I mentioned earlier in the week that I think Bears’ fans are overreacting to their most recent (albeit ugly) loss. I have sensed that some of them are waving the white flag on the season. Yet I would argue that Chicago is actually in pretty fair shape. (That’s not to say that I think they are a good team – I just think they are in a favorable position.)
First, they are on top of the NFC North, with the tie-breaker advantage over the Packers and a game-plus lead over both the Vikings and Lions.
Second, they get to take this coming weekend off, while each other team in the Division faces a tough match-up (Lions vs. Redskins; Vikings at Patriots; and Packers at Jets). It’s entirely possible that all three active NFC North teams will lose, and so the Bears will increase their lead while sitting home watching TV.
Third, the Bears come back from their bye only to play arguably the worst team in the NFL, the Buffalo Bills. That’s an almost sure win, and so the Bears are nearly guaranteed to enter Week 10 on top of the NFC North. Not bad for a dysfunctional team.
Meanwhile, the Redskins will endeavor to continue their victory lap through the NFC North as they go to Detroit this Sunday. Frankly, despite their reputation and their record, I think the Lions can win this one. I’m not necessarily rooting for them, but I am picking them.
If the Lions are the NFC North team most likely to win this weekend (and I think they are), I regard the Vikings as the team most likely to lose. Minnesota heads to New England to face the Patriots, who are looking better and better. It will be the second consecutive road game for the Vikings, and they’ll be badly hobbled in the game, either because Favre will be playing on a broken ankle, or because Tavaris Jackson will be playing, period. Not only do I think that the Vikings will lose, I think it may get ugly for them.
The Packers also head east this weekend, facing the 5-1 New York Jets. CBSSports.com ranks the Jets as the #1 team in the NFL, and they’re coming off their bye, too. They’ve got a defense that scares me and a serviceable offense.
On the other hand, the Packers seem to have more guys coming out of the infirmary than going in right now, the offensive line did a great job of protecting Aaron this past week, and I was impressed by the improved overall discipline of the team with regard to penalties. Accordingly, I DO have hopes for this Sunday. (If I were putting money on it, though, I’m afraid I’d pick the Jets.)
Finally, under the heading of “it’s like slowing down to look at an accident,” there is the Jaguars/Cowboys game. Both teams have struggled miserably in 2010. Jacksonville’s struggles have been, perhaps, predictable and expected. The Cowboys, however, with their usurped identity as “America’s Team,” had super-high hopes coming into this year. Indeed, they rival the San Francisco 49ers for the title of “Most Disappointing Team” so far in the current season. Both teams have coaches on the hot seat, and for that reason alone the game will make for perversely interesting viewing.
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