Nov 4, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) awaits the snap against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field. The Bears beat the Titans 51-20. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US Presswire

In only their third career meeting, the Chicago Bears (7-1, 4-0 home) will face off against the Houston Texans (7-1, 3-0 road) at Soldier Field on Sunday night in what some people think could be a Super Bowl preview.  The Texans have won both previous meetings (24-5 in 2004, 31-24 in 2008) and are the only team in the NFL that the Bears have never beaten.

Both team’s defenses rank in the top six in the NFL in points allowed, rushing yards allowed and total yards allowed.  Texans second year DE J.J. Watt leads the league with 10.5 sacks and has eight tackles for loss, 10 pass deflection and two fumble recoveries.  He will be facing a Bears offensive line that has given up the third most sacks in the league with 28.  Whether he matches up against a struggling Gabe Carimi or any other Bears linemen, you can bet that a double team will be coming his way.

The Bears defense will be led by CB Charles Tillman, who has a career high seven forced fumbles this season, and CB Tim Jennings, who leads the league with six interceptions and 15 passes defended.  The Bears defensive line (23 sacks this season) will need to keep pressure on Texans QB Matt Schaub and the secondary will need to not be fooled by play-action passes.  The Bears defense is the best in the league at not giving up the big play, and will need to be extra careful against the likes of Texans RB Arian Foster (847 total yards, 10 touchdowns) and WR Andre Johnson (562 receiving yards, six for 20+ yards).

Despite all that defense, the Texans (29.6 points per game) and Bears (29.5 points per game) rank second and third, respectively, in the league in scoring.  Let’s check out some other numbers of note for the game.

1986: The last time the Bears went undefeated (4-0) against AFC opponents in a single season.  (They are currently 3-0, having defeated the Colts, Jaguars and Titans.)

6:  Number of turnovers by the Texans this season, lowest in the NFL.

3:  Number of turnovers by the Texans in their only loss of the season to the Green Bay Packers.

455:  Total yards by the Texans when they last met the Bears in 2008, led by WR Andre Johnson who had 10 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns.

7:  Number of times the Bears have started a season 7-1 or better since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger.  They made the playoffs each of those seasons (1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, and 2006).

102:  The most points the Bears have scored in back-to-back games, which occurred in Week 3 (53-7) and 4 (49-0) of the 1941 season.  They scored 51 last week against the Tennessee Titans.

2:  Number of rushing touchdowns given up by the Texans in their last 16 games, dating back to Week 9 of last season.

0:  Number of quarterbacks who have thrown for more than one touchdown against the Bears defense this season.

1:  Number of times the Bears have been outscored in the second half of a game this season (Week 7 against the Detroit Lions, 3-7).

59, 797, 7:  Number of receptions (21^st), yards (31^st) and touchdowns (18^th) by Brandon Marshall this season, which already places him in the top 31 single-season performances in Bears history.  He is on pace to break all three single-season Bears records.

4:  Number of offensive plays over 30 yards given up by the Bears defense this season, lowest in the NFL.

12:  Number of offensive plays over 30 yards by the Bears this season, ninth most in the NFL.

23-3:  Bears record since 2010 when they score 18 or more points in a game.

0:  Number of points scored by Bears opponents on their first offensive drive of the game this season.

4, 2:  Number of times that QB Jay Cutler has been sacked and intercepted on the Bears first drive of a game this season (three times he was sacked on the Bears first offensive play).

226:  Number of passing yards needed by Cutler to become the first Bears quarterback to throw for 2,000+ yards and 10+ touchdowns four times.

4:  Number of times Texans QB Matt Schaub has turned the ball over this season.

12:  Number of times Cutler has turned the ball over this season.

Sunday night is going to be a game decided by the quarterbacks, and the last two numbers listed above will play a big role in the game.  Cutler will need to be a lot more careful with the ball, and the Bears defense will have to force Schaub to turn the ball over.  Both teams pride themselves on defense, so whichever quarterback can find and exploit the other team’s weakness will win the game.  Whatever you do, if you are attending the game, don’t mention the Bears offensive line to any Texan players.  Shhhh.  And remember to keep it down when the Bears are in the red zone.  They are going to need all the help they can get this week.

Bears Spotlight

June 12, 2012; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) passes during Bears-Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-US PRESSWIRE

Jay Cutler has thrown for over 18,000 yards in his first six seasons, but he has only been a top 10 fantasy quarterback once in his career when he threw for 4,500 yards in his last season in Denver.  Cutler hasn’t been higher than 17th while playing for the Bears due to poor blocking and turnovers.  There will be no excuses this season with the weapons surrounding Cutler.  Most mock drafts have him falling to the 11-13th selected quarterback which could and should prove to be a great value.  The past few seasons with Martz as coordinator it was way to risky to start Cutler on a weekly basis! With Brandon Marshall and rookie Alshon Jeffrey along with Earl Bennett and the Hester Package along with Matt Forte, this should be a huge season for Cutler and almost a shoe in for a top 10 quarterback season!

