LAKE FOREST, Ill. — As the Bears prepare to host the Dolphins at Soldier Field Sunday, there’s one startling statistic that leaves you scratching your head.

The Dolphins are actually averaging more points per game than the Bears.

OK, the difference is only 0.2 points (the Dolphins are 14th in the NFL with 24.0 points per game and the Bears are 15th with 23.8), but when you look at the two offenses on paper (and on film), there’s really no reason why the two units should even be close.

The explanation is pretty simple though. The Bears just haven’t been consistent on offense.

The good news, however, is that Jay Cutler and the Bears were better last week in Atlanta, finally breaking through with their first second-half touchdown in three games. In fact, they scored two touchdowns in the second half, which proved to be the difference after the Falcons erased a 10-point deficit and tied the game at 13.

But for the Bears to continue that momentum Sunday at Soldier Field, the offensive line is going to have to play well. Again, there’s more good news here as it looks like they will have all five of their starting offensive lineman back on the field together for the first time since Week 1. But how healthy are left tackle Jermon Bushrod (ankle/knee) and right tackle Jordan Mills (foot)? Dolphins’ defensive ends Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon will be a stiff test as they chased Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers all around the field last week. But in examining the tape closer, it appeared they knew the Packers’ silent snap count. Remember, Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin used to be the Packers’ offensive coordinator and that may have contributed to Wake and Vernon getting great jumps off the line of scrimmage all game.

The Dolphins are stout against the run, but if the Bears can protect Cutler, they should have an weaponry advantage — like they do in most games. Brent Grimes and Cortland Finnegan are feisty corners who will get their hands on your in zone and man coverage, but Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall still have a significant size advantage.

The point is, this is a matchup that is in the Bears’ control. If they play like they are capable of, they should have no problem scoring enough points to win.

On the other side of the ball, the Dolphins are just average. Ryan Tannehill is just a guy and the receiving weapons don’t really scare you. Lamar Miller is a solid running back, but nothing the league’s 10th-ranked defense shouldn’t be able to handle.

Miami’s offense plays very horizontal. They spread you out with short, outside passes and keep you honest with some read-option, which could keep the Bears’ pass rush at bay. They’ll also sprinkle in some no-huddle from time-to-time.

But this is a game where defensive coordinator Mel Tucker should be able to mix it up. It will be interesting to see if he has rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller shadow Mike Wallace or if he goes back to keeping Fuller and Tim Jennings on the same side the whole game. Either way, if Tucker rattles Tannehill with some blitzes, the former wide receiver will throw it to the Bears’ secondary. The Packers’ corners were breaking on routes all game last week and both Fuller and Jennings should have opportunities for interceptions Sunday.

Bears linebacker Lance Briggs and safety Chris Conte were ruled out Sunday, but the Bears are used to playing without Conte and they are actually healthier at linebacker than they were a week ago. Neither absence should decide this game.

The defense proved last week that it all starts up front and as long as the defensive line plays well, the defense shouldn’t have a problem Sunday.

It’s not exactly rocket science, but against a team like the Dolphins, if you control both lines of scrimmage, you’ll win the football game.

My Prediction: Bears 31, Dolphins 17.

Adam Hoge covers the Bears for 87.7 The Game and TheGameChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AdamHoge.