CHICAGO – The Chicago Bears (6-3) are on a four-game winning streak as they continue to hold a strong position in the Wild Card standings. The Bears are following a 37-13 rout of the Detroit Lions last week at Soldier Field. The Bears now have a four game stretch against the AFC West beginning with the San Diego Chargers (4-5) this Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field.

The Chargers are following a 24-17 loss to the newly revamped Oakland Raiders last week at Qualcomm Stadium. Chargers QB Philip Rivers is having one of his worst years as a starter leading the league with 15 INTs. As the Chargers look to stay competitive in the AFC West, the Bears are pursuing another deep playoff run with each convincing victory.

OFFENSE

Bears – RB Matt Forte loves every bit of this matchup after he saw Raiders RB Michael Bush tore up the Chargers D rushing for 157 yards and 85 yards receiving for a total of 242 yards from scrimmage. Forte (1,308 yards) is 1 yard short of the NFL leader RB Fred Jackson (1,309) in total yards from scrimmage averaging 145.3 yards from scrimmage per game.

Rivers leads the league with 15 INTs

Chargers – Philip Rivers has been a turnover machine leading the league with 19 turnovers. The offensive line is simply struggling and not giving Rivers any pass protection. The Chargers allowed a season-high six sacks to the Raiders last week, and losing G Kris Dielman, OT Marcus McNeill, and G Louis Vasquez does not help Rivers in any way.

My pick: Da Bears!

DEFENSE

Julius Peppers looks to have another dominating performance against a banged up Chargers O-line

Bears – DE Julius Peppers played a few snaps at tackle last week against the Lions. Against a banged up offensive line, watch for Peppers to pressure Rivers all game. The Bears D has been sensational in this four game winning streak. They have forced 12 turnovers and allowed an average of 14.0 points in these last four games.

Chargers – Jay Cutler might find it difficult to pass on a defense that is ranked 8^th in the league allowing 203.4 yards per game. This will open the door to Forte that should exploit a Chargers rush defense that is ranked 24^th in the league allowing 127.9 yards per game.

My Pick: Da Bears!

SPECIAL TEAMS

Bears – Devin Hester did it again. The most prolific returner in the history of the NFL returned his 12^th punt return for a TD. Hall of Famer? I think so.

Chargers – The Chargers special teams unit faces its greatest challenge all season, Devin Hester. A special teams unit that is in complete disarray, watch for Hester to potentially have a huge game.

My Pick: Da Bears!

4^TH PHASE X-FACTOR

Bears – The Bears are looking stronger and stronger each week and riding a four game winning streak. The Bears will be highly motivated to capture their fifth game in a row in front of a raucous crowd at Soldier Field this Sunday.

V-Jax has been on and off this season. Which V-Jax will show up this week?

Chargers – The Chargers need their playmakers to step it up. In last week’s game, WR Vincent Jackson and TE Antonio Gates combined for a total of 6 catches for 76 yards. This tandem is considered one of the best in the league, if Rivers can get the ball to them of course.

My Pick: Da Bears!

My Winner for the Wk. 11 Matchup: Da Bears!

Final Score Bears 35 Chargers 24

CHICAGO – The Chicago Bears (4-3) are coming off their bye week as they travel to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) on Monday Night Football. A key NFC matchup with Wild Card implications, the Bears need a victory to be one game behind the Detroit Lions (6-2).

The Eagles are hitting their stride having won their last two games including a 34-7 rout of the Dallas Cowboys last week on Sunday Night Football. The Eagles look to continue their hot streak and improve to .500 on the season.

OFFENSE

Matt Forte has 672 yards receiving and 419 yards rushing

Bears – Matt Forte surely is making Bears GM Jerry Angelo think about the RB contract that is set to expire at the end of the season. Forte continues to prove the front office that he is worth every penny accounting for 46.2 percent of the offense thus far. QB Jay Cutler is glad to see his favorite receiver, Earl Bennet, back in the lineup too.