Fantasy Top 10 QB’S

1. Drew Brees-

Drew Brees -Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

In the post-Bountygate world in New Orleans, Brees is now the de facto offensive coordinator.  Brees has not thrown for less than 4,000 yards since arriving in Cajun Country, and without Sean Payton, you have to believe that the Saints offense will be even more pass happy.  There’s also a good chance that they will be trailing more than last year which will mean more Brees passing and #1 Qb in fantasy.

2. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers-Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

If Rodgers didn’t sit out the last week of the year he would have easily been last season’s #1 fantasy quarterback.  Rodgers had 45 touchdowns to 6 interceptions last season and there’s no reason to believe his production will slip.  The Green Bay Packers still do not have an established running game and have named James Starks as starting running back which translated in fantasy football terms means Rodgers could be passing 50 times a games.  Rodgers has been a top 10 fantasy QB since taking over for Brett Favre, and 2012 should be no exception.

3. Tom Brady

Tom Brady- Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

The old veteran now of fantasy qb’s.  Except for his one pass injury season of 2008, having Brady on your roster has always been a good thing.  The Patriots offense is always adding new twists from The Randy Moss years, to the two tight end passing game, and now Brady has a new toy to play with in Brandon Lloyd.  Brady only threw for 5,200 yards last year, and with the new addition the sky is the limit in 2012.  Draft Brady early because he will not be available very long in any draft.

4. Matt Schaub 

Matt Schaub-Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

Schaub will be availble later in the draft then some other guys ranked lower in this ranking for one reason only—HEALTH.  Schaub and the Texans offense always put up great offensive numbers and they have some of the best weapons at ever postition in Foster, Johnson, and Owens.  Schaub has only completed 2 seasons which is alarming but when he’s on the field he puts up some great fantasy numbers.  He may be a red flag risk but the high end reward is there especially the later the round in the draft that he’s still available.

5. Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford- Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

It’s amazing what health and having arguably the best Wide Recevier in the league can do.  Stafford threw for over 5,000 yards in his first season where he played all 16 games.  Stafford had the luxury of Calvin Johnson which makes the QB job a lot easier.  Stafford will most likely be gone by the 2nd round at the latest in your draft.  The Lions early on will not have much of a running game and how well Leshore fits into the offense is still to be determined on Sundays so expect a lot of balls in the air in Detroit again this season.

6. Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan- Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

Ryan’s stats have been very consistent and improving every season since entering the league.  He leads a very boring offense which isn’t sexy but still puts up the stats every week.  This season could be a change from the vanilla to maybe neapolitan since Julio Jones after a very slow start came on at the end of the season and could burst on to the scene.  Jones could help Ryan become a top 5 QB like Johnson did for Stafford last season.  The Falcons are not going to abandon the run but it will not be surprising to see a lot more explosive plays from them this season and make Ryan and very good value as a fantasy QB.

7. Eli Manning

Eli Manning-Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

The good side of Eli is that his yards per season has increased the past four seasons and he’s very consistent in his TD’s per year.  The dark side of Eli is the interceptions! Everyone likes to harp on Jay Cutler for bad int’s but Eli has the same bad tendency.  In his Super Bowl season’s he has been able to steer clear of the turnover bug and put up good numbers.  He may be without Hakeem Nicks early on and will be missing Mario Manningham.  This could be a small decline in his numbers from last season but the decline shouldn’t be too drastic not to draft him in the t0p 4 rounds.

8. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning-Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

The former #1 fantasy quarterback for years now has a new home and address.  Drafting him will be a huge risk with the neck injury, but the reward could be huge if he stays healthy for the entire 2012 season.  Manning will be in a new system with unfamiliar players, but he’s just too good of QB not to believe he will make all the adjustments needed through his endless preparations to be highly successful in Mile High City.  In mocks drafts his position has been very unpredictable so where he gets selected will depend on the fondness for him by you or your league mates.

9. Cam Newton

Cam Newton- Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

Cam Newton did something no other rookie quarterback has done in fantasy football…Dominate from day 1.  His turnover ratio does need to improve, last year it was 21-17 but he was unstoppable by the goal line rushing for 14 touchdowns.  Defenses seemed to catch up to Newton’s passing skills  late in the season, so you may want to keep an eye on him during the pre-season action to see if his accuracy has improved, but his natural talents and progression could lead to even greater statistics then his first season.

10. Tony Romo

Tony Romo-Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Forget the fact that Romo chokes in the playoffs or when a possible playoff spot is on the line.  This is fantasy rankings and Romo is a stat machine.  Romo routinely puts up 4,000 yards 30 touchdown seasons.  Dez Bryant could be the next big receiver in the NFL which will be an added plus to Romo owners.  He still has his security blanket in Whitten, and he should have a good running game with Murray and Jones.  There has been little chatter out of Dallas this off season compared to other years which could lead to a Dallas revival!

