Previewing the Chicago Bears Remaining Games
October 14, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) runs onto the field before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE
Week 10 – vs Houston Texans (Sunday Night Football)
If things go according to plan, the Bears could very well be 7-1 heading into this matchup, but this is where the level of difficulty for the season schedule goes up a notch. The Texans boasted an undefeated season until the Packers went down to Houston to humble the mighty Texans. If you’re looking for a balanced team, look no further than the team from Houston. They can run the ball with Foster and Tate and Matt Schaub gets the job done in the passing attack even if Andre Johnson seems to be coming back down to Earth. On defense, JJ Watt is an early MVP candidate and could make for a looong night for the Bears offensive line. They suffered a blow losing linebacker Brian Cushing to a season ending knee injury, but they’ll still potent. For as well as the Bears do on Monday nights, they struggle that much worse on Sunday nights. The Texans edge the Bears in this one. (7-2)
Week 11 – @ San Francisco 49ers (Monday Night Football)
The Bears head out to the left coast to take on another of the “complete teams” in the NFL which got pummeled on Sunday. The Niners were humbled by the defending Super Bowl champs. They can still play some nasty defense and Vernon Davis presents matchup problems for many a defense. The Giants provided the blueprint to beat the Nines – get up early and get after Alex Smith. I give the slightest of edges to the home team; Bears lose two in a row. (7-3)
Week 12 – vs Minnesota Vikings
If you’re looking for the biggest surprise in the league, look no further than the Minnesota Vikings. This one looked like an easy Bears win before the season started, but that’s not the case. Leslie Frazier has the Vikings defense playing at a high level while Christian Ponder has turned more than a few heads with his play at quarterback. Adrian Peterson proves that he’s a freak of nature with his remarkable comeback from a late-2011 ACL injury and Percy Harvin has taken his game to another level. Plus, the Vikings get an extra week to prepare for this one, as they enjoy a Week 11 bye. Give the Bears a slight edge in this one. (8-3)
Week 13 – vs Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks got the better of the Bears late in 2011, taking advantage of a Cutler-less Bears team. Pete Carroll has his defense performing at a high level with a beastly secondary that won’t be intimidated by Brandon Marshall. Rookie quarterback Russell Wilson continues to impress each week and Marshawn Lynch can go “Beast Mode” at any time. The Bears were caught off guard by the Seahawks last season, but that doesn’t happen this time. Bears win. (9-3)