In case you missed this, following the Vikings’ 21-14 win over the Bears, superstars Brandon Marshall and Adrian Peterson signed and exchanged their game jerseys.

At one point during the game, I actually tweeted that these two should just go mano y mano to settle the outcome of the game.  Both had spectacular performances as Peterson racked up 154 yards and 2 TD’s while Marshall had 10 catches for 160 yards and a TD.

It’s not the first time Marshall has done this, exchanging with Calvin Johnson earlier this season.

It’s a pretty cool tradition if you ask me.  What do you think?  Do you like the idea of mingling with the enemy?

Sign up for a chance to win a DROID RAZR HD.  We need your entry by this Friday.

Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) is sacked by Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton (69) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears (8-4, 3-2 road) will face off with the Minnesota Vikings (6-6, 5-1 home) for the 104^th meeting in their history.  The Vikings hold a 52-49-2 edge, but Lovie Smith has won all four meetings against Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier.  This game will be a big factor in deciding which of these teams makes it to the playoffs.

The Vikings will be without one of their best offense weapons in WR Percy Harvin, who leads all Viking receivers, by more than double, with 62 catches for 677 yards.  Running back Adrian Peterson is having another monster year with 1,446 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.  The Bears know that he can single-handedly win a game, like he did in 2007 when he had 224 rushing yards, nine receiving yards, 128 yards on kickoff returns and three rushing touchdowns.  Someone (or multiple players) from the Bears defense will need to stop him and hope that TE Kyle Rudolph (eight receiving touchdowns) doesn’t do much damage.

Jay Cutler will need continue his stellar play (68.0 completion percentage in his last four games), especially with rookie WR Alshon Jeffery (16 catches, 199 yards and two TDs in six games) coming back.  Vikings QB Christian Ponder has looked terrible lately (four of his last six games he has had a QB rating under 60), so the Bears defensive line, led by Henry Melton (six sacks, two forced fumbles this season) will need to keep pressure on him all day.

Here are some numbers to remember when watching the game this Sunday.

92.6:  Cutler’s Total QBR when outside of the pocket, best in the NFL.

16:  Number of touchdowns Cutler has thrown against the Vikings in seven career games.

0:  Number of times Matt Forte has rushed for 100 yards or more against the Vikings.

5:  Number of receiving touchdowns Devin Hester has scored against the Vikings.  He has 14 total receiving touchdowns in his career.

6:  Number of games that Adrian Peterson has gained 100 or more yards from scrimmage against the Bears in nine career games.

2:  Number of Vikings other than Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin, who have scored touchdowns against the Bears in their last five meetings (Kyle Rudolph in 2012 and Joe Webb in 2010).

11.34: Cutler’s average yards per pass attempt in the fourth quarter this season.

2-5:  The Bears record under Lovie Smith at the Metrodome.

2-6:  The Bears record under Lovie Smith during Week 14 of a season.

10:  Number of receptions needed by Brandon Marshall to break the Bears single-season record, currently held by Marty Booker with 100 in 2001.

8:  Number of forced fumbles by Charles Tillman this season, two shy of the NFL single-season record held by Osi Umenyiora of the New York Giants in 2010.

3.9:  Average yards per punt return by Bears opponents this season, best in the NFL.

2:  Number of times the Bears defense has given up more than one touchdown in the second half/overtime (Tennessee and Seattle both scored two).

3:  Points scored by Bears opponents on their opening drive of the game.

109:  Points scored by the Bears this season off of the 34 turnovers they created.

1:  Number of plays over 27 yards by Bears opponents in the fourth quarter this season.

8:  Number of plays over 27 yards by the Bears offense in the fourth quarter this season.

2009:  The last time the Bears won an overtime game (December 28, 2009 against the Vikings).

21-2:  Bears record when they lead after the first quarter since 2009.

Plain and simple, the Bears need to start quick and hang onto a lead.  They have done a great job of it in recent years, despite last week’s overtime debacle against the Seattle Seahawks.  Let’s all hope that Lovie Smith can manage this banged up defense and Mike Tice can figure out a way to block Vikings DE Jared Allen (13 career sacks against the Bears).  This one has a lot of playoff implications.

Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) tries to evade Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway (52) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Bears won 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears head to the Metrodome (I refuse to call it anything else) to rematch with the Minnesota Vikings.  Just a couple of weeks ago, the Bears prevailed at Soldied Field, but the Hump-dome is a whole different animal.  The Bears offensive line will be put to the test with the noisy environment and Adrian Peterson seems just a touch faster on the artificial turf.

