Bears head into Kansas City banged up

If you figure in the difference in points per game, and the usual three-point allowance usually made for home field advantage, then these lines make flawless sense. But they lost their other top cornerback, Phillip Gaines, in Week 3 for the season to an ACL injury. Quarterback Jay Cutler, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, said he will push through a few discomfort and play for the second consecutive week.

Both have participated on a limited basis in practice on Thursday, according the NFL.

The winning formula for opposing offenses against Kansas City’s defense has been using three- and four-receiver personnel groupings in spread sets.

He gained 49 yards on his 11 carries against Green Bay, giving the Chiefs (1-3) a bit of pop from an otherwise blase offense.

On the season, the Bears average 190.0 yards in passing and 123.5 yards in rushing. The last time Chicago won in Kansas City came with a 19-17 decision in 1993.

“We still think we are one of the best teams in the league”, Charles said. Weakness versus weakness means the Chiefs aren’t facing a ferocious air attack this week. Charles rushed for 1,619 yards and 18 touchdowns in the 2007 season, leading the Longhorns to a 10-3 record and a Holiday Bowl victory. Cutler has shown more mobility than Rivers, but like his Chargers counterpart, he’s never been afraid to trust the power of his arm and take chances with his passes.

Forte, 29, had a monster year in 2014, rushing 266 times for 1,038 yards and six touchdowns. Both have good running backs.

Charles is an excellent route runner with soft hands, but the Chiefs also execute the league’s most diverse screen schemes. Smith and WR Jeremy Maclin (19 receptions in the past two games) are sparking a passing game that was limited vertically through three games and the Bears are also fretting the matchup with TE Travis Kelce given recent issues with top-flight tight ends.

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Despite averaging more than 5 yards per carry, among the best in the league, Charles has only been given the ball 11 times each of the past two weeks. Jay Cutler completed 28 of 43 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns and one interception.

Bears G Vladimir Ducasse (2010-13) was on the team when Chiefs LB Josh Mauga (2009-13) played for the New York Jets. Thursday’s injury report listed 14 players, including 11 starters. Whichever combination they line up this Sunday must be assignment-sound and clear in their communication, especially if rookie center Hroniss Grasu is thrust into the starting lineup.

The Kansas City Chiefs need a big win to snap a three-game losing streak.