After Green bay lost last night to the Patriots, the Chicago Bears are poised to claim the NFC North championship and clinch a playoff berth. All they need to do is travel to Minnesota’s froze TCF Bank stadium and beat the now-Favre-led Minnesota Vikings, who are an indoor team playing in the cold. Time to break it down!
(5-8) Minnesota Vikings
First and foremost, Brett Favre is a douche. Secondly, the old man will start tonight, after a decent pre-game workout. Favre was upgraded to questionable, putting the possibility of a start in play. If he couldn’t go, rookie QB Joe Webb would have gotten his first start against an angry Bear defense. If you’re the Bears, you want Brett Favre to play. His glut of injuries will hamper his play and slow his mobility, making him a punching bag in the pocket. Webb was almost converted to wide receiver a few weeks ago before Favre’s streak ended, so his speed could have caused problems on an unsure surface. Chicago’s front four will tee off on Favre all night long now. And with the even bigger news that Adrian Peterson will be out for the game tonight with knee and ankle issues, the Bears shouldn’t be confused by the Viking offense one bit. Double up on Percy Harvin or Sidney Rice and wait for the Favre interceptions that are sure to rear their heads frequently. Guard Steve Hutchinson will be on the sidelines tonight, giving the interior rushers for the Bears an easier go at Favre.
On offense, Cutler and the Bears need to jump out to an early lead. Take advantage of the elements with quick passes to Knox and Hester, who can make one move and speed down the field. After getting ahead Mike Martz can pound away on the Vikings’ front seven with Matt Forte and Chester Taylor. Honestly, he should take a cue from the way the Patriots dismantled the Bear defense a week ago. Short, crisp passes over the middle to the tight ends and slot receivers will keep the offense on the field and control the clock. That’s how you win in the elements.
The Odds:The Bears are six point road favorites.
The Prediction:No Adrian Peterson and a hurt Brett Favre, coupled with the Vikings in the snow? The Bears have no business losing this game.
How many heart attacks will Joe suffer?Three. Favre may give me one, but I’ll be laughing by the end of the night.
Message to the Bears:Knock Favre on his butt early and often. Make him regret starting tonight.
Bear down and happy Jay Cutler day!
