The Chicago Bears (8-3) welcome the Seattle Seahawks (6-5) to Soldier Field on Sunday.
This will be the 16th meeting between the two NFC teams. The Seahawks lead the all-time series 9-6 last beating the Bears in 2011, 38-14.
The Bears are coming off a solid 28-10 win over the Vikings last Sunday at Soldier Field. The win put the Bears back in first place a spot they have held every week this season but one.
Unfortunately the Bears come into this game a little banged up. RG Lance Louis (knee) was put on injured reserve this week, while LG Chris Spencer (knee) has been ruled out for this game. WR Devin Hester (concussion) was also ruled out.
The other key injuries, Charles Tillman (ankle), Lance Briggs (ankle), and Matt Forte (ankle) don’t appear to be too serious as all three starters will play in this one.
The Seahawks fell to the Dolphins last week 24-21 as they allowed 17 fourth quarter points. Rookie QB Russell tossed two touchdown passes in the game as he continues to be solid under center for Seattle.
The Bears’ offense ranks 11th in the league in points scored with 25.2 ppg , the Bears’ defense allows the second fewest ppg in the league (15.9).
The Seahawks offense ranks 23rd in the league in points scored with 19.9 ppg, the Seahawks defense allows the third fewest ppg in the league (16.8).
Bears WR Devin Hester (concussion) and LG Chris Spencer (knee) have both been ruled out for this game. WR Alshon Jeffery (knee) did not practice this week and is doubtful to play.
LB Lance Briggs, CB Charles Tillman, RB Matt Forte, TE Kellen Davis all participated fully in practice on Friday despite their ankle injuries.
Seahawks CB Marcus Trufant (hamstring) is doubtful after not practicing all week. DE Red Bryant (foot) and LB LeRoy Hill (ankle) are questionable after not practicing this week.
WR Sidney Rice suffered a calf injury in practice this week and was only able to practice on a limited basis on Friday, he is considered questionable.
The Bears will win if?
The Bears will win if they can control the ball. They can’t afford to turn the ball over. They need to stick with the run with Forte and Bush. Cutler will complete passes if they can run effectively. Run the ball effectively and control the clock and it should lead to win #9 for the Bears.
The Bears will lose if?
The Bears will lose if they just can’t stop Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch. Lynch has been solid all season long for the Seahawks and he could be a lot to handle. Rookie QB Russell Wilson has shown why head coach Pete Carroll trust him so much as he has been impressive at times. The Bears have to score early and often if they want to put these hungry Seahawks away otherwise it could be a long afternoon at Soldier Field.
Players who must step up:
1. Kellen Davis- He needs to step up and finally have a breakout game. With Brandon Marshall facing a tough matchup against Seahawks cornerback CB Richard Sherman, Davis could find some openings in the middle of the field. It would be nice to see him step up for once.
Prediction: Three catches, 43 yards, one touchdown.
2. Major Wright- He is a great run stopper, but hasn’t been that solid on the back end as of late. It’s time for Wright to make some plays. He has three interceptions on the season. He should be flying around all afternoon tomorrow.
Prediction: Six tackles, one fumble recovery.
3. Julius Peppers- The Bears need Peppers to make more plays on defense. He came up with his 12th career blocked field goal last Sunday, but failed to record a sack. He has six sacks on the season, but he needs to really play up to his capabilities. The Bears want to see him get some big sacks it will only make things easier for this defense.
Prediction: Four tackles, 1.0 sack.
Score predictions:
Jake Perper: Chicago Bears 27, Seattle Seahawks 17.
Matt Eurich: Chicago Bears 20, Seattle Seahawks 13.
Qwikcast.com Weather Report:
Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of light showers in the morning. Unseasonably warm. Highs in the lower 60s. West winds 10 to 15 mph.
Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker and on Facebook for up to the minute news about the Bears.