Eagles – The “Dream Team” is progressively looking better each week. RB LeSean McCoy and QB Michael Vick have combined for a total of 1,176 rushing yards.  WRs DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin have combined for a total of 1,030 receiving yards and 6 TDs.

My pick: Eagles

DEFENSE

Bears – Halfway through the season the Bears D ranks 11^th in rushing defense with 108.7 yards per game; the passing defense ranks 28^th with 271.9 yards per game. The front four, including DE Julius Peppers, need to step up their game and create more pressure to the opposing quarterback.

Eagles – The Eagles rank 17^th in rushing defense with 118.3 yards per game. With a revamped secondary including CB Nnamdi Asomugha, the Eagles rank 9th in passing defense with 212.3 yards per game.

My Pick: Tie

SPECIAL TEAMS

Bears – With two return touchdowns on the season, Devin Hester returns to the national spotlight once again to showcase his return skills. Hester has been electric in the national spotlight accumulating for nine returns for a touchdown in primetime games.

Eagles – The Eagles have yet to score a touchdown in the return game. FG Kicker Alex Henry has 13 FGM on 16 FGA.

My Pick: Da Bears!

4^TH PHASE X-FACTOR 

Brian Urlacher has 3 INTs this season

Bears – Brian Urlacher and the Bears D have played well against Michael Vick. Vick has three career starts against the Bears and lost all three. Winless in the three starts, Urlacher and the Bears D have held Vick to a 58.4 completion percentage for 803 yards, 3 TDs, and 3 INTs.

Eagles – It is always difficult to travel on the road in the NFL and walk away victorious. The Bears will visit a hostile environment at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday Night with the Eagles seeking revenge for last year’s loss in which the Bears won 31-26

My Pick: Tie

My Winner for the Wk. 9 Matchup: Da Bears!

Final Score: Bears 24  Eagles 21

CHICAGO – Over the last few days, the Chicago Cubs front office has been dramatically revolutionized. This past Tuesday, the Cubs officially introduced former GM of the Red Sox, Theo Epstein. Tom Ricketts, chairman of the Cubs, held a press conference to officially announce the new president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs. It is a day to rejoice as the Cubs are taking a new direction towards the future.

Under Theo Epstein, the Red Sox won two World Series

A Yale and San Diego State University Law School graduate, Theo Epstein became the youngest GM when the Red Sox hired him in 2002 at the age of 28. He led the Red Sox to their first World Series in 86 years lifting the “Curse of the Bambino”. After a brief absence from the club, Theo returned to Boston to lead them to another World Series victory in 2007. After a dismal September for the Red Sox (7-20) and missing the playoffs with a Wild Card berth, both manager Terry Francona and GM Theo Epstein stepped down from their respective positions.

Theo decided it was best to move on towards a different direction. The foundation for sustaining success is set for the Red Sox. Now, Epstein wants to bring that same kind of sustained success to the Chicago Cubs.

Epstein has been in a position before of breaking curses, but now Theo and his staff face their largest challenge yet. The Chicago Cubs have not won a World Series in 103 years and have not appeared in the World Series since 1945. The Cubs have lost nine straight playoff games dating all the way back to the 2003 NLCS against the Florida Marlins. Not only are Cubs fans eager to bring a World Series to their beloved team, but fans also want to see a consistent playoff contender in the Chicago Cubs.

Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod will join Epstein in the front office

Theo wasted no time in attracting the right individuals to reach these goals.  To fulfill the necessary positions within the Cubs organization, the Cubs officially announced on Wednesday night that Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod will leave the San Diego Padres and join the Chicago Cubs front office. Hoyer was the Padres general manager and will assume the same position as well as become executive vice president. McLeod will become senior vice president as well as be in charge of scouting and player development.

The future looks bright for the Cubs and Theo will forever be one of the greatest minds in the game of baseball if he….breaks the 103 year-old curse.

CHICAGO – The Chicago Bears (2-3) are trying to avoid last place in the NFC north standings with a divisional rival matchup against the Minnesota Vikings (1-4). The Bears are following a 24-13 Monday Night Football™ loss to the Detroit Lions last week at Ford Field. Bears QB Jay Cutler did the best he could with another treacherous performance by the offensive line committing nine false starts.

