The Bear Den: 2009 Chicago Bears Season Preview (Part IV)
Published by Zack Pearson on May 27, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Week Fourteen: vs Green Bay, Dec. 13 2009. 12:00 CST
The Bears finish their season series with rivals Green Bay, this time at home.
The Bears beat the Packers at home last year in a thrilling overtime finish that kept their playoff hopes alive.
This game could have big implications on the NFC North and playoffs. Both teams could be fighting for the division lead or wild card spot.
If the Packers were to be fighting for the division lead, their defense will have to step up big. In the first game against the Bears last year, the Packers defense gave up only three points. In the second meeting, they blew a late lead.
The Bears will have to establish their run game early and get into an offensive groove. Scoring points early will be the key to a Bears win.
Final Score Prediction: Bears 16-13 Packers
Week Fifteen: at Baltimore, Dec. 20, 2009. 12:00 CST
Two young quarterbacks will battle each other in a December matchup in Baltimore. Joe Flacco led the Ravens to the playoffs last year in his rookie year, and hopes to do the same again. Jay Cutler also hopes to lead the Bears to the playoffs in his first year with Chicago.
Both teams could have clinched a playoff spot by now, but don’t count out a tough, physical defensive game between two good defenses.
I expect both defenses to come out and play up to expectations, and the offense will have to win the game for either team.
I’m going to favor the Bears offense in this game, simply because they have more weapons.
Although I think the Bears are the better team, I can see Baltimore taking this one. Especially since it’s in Baltimore.
Final Score Prediction: Ravens 15-10 Bears
Week Sixteen: vs Minnesota, Dec. 28 2009. 7:30 CST
This is the Bears’ only Monday night game of the year, but what better time and game to have?
The Bears and Vikings square off in a huge divisional game that just might determine the division winner.
Both teams could be at the top of the NFC North, so this game pretty much means everything to these two teams.
The Bears won last year’s meeting in Chicago, with Kyle Orton leading the charge.
I like the Bears in this one, and here’s why; Chicago will have the home crowd behind them, in what could be the deciding game for the division.
I know Chicago fans, and they get pretty excited for games like this.
I expect the Bears defense to finally clamp down and stop Adrian Peterson, who has torched the Bears in all four of his games against them.
It’s also important for the Bears offense to come out and maintain a steady game plan. With the tough Minnesota run defense, the pass game will have to win it for them.
Who knows though, both these teams could also be eliminated from playoff contention at this point.
Final Score Prediction: Bears 31-20 Vikings
Week Seventeen: at Detroit, Jan. 3 2010. 12:00 CST
In the final regular season week for the NFL, this could be a meaningless game for both teams.
The Bears could have clinched a playoff spot or division title, and maybe home field advantage.
On the other hand the Bears could also be fighting for the division title or wildcard berth. Anything can happen during the season.
As for Detroit, I expect them once again to be playing for pride. I think they will improve from last year, but not enough for a playoff spot.
We could also see the second string for the Bears to give the starters a rest.
Final Score Prediction: Bears 23-12 Lions (If Bears haven’t clinched yet)
Lions 17-10 Bears (If Bears are resting starters)
Key Player—Devin Hester.
Hester could be the Bears’ No. 1 wide receiver to start off the year. It will be important for him to come up with big plays during the final weeks of the season.
