Chiefs vs. Bears: 3 predictions for Kansas City's preseason finale at Arrowhead Stadium

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to face the Chicago Bears in a preseason finale at Arrowhead Stadium tonight at 7:20 p.m. CT.

While the defending AFC champions haven't yet secured an exhibition victory, the efforts of Kansas City's rookies and backups have been admirable, giving fans plenty to look forward to in the regular season.

Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expected to get some playing time in tonight's game, but will likely only be on the field for a few series, at most.

Take a look at our predictions for the Chiefs' preseason finale against the Bears:

Ed Easton Jr.'s prediction

The preseason finale at home against the Chicago Bears should be viewed as a positive showcase for the starters and a dress rehearsal for the regular season. Friday's game will focus heavily on specific position group battles.

The offensive starters will play more, so there will be an emphasis on the number of shots down the field and the plays Patrick Mahomes makes while he's in the lineup. The running backs need a standout performance to put fans at ease, and the final roster decisions at wide receiver will be critical, especially with Skyy Moore recently being traded to the San Francisco 49ers.

The defense was exposed in the secondary and the run game last week against the Seattle Seahawks. Improvement from the latter will be essential, especially back at home. The depth of the defensive backs will be examined closely, as will all the recent injuries. Chiefs fans should also closely watch the personnel groups on special teams, which may determine the fate of multiple players.

Final score: Chiefs 21, Bears 10

Jon Ediger's prediction

The Kansas City Chiefs' final opportunity to get a win in the preseason comes against the Chicago Bears on Friday.

The Chiefs looked out of their depths against the Seattle Seahawks last week. While some of the offense showed signs of serviceable play, the defense was an obvious point of weakness. With Patrick Mahomes and company seeing the field — even if only for a drive or two — the reigning AFC champions have a decent chance to walk out of Arrowhead Stadium with a win.

Head coach Andy Reid is sure to be finalizing roster decisions in the coming days, so Friday's game will give second- and third-string players a chance to show their worth and potentially make the final 53-man roster before the regular season begins in September. With this added pressure, the backups should be playing with everything to lose.

Final score: Chiefs 30, Bears 27

John Dillon's prediction

Kansas City's coaching staff rarely reveals any of its best tricks in preseason contests, but tonight's matchup against the Bears could still prove to be an exciting affair. Patrick Mahomes should be expected to take the field for at least one drive, and with careers on the line, the Chiefs' backups will play with extra gusto as they vie for a spot on the team's 53-man roster.

In the end, the outcome of Friday's tilt will be inconsequential. It won't affect Kansas City's regular-season record or derail the Chiefs' bid to earn a fourth consecutive Super Bowl berth. But, given that the contest will mark the final time some of Kansas City's players suit up for the Chiefs, the importance of fine details and execution will be at an all-time high.

As such, I'll predict that Kansas City's unsung backups will help the Chiefs secure their first preseason victory at Arrowhead Stadium tonight, and that at least one player will do something remarkable that punches their ticket to the team's final roster.

Final score: Chiefs 17, Bears 13

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: 3 predictions for Chiefs' preseason finale vs. Bears