The Minnesota Vikings led by star RB Adrian Peterson claimed their first win of the season with a dominant 34-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Adrian Peterson had a season-high 122 yards rushing including a career high 3 rushing TDs in the first quarter.

OFFENSE

Cutler looks to keep the Bears alive in the NFC North

Bears –Jay Cutler is beginning to receive praise for his toughness, but the offense is still struggling. The Bears do not have a number one receiver with undrafted rookie WR Dane Sanzenbacher being Jay’s favorite target. RB Matt Forte continues to be the only spark the offense has totaling 440 yards rushing with 1 TD and 345 yards receiving and 1 TD.

Adrian Peterson has had strong success against the Chicago Bears

Vikings – The Vikings acquired QB Donavon McNabb in the offseason with regards that rookie QB Christian Ponder (12^th pick overall in 2011 NFL Draft) will take the year to sit and learn from the veteran. McNabb has had a slow start to the season with 849 yards passing, 4 TDs, and 2 INTs, so Ponder may see his first action of the 2011 season sooner than later.  The Vikings rely on RB Adrian Peterson to carry the offense. In five games, Peterson has 498 yards rushing averaging 4.5 yards a carry and 6 TDs.

My pick: Vikings

Jared Allen leads the league with 8.5 sacks

DEFENSE

Bears – Last week, DE Julius Peppers left the game briefly with what was later determined as a MCL sprain and is listed as Doubtful for this Sunday’s matchup. Bears head coach Lovie Smith decided to bench safeties Brandon Meriweather and Chris Harris after the two allowed explosive plays to WR Calvin Johnson (73-yard TD catch and run) and RB Jahvid Best (88-yard TD run). Instead, Chris Conte and Major Wright will start in place of the veterans.

Vikings –The defensive front four is strong as usual. DEs Jared Allen and Brian Robinson have combined for 13 sacks this season which is more than the total of 22 other NFL teams. Allen is leading the league with 8.5 sacks and is on pace for 27 sacks on the season (NFL record is 22.5 sacks set in 2001 by Michael Strahan).

My Pick: Vikings

SPECIAL TEAMS

Bears – The Special Teams were quiet last week. Return-man Devin Hester was limited with his returns averaging 17 yards a return and only a long of 33 yards. FG kicker Robbie Gould was nothing short of perfect hitting 2 FGs, one for 49 yards, and completing an extra point.

Vikings – FG kicker Ryan Longwell is near perfect on the season with 9 FGM out of 10 FGA and 12/12 for extra points. The Vikings return game has been limited ever since Percy Harvin returned the opening kickoff of the 2011 NFL season with a 103-yard return for a TD.

My Pick: Da Bears!

4^TH PHASE X-FACTOR

"Sunday Night Football™" at Soldier Field will be an electric atmosphere.

Bears – A Sunday Night Primetime game at Soldier Field with a divisional rival always creates an electric atmosphere for Bears fans. The Bears look to avoid a 0-3 start in the division seeking revenge against the Vikings who have only won once at Soldier Field since 2001.

Vikings –The D-line must be salivating at the opportunity to play against the worst offensive line in the game. The Vikings will be playing a Cover-2 defense relying on the front four to wreak some havoc on the offensive line and Jay Cutler.

My Pick: Da Bears!

My Winner for the Wk. 6 Matchup: Da Bears!

Final Score Bears 27 Vikings 19

CHICAGO – The Chicago Bears (2-2) are following a 34-29 win over the Carolina Panthers last week at Soldier Field. This week, they face an undefeated Detroit Lions (4-0) team in a premiere matchup on Monday Night Football.

The Detroit Lions are following yet another improbable comeback defeating the Dallas Cowboys 34-30 last week at Cowboys Stadium. Detroit looks to extend their undefeated streak and start the season 5-0 for the first time since 1956.

