Key matchups, players to watch, predictions and more for Sunday's Bears-Saints game in New Orleans (noon, FOX).

4 storylines

Defensive revival: In back-to-back victories, the Bears defense didn't allow an offensive touchdown, forced six turnovers and accounted for three touchdowns, prompting tight end Zach Miller to declare from the other side that they're regaining their "Monsters of the Midway" identity. But they face a steep road test in the Saints, who have averaged 33 points per game over their last four contests. "It's not making dumb mistakes, making sure we're locked in mentally," defensive end Akiem Hicks said of the resurgence. "… You want to go to a game and execute just as well as you did in practice. Some times earlier in the season we didn't."

More from Trubisky? Mitch Trubisky completed just 4 of 7 passes for 107 yards last week as the Bears stuck to a conservative game plan while working with a two-touchdown lead the defense provided. Overall this season, he is 24-for-48 for 348 yards. But they could need more from Trubisky this week to keep up with a high-scoring Saints offense. "The positive is we are winning," Trubisky said. "There's no replacement for that, as (offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains) says. That's a fact. But it's also fact that we need to continue to get better, no matter who we're playing, no matter what week it is. Just continue to perfect your craft."

Big Easy returns: Ryan Pace will return to the Superdome for the first time as Bears general manager. Pace spent the formative years of his career with the Saints, starting in operations in 2001 and moving up to director of player personnel before he joined the Bears in 2015. The game is also a return for Hicks, whom the Saints drafted in 2012 but traded to the Patriots in 2015. For the rest of the Bears, it's their first time playing in a dome this season, and the team prepared by blasting music during practice. "I can't imagine it can be any louder than what we played in during practice this week," coach John Fox said.

Two teams streaking: The Bears are on a two-game winning streak for the first time since 2015. After starting the year 0-2, the Saints are on a four-game winning streak to take the lead in the NFC South. Breaking that streak will start with disrupting veteran quarterback Drew Brees, who has thrown for 1,652 yards with 11 touchdowns, four interceptions and five sacks this season. "He's a great operator," Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. "He dissects defenses — what you're in, what you're not in — as good as anybody, throws on rhythm a lot. There is a reason why he holds a lot of these records."

Matchups

Bears on offense

Photos of quarterback Mitch Trubisky, the No. 2 pick by the Chicago Bears in the 2017 NFL draft.

In the air

NFL rank: Bears offense 31st, Saints defense 21st

The Bears have survived the last two games with the help of early leads built on defensive scores and trick plays. It begs the question whether Mitch Trubisky can succeed when having to keep pace with a high-scoring offense such as the Saints'. He is grappling with typical rookie growing pains, including the timing of reads and third-down proficiency. The wide receivers (one catch last week) aren't helping. The Saints have invested heavily in their secondary. First-round rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore is long, physical and runs very well.

On the ground

NFL rank: Bears offense 7th, Saints defense 20th

While the Bears continue to search for answers in the passing game, running has become their identity. Jordan Howard's 139 carries are the third most in the NFL, and his 560 yards are fifth most. He got past his right shoulder injury and has been running like his physical self. The Saints' run defense is vulnerable, and the Bears will use that to keep Drew Brees off the field. Former first-round nose tackle Sheldon Rankins wins with hand placement and strength, but the Saints' linebacker corps is pedestrian.

Bears 30th in total offense, 26th in points scored

Saints 23rd in total defense, 16th in points allowed

Saints on offense

In the air

NFL rank: Saints offense 4th, Bears defense 9th

Brees has been sacked on only 2.3 percent of his dropbacks this season, best in the NFL. He gets the ball out quickly and has terrific pocket awareness. He can be susceptible to interior pressure, though, and that plays into the Bears' strength with Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman as the tackles in sub packages. The Bears must stay level with Brees in their pass rush. He can throw receivers open. Second-year receiver Michael Thomas is strong with excellent ball skills, and he reliably catches slants.

On the ground

NFL rank: Saints offense 10th, Bears defense 11th

Running backs Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara have established balance in the Saints' offense, accounting for 55 percent of the touches. Ingram is an inside runner with power to gain yards after contact. He also can make a tackler miss in space. Kamara has speed to run outside, and the Saints line him up all over the formation as a receiver. He's agile and quick. Hicks and Goldman must set the tone, while explosive second-year lineman Jonathan Bullard (glute) plays more now that he's healthy.

Saints 4th in total offense, 4th in points scored

Bears 7th in total defense, 14th in points allowed

The assignment

Saints RB Alvin Kamara (No. 41)

John Ehlke / AP Saints running back Alvin Kamara tries to reach the end zone as he is tripped up by the Packers' Nick Perry on Oct. 22, 2017. Saints running back Alvin Kamara tries to reach the end zone as he is tripped up by the Packers' Nick Perry on Oct. 22, 2017. (John Ehlke / AP) (John Ehlke / AP)

Measurables: 5-foot-10, 215 pounds.

Assigned: Bears linebackers Danny Trevathan (No. 59) and Christian Jones (No. 52)

Notable numbers: Kamara has averaged 6.3 yards per carry through the first six games. The rookie also ranks second on the Saints in catches (28) and third in receiving yards (209). … The Bears limited Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey to 36 yards on seven catches last week and 10 yards on seven rushing attempts.