The Bears have won 6 straight games over the Vikings.  Can they make it seven to keep themselves in contention for the NFC North crown?  Can they essentially end the Vikings’ postseason hopes?  To handle our 5 Questions, we reached out to our go to Vikings guy Dan Zinski, editor of The Viking Age.   Here are my questions and Dan’s answers. (more…)

Jan 1, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) celebrates his sacks of the Chicago Bears quarterback in the third quarter at the Metrodome. The sack set a new team record for Allen for most sacks in a single season with 22. The Bears win 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE

The Bears and Vikings are set to square off yet again in a matchup that will feature two of the weakest passing offenses in the league on what’s expected to be a cold day at the freshly re-sodded Soldier Field.  It sets up as a ground and pound kind of game.

With the Bears on a tw0-game skid while Jay Cutler recovers from a concussion, this game takes on huge importance against the surprising Vikings.  A loss against the Vikings and the Bears will drop from first to third in the division in less than a week.  But it’s not hopeless; the Vikings are very beatable.  Here are my Keys to a Chicago Bears victory. (more…)

Nov 11, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) rushes for a 61 yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE

The 6-4 Minnesota Vikings head to Soldier Field to Soldier Field to take on the 7-3 Bears in a crucial NFC North showdown.  Raise your hand if you saw this as a key game in the NFC North race before the season started.  Yeah, me neither.

The Bears have lost two in a row after jumping out to a 7-1 record, but have played the last game and a half without quarterback Jay Cutler, who suffered a concussion in their Sunday night game against the Texans a couple of weeks ago.  It’s unclear if Cutler will return, though he’s practiced all week.

For the Vikings, they’re led by running back Adrian Peterson.  That wouldn’t be surprising except that AP blew out his knee last December.  It’s miraculous that he’s back healthy and in fact leading the league in rushing after such a serious injury.  It looks like the Vikings could be without leading wide receiver Percy Harvin, so that could make the Vikins offense behind Christian Ponder one-dimensional, just what the doctor ordered for the struggling Bears.

To help us prepare for this important game, we’ve enlisted the help of old friend of the program Dan Zinski, editor of FanSided’s own The Viking Age.  Here are my questions and Dan’s answers to this week’s 5 Questions.  (more…)

Bears Spotlight- Matt Forte

Matt Forte-Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

There’s only one reason that Matt Forte isn’t considered elite in fantasy running back rankings—TOUCHDOWNS!  Forte does everything very good and is very consistent in fantasy points but he rarely gives you the huge point week because he rarely finds the end zone.  Forte is great if you are in a points per reception league because he is a fantastic receiver out of the backfield.  In Mike Tice’s offense Forte should get plenty of chances to churn out the yardage, but if it is a Vikings replica it could be another dry touchdown season for Forte unless he can bust out several 20+ yard touchdown runs.  Forte getting his long term contract signed and in training camp has to be a great sign for a good year! If possible late in your draft getting Michael Bush to handcuff Forte would be in your best interest.

Fantasy Top 10 RB

1.  Ray Rice

Ray Rice-Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

Very similar to Matt Forte in that Rice averages about the same yardage per carry, and is a very important piece to the passing game. The reason he ranks #1 is that he finds the end zone on both the ground and through the air.  Rice will be a top 3 pick in almost every draft because he’s one of the few feature backs that doesn’t get pulled at the goal line.  Ravens run the ball and play defense so you can’t go wrong with Rice on your roster or as your #1 draft pick.

2. LeSean McCoy

LeSean McCoy- Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-US PRESSWIRE

McCoy keeps getting better in each NFL season.  He really became a star last season with 17 rushing TD’s to go along with 3 receiving TD’s.  McCoy always looks like he’s about to fumble or about to get leveled, but he always puts a great juke on the defender and gets it up field. Along with Rice and Foster these are guaranteed to be the first 3 guys off the board this year.  If you don’t have a top 3 pick and you want them get ready to make a trade! There’s no reason to believe there will be a regression in McCoy this season as long as Vick stays healthy.