OFFENSE

Bears – Last week, RB Matt Forte set a career-high for rushing finishing the game with 205 yards against the Panthers. Jay Cutler only completed 9 of 17 pass attempts for 102 yards and 0 TD. It was nice to see the Bears run the ball, but the offense still has no balance between the rush and the pass.

Through the first four games, Calvin Johnson set a record with 8 TDs

Lions – Calvin Johnson set an NFL record with 2 TD catches in the first four games, and tied Cris Carter’s record of catching 2 TDs four weeks in a row. Even if Johnson is seeing triple-coverage, Megatron will out-jump, out-catch, and out-perform any defender.

My pick: Lions

DEFENSE

Bears – Before the Panthers game, the Bears D stressed about having turnovers that meant something. So, in the first quarter D.J. Moore intercepted Cam Newton for a 20 yard interception return for a TD. The Bears D need to continue producing turnovers early in the game.

Lions – Rookie DT Nick Fairley will be making his Lions debut and looks to be a strong addition to what is already a strong front line. In addition to Fairley, the Lions have DT Ndamukong Suh, DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, and DE Cliff Avril.

My Pick: Tie

SPECIAL TEAMS

Hester has 15 career kick returns for a TD

Bears – Devin Hester set another NFL record with his 11^th punt return for a touchdown. Hester almost broke free for another return touchdown but was knocked out by Panthers kicker Olindo Mare.  

Lions – In his 20^th season with the Lions, K Jason Hanson has been nothing short of perfect. With 10 Field Goal Attempts, Hanson nailed all 10 including a season-long 51-yard field goal.

My Pick: Da Bears!

4^TH PHASE X-FACTOR

Bears – Hester has 15 career kick return touchdowns with eight of those coming in prime-time games. This does not include a 92-yard Superbowl XLI opening kickoff return TD and a 108-yard TD on a missed field goal against the Giants.

Lions – The Lions have not played a Monday Night Football game in 10 years. The Lions also have not started the season with a 5-0 record since 1956. This game means a lot more to the Lions than initially anticipated.

My Pick: Lions

My Winner for the Wk. 5 Matchup: Lions (I can’t believe I’m predicting the Lions to win)

CHICAGO – The Chicago Bears (1-2) are following another loss against the Superbowl defending champs the Green Bay Packers. After a 27-17 loss to the Packers last week at Soldier Field, the Bears welcome back former defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, now head coach for the Carolina Panthers (1-2).

The Panthers got their first win of the season with a 16-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rookie QB Cam Netwon threw for only 158 yards and 1 TD. The win was capped off with a 16-yard TD catch by former Bear TE Greg Olsen who is also returning to Soldier Field after being traded in the offseason.

OFFENSE

Bears – The Chicago Bears offense is struggling. Jay Cutler simply does not look comfortable with his offensive line. The running game is nowhere to be seen (ranked 31^st with 53.7 yards per game) and the passing game is not working either (17^th with 251 yards per game). Where has Roy Williams been?

Cam Newton ranks 3rd in the NFL with 1,012 Total Yards Passing

Panthers – The Carolina offense has become a pass-heavy offense. A complete turnaround from last year since the Panthers paid DeAngelo Williams $43 million in the offseason to team up with RB Jonathon Stewart. After three weeks, the Panthers are 4th in passing (321 yards per game) and 24^th in rushing (84 yards per game). Cam Newton (ranked third with 1,012 total yards) set records for most yards in rookie debut game (422 yards) and most yards by a rookie in a game (432 yards).

My pick: Panthers

DEFENSE

Julius Peppers is looking for another great game against his former team

Bears – Julius Peppers will be facing his former team again. Last time Peppers played against the Panthers, he made a spectacular play with a blocked pass turning into an interception. That same game, DE Isreal Idonije had 2.5 sacks.

Panthers – The Panthers D have been mediocre thus far ranking 17^th in total defense surrendering an average 356.7 yards per game. The Panthers are ranked 14^th in passing defense allowing 239.7 yards per game and 25^th against the rush permitting 117.0 yards per game.

