Chicago will be without its starting quarterback. Those are meaningful facts, but neither automatically determines whether the Eagles offer point-spread value.
Every piece of widely available information can influence the market. Once Williams was ruled out, bettors and oddsmakers were no longer handicapping the same game that existed earlier in the week.
That is why ASA separates team evaluation from betting evaluation. A team can have the stronger roster, healthier quarterback situation and better early-season record while still being priced too aggressively.
Evaluate Philadelphia and Chicago using the information available now — not the information available when the opening number was posted. Then compare that matchup assessment with the current spread, moneyline and total.
What to Confirm Before Eagles vs. Bears
Chicago Starter
Confirm whether Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum receives the starting assignment before kickoff.
Philadelphia Inactives
Review the official inactive list approximately 90 minutes before kickoff for any unexpected changes.
Soldier Field Weather
Check the final wind, precipitation and field conditions before evaluating the total and passing environments.
Current Market
Compare the final spread and total with earlier numbers to understand how the market reacted to the quarterback and injury news.
One Monday Night Game — No Reason to Force Action
A standalone prime-time game attracts enormous attention, but Monday Night Football should be handicapped with the same discipline as a full Sunday board. ASA premium selections are reserved for situations where the matchup, current information and available betting number create enough value to qualify.
Information Used for This Matchup
- Official NFL Week 3 schedule and injury report.
- Philadelphia Eagles official Week 3 injury updates.
- Chicago Bears official quarterback and injury updates.
More NFL Betting Analysis
Sports betting involves financial risk. Advanced Sports Advisors provides sports betting analysis, handicapping opinions and informational content. No pick, prediction or past result guarantees future performance. Verify final inactive lists, starting quarterback information, weather and current betting markets before making any wagering decision.