Bears Blitz

Published by Andrew Kulha on December 10, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

If I would have told you before the 2011 NFL season that the Denver Broncos, led by Tim Tebow, would be 7-5 and on top of the AFC West coming into a Week 14 showdown with the Chicago Bears, you would think I was crazy.

As crazy as that may have sounded at the time though, the reality is that the Broncos are indeed sniffing the playoffs led by Tebow, and they are in the midst of a five-game winning streak.

Many people, including myself, still don’t have faith in Tebow as the Broncos’ future quarterback, but there is no doubting that he is getting the job done.

For now, that is all that matters.

The Broncos square off with a mangled 7-5 Bears team, who have been led by backup quarterback Caleb Hanie since losing Jay Cutler two weeks ago.

The Bears have dropped both of Hanie’s starts, and their playoff hopes and dreams are quickly fading.

Add on top of that, a sprained knee to star running back Matt Forte will keep him out of this game, and it looks like the Bears are in a ton of trouble.

That being said, they still have a great defense that allows 99.8 yards per game on the ground, and running the ball is Denver’s strength, so this game is essentially up for the taking.

The question is, who wants it more?

Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, CO 

When: Sunday Dec. 11, 4:05 p.m. EST

Watch: FOX

Spread: Broncos -3 1/2

If the Broncos do get the win it will be a close game, but I don’t like their matchup. Bet this at your own risk.

Over/Under: 35 1/2

This game has all the makings of a defensive struggle in my opinion. I’d go with the under.

All Betting Information Courtesy of Bodog.com

Key Injuries:

Bears: Quarterback Jay Cutler out (right thumb), running back Matt Forte out (knee), safety Major Wright out (shoulder).

Broncos: Wide receiver Eddie Royal questionable (concussion), running back Willis McGahee questionable (knee).

Fantasy Big Plays:

Start: With Forte out, running back Marion Barber is going to be the workhorse for the Bears offense. He’s going to get a lot of looks and will be a great start.

Sit: Broncos running back Willis McGahee is expected to play according to ESPN, but I wouldn’t trust him as a fantasy option. Not only is he coming off a knee injury, but as I mentioned earlier, the Bears thrive at stopping the run on defense.

Keys To Bears Win:

The Broncos’ read-option offense is predicated on one thing, and that’s the running game. Even though Tebow showed off his arm last week, going 10-of-15 for 202 yards and two touchdowns through the air, the Broncos still rely on their run game to get the job done.

I’ve said it multiple times already, but that’s how true the stat rings. The Bears need to jam the box and use their physical presence up front to win them this game. 

Keys To Broncos Win:

Can Tim Tebow throw the ball exclusively, especially if the Bears can force them out of the read-option and get a pass rush on him?

If the Bears are smart, they will take away all the running options, which puts the game on Tebow’s shoulders.

If he can throw the ball accurately, the Broncos will win.

Prediction:

I believe the Bears defense will be able to deal with the Broncos’ offensive scheme, and Hanie will do just enough to squeak out a win.

Bears 13, Broncos 10

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