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Colts vs. Bears -- Week 1
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago (grass, outdoors)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Spread: Bears by 10
Forecast: Partly cloudy; projected temperature at kickoff: low-70s.
2011 records: Colts (2-14); Bears (8-8)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Sept. 7, 2008: Bears 29, Colts 13; Super Bowl XLI, Feb. 4, 2007: Colts 29, Bears 17. Series record: Colts lead 22-18.
What matters: The Colts were abysmal last season, but with a roster overhaul -- including adding rookie quarterback Andrew Luck -- hopes are high in Indianapolis. The offense will be facing a notoriously aggressive and stingy Bears defense, though veteran linebacker Brian Urlacher may not be at full strength. If Indy can get its run game rolling, that will make things easier on Luck to make progress through the air.
Who matters: Luck's debut is one of the most anticipated in recent years, so he will obviously garner plenty of attention. In addition, running back Donald Brown finally has the starting role locked up, so it will be interesting to see if he can be effective in Bruce Arians' aggressive rushing offense.
Key matchups: The Bears secondary will look to be aggressive with Luck playing in his first career NFL game, and the Colts offensive line must be better in terms of giving him time. If Chicago gets a solid push up front that negates the run game and pressures Luck, the Colts will have major trouble moving the ball.
Injuries of note: Inside linebacker Pat Angerer will miss the game with a broken foot, and the status of wide receiver Austin Collie (concussion) seems to be changing daily. Rookie receiver T.Y. Hilton (shoulder) may also be limited, leaving the Colts pretty thin at receiver. Veteran Reggie Wayne and newcomer Donnie Avery will have to carry the load.
Inside stuff: Backup running back Vick Ballard looked good in the preseason, especially between the tackles. If Brown isn't effective early, look for Ballard to get a few looks out of the backfield.
Connections: Recent Colts acquisition cornerback Vontae Davis and Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall spent last season together in Miami. What's more, Indianapolis coach Chuck Pagano said earlier this week that Davis will probably shadow Marshall throughout the game. That's definitely something to watch.
Stat you should know: Both the Colts and the Bears were among the worst passing teams in the NFL last season, but both teams have taken steps to remedy that. Indianapolis, obviously, with Luck. The Bears went out and drafted Alshon Jeffery and added Marshall to give quarterback Jay Cutler a few more vertical threats.
Looking ahead: After this tough test in the opener, the Colts will return home to face Minnesota and Jacksonville heading into their bye week.
Prediction: Bears 31, Colts 17
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Colts blogger Evan Hilbert, follow @CBSSportsNFLIND.