Bears Blitz

Two teams headed in vastly different directions will square off on Sunday when the San Diego Chargers travel east to take on the Chicago Bears in an interconference showdown.

The Chargers are 4-5, tied for third place in the AFC West, but only one game behind the Raiders. The Bears are tied for second in the NFC North and appear to be headed to a relatively easy wild-card berth. 

Sunday will be the first meeting between the two teams.

The Chargers won the last meeting between the two teams. That was a 14-3 win on opening day of the 2007 season, in San Diego.

Where: Soldier Field. Chicago, Illinois

When: Sunday, Nov. 20 at 4:15 p.m. EST

Watch: CBS

Spread: Bears (-4), according to Bodog.

With this number, you’re basically picking the team that you think will win. It’s unlikely that the Bears will win by fewer than four. 

I am relatively confident with Chicago this weekend, so I will go with them to win and cover.

Over/Under: 45, according to Bodog. 

I’ll be honest, I am not crazy about betting on this here. My final score is literally one point on the under. 

Even if I am wrong on the winner, I have the two teams combining for about 45 points and don’t see much deviation. 

I’ll say go under if you insist on betting, but this screams “avoid” to me.

Key Injuries

Chargers LB Shaun Phillips, WR Malcom Floyd, LB Takeo Spikes are questionable.

Bears CB D.J. Moore and Bears OT Gabe Carimi are out.

Bears DE Julius Peppers is questionable.

Bears RB Matt Forte and WR Devin Hester are probable.

Fantasy Big Plays

I like Earl Bennett an awful lot this week. He’s been a big part of the offense since returning to action. 

The Chicago defense is a good play. Given their skill and the Chargers’ propensity to turn the ball over, this looks like a great play.

Keys to Chargers Win

This is simple. Against a team like this, Philip Rivers can’t throw interceptions. That has been as responsible as anything for the Chargers’ losing streak.

Keys to Bears Win

Matt Forte, Matt Forte, Matt Forte. Give him the ball early and often. From there, hope for a big play or two from Devin Hester. At home, if the Bears follow that game plan, they will take this one.

Prediction: Bears 27, Chargers 17

These two teams are just going in opposite directions right now. In Chicago, this sets up well for a Bears win.