Bears Blitz

Published by Andrew Kulha on October 12, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The NFC North is one of the strongest divisions in the NFL right now, and considering that the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears are both looking up at the 5-0 Packers and Lions, every game counts from here on out.

It’s a Sunday night divisional matchup, which means that both teams are going to be pumped up. The Vikings finally got a win on the board and are staring up at the NFC North at 1-4, but the Bears are that far ahead of them.

Chicago has taken losses at the hands of the Packers and then to the red hot Lions on Monday Night Football. They were embarrassed  and beat up on national TV, so I can only imagine the motivation they have going in to this game.

It’s a matchup to stay out of the cellar of a very powerful division, so don’t think these teams will take it lightly.

Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

When: Sunday Oct. 16. 8:20 p.m EST

Watch: NBC, NFL RedZone

Listen: KFAN FM 100.3 Minnesota; Fox Chicago, 780 AM 105.9 FM WBBM , 670 AM WSCR Chicago; Sirius: 93

Stream: NFL.com packages

Betting Line (Bodog.com): Chicago Bears -3

What’s At Stake:

Simply put, pride is at stake in this divisional rivalry game. Also, the privilege of not being the worst team in the division.

Minnesota Injury Report:

Did Not Practice 10/12: Cornerback Antoine Winfield (neck).

Chicago Injury Report:

Did Not Practice 10/12: Wide receiver Earl Bennett (chest), tackle Gabe Carimi (knee), defensive end Julius Peppers (knee), defensive tackle Matt Toeaina (knee).

Fantasy Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em and Sleeper:

Start: If you’ve been wavering on Jay Cutler lately, I think this is a good week to give him a chance. He’s back at home, and he actually did play very well despite poor protection against the Lions.

Sit: Bears receiver Roy Williams has been a bust all season long. It’s probably time to give up on him.

Sleeper: Minnesota quarterback Donovan McNabb may be a good sleeper pick this week. The Bears pass rush isn’t tremendous, and I think he’s due for a classic McNabb-esque game.

What They’re Saying: The Associated Press via the Washington Post writes about Adrian Peterson‘s incredible three touchdown game last week. He is becoming a vocal leader on a team that desperately needs him, and is worth the money for the Vikings.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports the Bears may be looking at some lineup changes, specifically on the beat up and much maligned offensive line.

Minnesota Player to Watch:

It’s simple. If Adrian Peterson can take control of this game like he did last week, there is nobody that can stop him.

Chicago Player to Watch:

Matt Forte was almost non-existent on Monday night football in Detroit. The Bears need him to play like the Pro Bowler that he is.

Key Matchup:

If Jared Allen and the Vikings defense can put pressure on Cutler and the Bears offensive line, they will put themselves  in great position to win.

On the Hotseat:

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier has been under a lot of pressure lately, especially with the second half implosions that his team has become famous for. Let’s see if he can get them ahead and keep it that way.

Prediction:

This will be a closely contested NFC North battle. In the end, home field advantage wins out.

Bears: 17 Vikings: 13

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