My Pick: Da Bears!

SPECIAL TEAMS

Bears – The Bears had a beautiful play last week when Johnny Knox returned a punt for a TD only to have it returned on a holding call (Watch the Worst Holding Call in NFL History). If this is a glimpse of one of many brilliant plays from special teams coach Dave Toub, I wonder what other special tricks he has up his sleeve.

Panthers – The Panthers return game has been obsolete. Punt Returner Armanti Edwards is averaging 5.8 yards a punt and Mike Goodson has returned seven kickoffs for 156 yards averaging 22.3 yards.

My Pick: Da Bears!

4^TH PHASE X-FACTOR

Bears – I’ll say it week after week; Soldier Field is a tough place to play in. After a poor showing against the Packers, the fans will be in full effect giving Newton a hard time to settle in comfortably.

This match-up has more meaning to Ron than any other game on the schedule

Panthers – Former defensive coordinator Ron Rivera knows the Bears and Soldier Field very well. He knows what to expect and hopes his rookie sensation stays hot and brings a victory for Rivera. This game has more meaning to Rivera than any other game on the schedule. He seeks revenge!

My Pick: Panthers

My Winner for the Wk. 4 Matchup: Da Bears!

Final Score Bears 27 Panthers 16

The Chicago Bears (1-1) return to Soldier Field in a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship game. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers (2-0) look to stay on top of the NFC North with a road matchup against its oldest rival.

The Chicago Bears follow a tough road loss to the New Orleans Saints which featured Jay Cutler being sacked six times and fumbling the ball once. Gabe Carimi (knee), Earl Bennet (chest) and Major Wright (head) all went down with an injury during the game.

The Packers allowed Carolina Panthers rookie QB Cam Newton to throw for 432 yards last week with WR Steve Smith hauling in 156 of those yards. Aaron Rodgers and his Packer teammates look to continue their pursuit towards another Super Bowl title, but both S Nick Collins (neck) and LB Frank Zombo (shoulder) will be out in Sunday’s matchup.

Forte already has 324 total yards from scrimmage

OFFENSE

Bears – RB Matt Forte continues to prove he is one of the elite backs in the league who deserves to be compensated properly (final year of $600,000 rookie contract). The Bears have accumulated 623 total yards of offense with Forte owning 324 of those yards. That’s 52% of the offense! Please stay healthy Forte.

Packers – Aaron Rodgers is off to a strong start to the season with a 70.8% completion percentage, 620 yards, 5 TDs and zero INT. The Packers offensive line has provided Rodgers with ample time in the pocket surrendering only three sacks so far this season.

My pick: Packers

DEFENSE

Bears – The Bears D simply did not show up last week against the Saints. Drew Brees exploited the secondary with 270 yards and 3 TD including a 79-yard TD bomb to Devery Henderson. The front four will have to provide more pressure as the Bears secondary has been battling injuries.

Packers – The Packers dared Cam Newton to throw, so Newton threw for 432 yards and 1 TD but was picked off three times. CB Charles Woodson proved to be too much for Newton finishing the game with 2 INT, 5 tackles, and a fumble recovery.

 My Pick: Da Bears!

Cobb tied the NFL record with a 108-yard kickoff return TD

SPECIAL TEAMS

Bears – The Bears will continue to have Devin Hester returning the kicks, but Johnny Knox had his first return of the season against the Saints. Knox showcased his skills with a 30 yard return. Look for Johnny Knox to increase his role as a return man as well as in the Bears offense.

Packers – The Packers have found their lightning-in-a-bottle return man in rookie WR Randall Cobb. Cobb (from Kentucky) provided an electrifying 108-yd kickoff return in week one against the Saints - tied for the longest in NFL history.

My Pick: Tie

4^TH PHASE X-FACTOR

Bears – The Chicago Bears currently own the all time series lead with a 92-84-6 record. After losing the NFC Championship game, Bears fans seek revenge in what will be a boisterous crowd at Soldier Field.