3. Arian Foster

Arian Foster- Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Foster is a fantasy stud. Foster hates fantasy football which is rather humorous.  Foster stats actually dipped last season but he missed the first three games with a hamstring injury, but he played extremely strong with Matt Schaub out with injury so it will be very exciting to see the Texans offense with all of its pieces healthy together.  Foster does it all so he’s a no brainer each week in your lineup.

4. Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson-Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

If you had Johnson on your roster like I did last year…You got burned!  Of course I traded him for Adrian Peterson and Peterson gets injured and Johnson goes for over 100 yards and a touchdown in 3 of the next 4 weeks.  It’s still amazing that Johnson ended with another 1,000 yard season with how bad the first half of his season was on the ground.  This will be a redemption year for Johnson and he could easily end up as the #1 running back in fantasy again if Hasselbeck and the Titans passing offense have any type of success.

5. Maurice Jones-Drew

Maurice Jones-Drew- Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

MJD is still holding out with no end in sight.  Thanks Phil Emery for getting the Forte deal done! This really reminds me of Chris Johnson last season. It’s interesting that since Fred Taylor left Jacksonville MJD yards have increased each season but his touchdowns fell and then leveled off.  He’s trapped in a terrible offense and he’s the only star on the roster.  MJD really needs Gabbert to develop and Blackmon to arrive right away to help the offense improve.

6. DeMarco Murray

DeMarco Murray- Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

Murray gets his shot at being the next Cowboy legendary running back since Jerry Jones pet project Felix Jones has never been able to hold down the running back position.  Murray and the Cowboys are projecting a 1,2oo yard season which has to be music to the ears of Tony Romo.  Murray will get his chances at the goal line too so 10-15 touchdown season could be in the works.  He may not duplicate his 253 yard performance against the St Louis Rams again but the sky’s the limit for this lone star.  He’s been getting drafted as high as #12 overall in some mock drafts.

7. Darren McFadden

Darren McFadden- Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

McFadden has one problem which is staying healthy.  He’s a very talented running back that in the past two seasons averaged over 5 yards per carry in some bad offenses, but he still hasn’t made it through an entire 16 game season.  Draft with caution!!!!  He doesn’t have Michael Bush to back him anymore so there’s no value in handcuffing him.  He’s a top 5 talent with huge risk.

8. Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson- Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

Buyer Beware again.  For the first time in his career, Peterson didn’t collect a 1,000 yard season due to injuries.  He more than likely won’t start the season completely healthy if he even gets on the field.  Peterson should be healthy come fantasy playoff time so the investment could be worth if you can collect enough wins to get into your playoffs.  Peterson’s health is a huge question mark so if you are cautious about injuries like me you just pass on Peterson this season.

9. Jamaal Charles

Jamaal Charles-Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

What did you forget about Charles? Back to Back 1,000 yard campaigns before his knee buckled in Week 2 last season.  His pain could be a huge value for you in the draft.  He should fall in most drafts, but he’s been announced healthy and he could be the bounce back player of the year candidate with Chris Johnson.  It’s football so health will be an issue, but expect a good season from Charles.

10. Darren Sproles

Darren Sproles-Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE

Sproles was made for the Saints offense.  He doesn’t get a ton of carries through the season, but he gets a lot of balls thrown his way and with his speed once he gets in the open field he’s always a threat to get into the end zone.  Mark Ingram will get most of the rushing duties for New Orleans, but expect offensive coordinator Drew Brees to call a bunch of passing plays this season which will have Sproles on the field collecting a ton of fantasy points.

Running Back Bust-Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch-Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Lynch had a great season last year especially when he went into “Beast Mode”, but he was running for the big payday.  Not only does he have a new contract, Lynch has legal issues and probable suspension heading his way.  Lynch has never been consistent and shockingly his only other 1,000 yard campaign came in 2008.  Lynch will go high in your draft but I find it hard to see the value in this pick when Lynch could easily backslide back to his normal 700 yard 4 td type of non contract year season.

Rookie Sleeper-Doug Martin

Doug Martin-Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

The Tampa Bay Bucs have soured on LeGarrette Blount so they picked Martin in the draft, and by all accounts he will have his chance to get on the field alot while sharing carries with Blount.  Martin is way better at catching the ball out of the backfield so he will be in the game on 3rd downs on an offense that should be vastly improved with the addition of Vincent Jackson.  Unless you’re in a draft with a Bucs fan, Martin should be a good value pick in the middle of the draft!

