With injuries to key players on both sides of the ball, this week's game will come down to how well the backups perform.
Some of the new starters are part of this week's players to watch for Sunday's game with the Bears and Cowboys in Chicago.
Rome Odunze - One week after both Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson took the Cowboys' secondary on the ride of their lives, they'll face another more than capable talent in Odunze, a receiver that's already produced three touchdowns in the air for the Bears through their first two games, the most of any receiver in the league thus far. Deleting him from Ben Johnson's gameplan will be paramount, and force Caleb Williams to other reads and off his spot while trying to make them. - Patrik Walker
Brock Hoffman - Needless to say, all eyes will be on Hoffman as he steps in for an injured Cooper Beebe at center in Week 3. The good news is that Hoffman is no stranger to playing center after having done so in high school and for two different collegiate programs, so the reacclimation should be swift, and his bully ball demeanor will be an interesting watch with fellow maulers Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker to his left and right, respectively. Hoffman has a nasty streak to him, and he could end up disrupting the Bears' defense in multiple ways — including cerebrally. - Patrik Walker
Braxton Jones - A year after rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times, the third most in NFL history, Chicago knew they had to make changes on the offensive line. They signed veteran contributors like Joe Thuney and Drew Dalman that have helped through two weeks, but left tackle Braxton Jones has struggled. Through two games, he's given up 12 pressures and two sacks, both of which lead the Bears offensive line in those categories. Pressure gets to Williams on an average of 2.83 seconds from pass rushers that are going against Jones, so if Dallas wants to find a week to have their defensive ends be successful, Sunday against the Bears could be the opportunity to do so. - Tommy Yarrish
Trevon Diggs - When Caleb Williams gets outside the pocket, a number of different things can happen. There can be some wow throws, but there can also be some head scratching decisions, like throwing the ball into traffic or contested coverage. If the Cowboys are able to force Williams into those kinds of throws, their ball hawks like Diggs are going to need to be ready for it and capitalize on the turnover opportunities. - Tommy Yarrish
Nahshon Wright - We've seen Wright when he was drafted here back in 2021. He's tall, lanky and agile. While staying with receivers stride for stride down the field is possible because of his length, Wright doesn't have the elite quickness to stop and start with some of the top receivers. At least, he didn't always have that when he was here. The Bears are so beat up in the secondary that Wright should be one of the starters this week. And yes, you did see him score a touchdown against the Vikings in Week 1. If Dak throws the ball right to him, sure he might pick it off and take it the house. But if they keep moving side to side, the Cowboys have a chance for some big plays. - Nick Eatman
KaVontae Turpin - For a guy that is just now having a big role in the offense, his absence was felt in the second half and overtime when he got hurt against the Giants. What Turpin provides is the juice this offense has been missing for a while. Even if he doesn't get the ball, the threat of his speed is a problem for the rest of the defense trying to keep their eyes and hands on CeeDee and Pickens. How Turpin is able to recovery from the neck injury will be vital to not only the offense but special teams. It felt like Tolbert and Sanders had chances to break open big returns last week. Had Turpin been there, the entire game could've been different. But let's always see how Turpin takes the first hit or two after dealing with a neck injury. - Nick Eatman