Packers – The Packers won the NFC Championship game last year against the Bears. That’s major bragging rights!

My Pick: Tie

My Winner for the Wk. 3 Matchup: Da Bears!

Final Score – Bears 22 Packers 19

CHICAGO – Aramis Ramirez has decided to test the free agency market after the season seeking a multi-year deal. Currently, the Chicago Cubs have the option to pay $16 million next season to Ramirez if he decides to stay. Ramirez though, is looking for a team that can compete so that he can play for a contender for a couple more years.

Aramis’ agent Paul Kinzer told the Chicago Tribune, “The door is still open, but at this point, we’ll explore free agency…If [the Cubs] want to make an offer, they’ll be on his short list.”

The departure of GM Jim Hendry created an uncertain future, so Aramis knew he would become a free agent in the offseason. Aramis said, “It looked that way, because of the situation in the front office…I knew it wasn’t a good [possibility] because we don’t have a GM, and we haven’t heard from [the Cubs] the whole time. I knew nothing was going to come of it.”

Mike Quade's future with the Cubs depends on what the new GM will do (Dilip Vishwanat - Getty Images)

The Chicago Cubs are currently in the process of rebuilding their franchise. The biggest question is who will the Cubs hire as their new GM, and if a new manager will be hired or will Mike Quade stay.

The uncertainty of the Cubs future is causing Aramis to look elsewhere for a team rather than stay with the Cubs. “I can’t be here for a rebuilding process,” says Aramis. “I’m not that kind of player. I’m 33, I don’t know how much longer I want to be playing. It’s hard to win, but you have to be able to compete, and that’s what I want to do.”

The Chicago Cubs have bounced back from disappointing seasons in the past. After a 96-loss season in 2006, the Cubs went on to win the NL Central division in 2007. That offseason, the Cubs were in a rebuilding process as well. The Cubs hired new manager Lou Piniella, inked Alfonso Soriano to an eight-year $136 million contract, and signed Mark DeRosa to a three-year $13 million contract.

Aramis wants to compete and win

Aramis is not sure how many years he will be playing, but he wants to play for a playoff contending team. Aramis said, “We have to wait and see what the Cubs want to do first…This is my priority to stay here. Like I said, they have to show me they’re going to be better. That’s the bottom line.”

The Chicago Bears opened their 2011 campaign last week with a dominating 30-12 win over the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field.  The Bears now travel to the Superdome and face the New Orleans Saints. The Saints (0-1) are following a season-opening 42-34 loss in a shootout at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers.

The Chicago Bears look to extend their four-game winning streak against the New Orleans Saints, which includes the 2007 NFC Championship game.

Drew Brees and the Saints seek their first win of the season despite key injuries to WR Marques Colston (out four weeks with broken collar bone) and Lance Moore (groin). Moore could see limited action for Sunday but would be better served resting and returning 100% in Week 3.

So let’s break it down:

OFFENSE

Bears – The Bears have a top RB in Matt Forte who garnered 158 totals yards from scrimmage with a TD against the Falcons last week. Jay Cutler completed 22 of 32 passes for 312 yards 2 TD and 1 INT. Last season, Cutler threw 6 TDs and 0 INTs indoors with a QB rating of 117.7

Drew Brees is one of the elite QBs in the league today

Saints – Even without Colston and Moore, Drew Brees and the Saints have plenty of offensive weapons remaining including Devery Henderson, Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram, and TE Jimmy Graham. Brees threw for 419 yards 3 TDs and no INTs but loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers last week.

My pick: Tie

DEFENSE

This will be an emotional game for Urlacher

Bears – The defensive line consisting of Julius Peppers, Amobi Okoye and Henry Melton pressured Matt Ryan all game forcing 3 turnovers. The Bears D had 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles (one returned for a TD by Brian Urlacher) and an INT – also from Urlacher.

Saints – The Saints have key injuries on defense. Safety Roman Harper (Ankle) and CB Tracy Porter (Calf) are both listed as doubtful for Sunday’s matchup. DT Shaun Rogers did not participate in practice Thursday as his status for the game is unknown. This could be trouble as the Saints surrendered 399 total yards to the Packers last week.

