BEARS - EAGLES: Betting Odds, Prediction, and Preview for Monday Night's Game in Philadelphia

The Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles each seek their third-straight win when they meet Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Eagles went into the 2011 season with Super Bowl expectations, but for now are fighting to make the playoffs, while the Bears appear to be chasing a Wild Card spot, as the undefeated Packers look like clear favorites for the NFC North title.

Philadelphia started the season with a 1-4 record, though three of those losses were only by seven-or-less points. In their four losses, the Eagles had 14 total turnovers, while their opponents only had a total of four.

Protecting the football will continue to be important going forward for Andy Reid's club. Philadelphia only had two total turnovers in their last two games, which included a dismantling of the Cowboys last week.

Though Philadelphia are surging, and are loaded with talent, Chicago has faced strong competition this season. Five of the Bears' seven games were against teams in playoff contention. Playing on the road against an Eagles squad that is showing more confidence will be yet another test for Lovie Smith's squad.

But the Bears go into this high-profile matchup with rest and momentum. Chicago haven't played since Oct. 23, and outscored the Vikings and Buccaneers 63-28 in their last two games.

Chicago will focus on containing LeSean McCoy, who is coming off two consecutive games where he rushed for over 100 yards. McCoy will likely be at full strength despite a reported illness on Saturday, and the rushing star has been in contract talks with Eagles' management. McCoy might be the best running back in the NFL at the moment, as he is fourth in rushing yards, and is third amongst running backs in average rushing yards per carry (5.6).

The overall leader in yards-per-carry is quarterback Michael Vick, with an 8.1 average. Though Vick remains an effective scrambling threat, his passing numbers are down this season. Vick already has eight interceptions in seven games, compared to six last season in 12 games.

Chicago's defense is ranked 25th in net yards per game (380.6), and 14th in points per game (21.4). Though the Eagles are first in the NFL in net yards per game (449.3), Philadelphia is only ninth in points per game (25.6).

The Eagles' defense will have to deal with Bears' running back Matt Forte. The fourth-year star appears to be on his way to his best NFL season after gaining more than 900 yards in each of his first three seasons. Forte has rushed for 672 yards this season, and has a 5.4 yards-per-carry average.

Quarterback Jay Cutler has put up similar statistics compared to his former seasons, though he's seen a small dip in his completion percentage (59.1 percent).

The Bears are 17th best offense in net yards per game (337.4), but 14th in points per game (24.3). The Eagles' defense are 10th best in net yards per game (330.6), and are 15th in points per game (21.7).

LINE: Philadelphia is favored by 7

Over-Under: 47.5

PREDICTION: Vick will have a strong game, and the Eagles will take a commanding lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Bears will inch back thanks to Forte and wide receiver Johnny Knox, but it won't be enough. Expect LeSean McCoy to have another 100-yard game.

PREDICTED SCORE: Philadelphia 33, Chicago 24.