My breakout for the season was going to be Ryan Matthews before he broke his collarbone in his first pre-season game.  What’s your top 10 fantasy running backs? Let me know your sleepers and busts for the season in the Comments section!!  Thanks for reading!

DA BEARS!!

Dec 25, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) is tackled by Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) during the game at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

News and Notes from around the NFC North

Green Bay Packers

-Eric Walden was suspended for one game for a domestic dispute that occurred on Thanksgiving Day. He will miss the opening game of the season against the SanFrancisco 49ers. Walden was arrested for the dispute but didn’t have to serve any jail time.  He did agree to 50 hours of community service and counseling.

-After going 15-1 the Packers are looking for “Redemption” after losing in the divisional playoff game against the NY Giants . If you want to get fired up for the Chicago Bears to beat down the Packers on Thursday Night Football in Week 2, watch this clip via the fansided Packer site LombardiAve

- While listening to Jim Rome interviewing Aaron Rodgers, Rodgers expressed the fact that the Packers probably won’t go 15-1 again this year, but there’s a great chance that they will be a better team.  Rodgers told Rome that he expects the team to run more and be better on the defensive side of the ball. Oh yea he’s still going to throw the ball A LOT!!

- Defense has been the focus at camp getting all 6 draft picks on the field and ready for the season.  The Packers know that their defense was their achilles heel and the rookies impact will be a big difference maker good or bad.

- Donald Driver has had a very good start to training camp on his personal proving the critics wrong tour while trying to reserve a roster spot this season

Detroit Lions

Jahvid Best. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

- Jahvid Best was put on the PUP list after not being cleared to practice.  With Mikel Leshoure suspended for the first two games, Kevin Smith is penciled in as the first string starter for opening day for the time being.

-Alphonso Smith gets the first shot at cornerback after Aaron Berry was released.  Chris Houston is the other starter heading into training camp for a secondary that was shredded in the last two game of the season.

- Jim Schwartz claims that Detroit’s arrest extravaganza is over now that training camp has begun because none of the arrests happened in Detroit. Yes the Lions camp is in Detroit so now we understand Schwartz’s fifth grade logic

Minnesota Vikings

Adrian Peterson. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

-TE John Carlson suffered a MCL sprain which could force him to miss the rest of training camp.  The sprain is the same type that Matt Forte suffered last season.

- Leslie Frazier is on the hot seat but he has not been given any target numbers to hit to keep his job for next season.

-TE Kyle Rudolph stood out in the first week of training camp and could be a nice late round TE pick up in fantasy football.

- The health of Adrian Peterson will be a question mark until he reaches the playing field.  He may not be totally healthy until mid-season. He was taken to the hospital after an allergic reaction to something he ate.  He was fine after the hospital visit and returned to rehabbing his left knee.

This Season Opponents News

- Week 5 opponent Jacksonville Jaguars have two hold out situations 1. Justin Blackmon is the only draft picked not signed 2. Maurice Jones-Drew is holding out after not getting a long term deal—Aren’t we all glad that Matt Forte signed at the last second so that this kind of situation didn’t unfold in Bourbonnais!?!?

Nov 14, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

To quote the classic line by Vince Lombardi in  NFL Films–”What the Hell is going on here?”  The NFC North has lost its marbles or perfect citizens awards!! Four Detroit Lions arrested six times this off season, and now Adrian Peterson with no record at all, gets arrested early Saturday morning for resisting arrest at a club in Houston Texas.  Peterson was released on $1,000 bond Saturday.  Allegedly, Peterson was drinking unusually heavy before the arrest took place.

This has been a pretty bad time for Peterson.  The Minnesota Vikings running back suffered a very bad knee injury in Week 17 last season, and depending on the report that you read, is way ahead of schedule and was planning on playing Week 1 at home versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. Other reports have him being held out or barely being used by coach Leslie Frazier at the beginning of the season until he’s finally 100%.  Either way he’s more that likely going to be back to his old form the first time the Chicago Bears are to face the Vikings on 11/25 in Chicago.

The NFC North doesn’t need a scorecard just a police blotter this off season! Another arrest within the black and blue division,  but with Peterson’s clean record I doubt Roger Goodell will force Peterson to miss any games, maybe just pay a small fine.  The GM’s in this division probably can’t wait for training camp to start, and the arrests to finally come to an end.  Less than three weeks until camps open!!

It was BEARly worth mentioning, but they are our rivals!

DA BEARS!!!