Breakout Fantasy QB- Alex Smith

Alex Smith- Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE

Just like the Bears off season, the 49ers have added offensive weapons. Oldie but goodie Randy Moss and Super Bowl champ Mario Manningham have been added to a very average 49ers offense.  Smith had a rebirth under first year coach Jim Harbaugh throwing for 17 touchdowns and only 5 picks.  Smith may not leap into a top 10 fantasy qb this season but his stats could see a tremendous jump with the added offensive firepower surrounding him provided Moss plays at a high level for most of the season.

Bust Fantasy QB-Joe Flacco

Joe Flacco- Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

The bizzaro world of Tony Romo.  Flacco has tremendous playoff success but is a liability during the regular season in fantasy football. Flacco hasn’t missed a game and his stats are very similar the past three seasons but there has been no progression.  He has one of the top running backs in the league in Ray Rice, so you know the Ravens will force feed him as much as possible.  This is the season where no progression meets regression for Flacco.  They play the Steelers twice a year so that’s a guaranteed two weeks you won’t want to start him, and they will never go into a game with the philosophy of airing it out.  Steer clear of Flacco as your #1 qb this season.

The ball will be in the air more than ever this season! Who’s your top 10, sleeper, or bust?  Will Jay Cutler be a top 5 fantasy qb? I would be glad to see your lists in the comments section!!

Da BEARS!!!

Guys I Like this Week

1. Aaron Rodgers @ Tampa Bay – What’s a good cure for sore feet for a QB?  How about facing a Tampa D that has allowed 9 plays of more than 40 yds or more through the air, 16 passing TDs and has only mustered 11 sacks.  Yeah, they are that bad and should be changing back to the old creamsicle uniforms for good.
2. Chad Ochocinco vs Baltimore – Ocho has been RED HOT and you gotta ride him.  The Balt D comes in ranked 19th against the pass and while I think they can contain Ced much better than the Bears did, I think they will manage about as well against Ocho as the Bears did or maybe worse.  Tweet, Tweet!!!
3. Julius Jones vs Detroit – The Edge is gone and Forsett isn’t ready to steal many carries and likely won’t be a factor at the goalline.  Seattle needs to keep Hasselbeck upright for the rest of the season, so expect a lot of Juice Jones to keep the Lions off balance.  Plus, we are talking about the Lions D, right?  Go with Juice!
4. Matt Schaub/Andre Johnson @ Indy - The Colts may be starting at least 1 and likely 2 rookies at their CB positions this week…that’s right…rookies…Schaub and AJ must be licking their chops.  Even if the starters play, they will be limited by injuries and, ”Houston, we could have takeoff!!!”  (more…)

After all that the Bears have been through the last couple of weeks, needing consecutive OT wins and getting some help along the way, you might think a win over the Houston Texans would be a foregone conclusion.  That is not the case, my friends.   This is not the Texans team of old; Houston is definitely a team on the rise.  While they are not in the playoff hunt, they can tie a franchise best 8 wins for the second straight season.  They boast a solid 5-2 home record this season, with the losses coming at the hands of Indianapolis and Baltimore, both Wild Card representatives in the AFC heading into the final week of the season.

The Texans offense ranks 3rd in the league, averaging over 377 yards per game.  They feature a rookie runner of their own in Steve Slaton, who comes into Week 17 with a Texans’ record 1190 yards and a 4.8 yards per carry average.   They add a dimension to their offense that the Bears are not very familiar with: a passing game.  Andre Johnson is an absolute beast with 105 catches and a league-leading 1427 yards, while Kevin Walter leads the team with 8 TD catches.  Matt Schaub has done a good job holding on to the ball recently, only committing 3 turnovers since his return from injury.

On the other side of the ball, the Texans rank 25th against the run, so hopefully Ron Turner has a steady diet of Matt Forte in the offensive game plan this week.  Mario Williams is clearly the pass rusher to watch, leading the Texans in sacks, while linebacker DeMeco Ryans leads the team with 102 tackles.   The Texan defense has been a bit streaky this year, holding the Titans to 13 points in a victory two weeks ago, while letting up 27 points in their loss last week to the lowly Raiders.

The Texans head in Sunday’s contest as a 2.5 point favorite.  The Houston Chronicle picks the Bears to pull off the upset and come out of Reliant Stadium with a 24-20 victory.  If they are to do that, the Bears will slow down Andre Johnson, feature a steady dose of Matt Forte and the Special Teams will continue to be special.  Fasten your seat belts Bears fans, it should be an interesting Week 17!

BEAR DOWN!!!