My Pick: Da Bears!

SPECIAL TEAMS

Hester was returning both Kickoffs and Punts last week

Bears – Last week, Devin Hester was handling both kickoff AND punt returns. Although he did not return any for a TD, he is still the most dangerous return man in the game. Of course, FG kicker Robbie Gould provides consistency for the Bears special teams.

Saints – The Saints proved they do not need Reggie Bush as Darren Sproles provided the offensive spark the Saints were looking for. Sproles finished the game with 168 total return yards on 4 attempts including a 72 yard punt returned for a TD.

My Pick: Da Bears!

4^TH PHASE X-FACTOR

Bears – The D-Line is arguably the best defensive line in the league. The front four will constantly pressure Brees to disrupt his throws and not get into any rhythm. The Bears D will force turnovers, but how many?

"Who Dat? Nation"

Saints – The Superdome is loud! “Who Dat” Nation will be in full force and will be demanding a win in their home opener. This place is tough to play in.

My Pick: Saints

My Winner for the Wk. 2 Matchup: Da Bears!

Final Score – Bears 27 – Saints 21

The 2010 NFL season ended with an 11-5 record and losing the NFC Championship game to the Green Bay Packers. Now the Chicago Bears seek to start the 2011 campaign on a high note. The Bears face the Atlanta Falcons who finished with a 13-3 record and the top seed in the NFC last year.

I have broken down the game into four important phases to determine a logical winner for this week’s matchup. The four important parts of the game that I consider to make a difference are the Offense, the Defense, the Special Teams, and (my personal) the 4^th Phase X-Factor.

Now, we all know the importance of the first three phases, but I have decided to throw in a fourth dimension. The 4^th Phase X-factor is a dimension of the game that I consider to be important to its outcome. It can consist of anything such as the home-field advantage (e.g. last year’s Wild Card matchup Seahawks vs. Saints), or a single player that can completely change the outcome of a game (e.g. 225 yards rec. and 3 TDs for Kenny Britt vs. the Eagles last year).

OFFENSE

Bears – The Chicago Bears added a wide receiver this past offseason. Not sure if the term “offensive weapon” should be used but Roy Williams season will be an unpredictable one. The offensive line looks improved, despite losing a veteran center in Olin Kruetz. Look out for Johnny Knox to have a big game as he will try to establish himself as the primary offensive weapon. Matt Forte and Earl Bennet provide comfort for Jay Cutler as each are able to catch any pass and make a big play.
Note: Marion Barber is out Wk. 1 with a calf injury, so Kahlil Bell will backup Matt Forte in the Bears backfield

Turner had 1,371 yards and 12 TD in 2010

Falcons – The Atlanta Falcons also added an offensive weapon to their team. Julio Jones looks to be an offensive threat that you want on your team and target when he is the opponent. Now Matt Ryan has various targets to throw to especially Roddy White one of the best receivers in the game. The Falcons are also running the ball effectively with a tandem of Michael Turner and Jason Snelling.

My pick: Falcons

DEFENSE

Julius Peppers

Bears – Arguably one of the best defensive lines in the game, Chicago should pressure Matt Ryan. DE Julius Peppers is a stud at his position and having all the attention may free up DE Israel Idonije for breakthrough season.  Other veterans such as Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Chris Harris and Charles Tillman provide strong leadership and a fierce hunger for Falcon meat. Also, the addition of DT Amobi Okoye further strengthens the defensive line.

Falcons – The Atlanta Falcons were ranked 22^nd in most passing yards allowed per game with 228.4 YPG, but were strong against the run (10th) allowing only 105.9 YPG rushing. The Falcons will have to rely on MLB Curtis Lofton to be the vocal guy and quarterback the Atlanta defense.

My Pick: Da Bears!

SPECIAL TEAMS

Best Returner in NFL history!

Bears – The Bears have Johnny Knox returning kickoffs, NFL Return record holder Devin Hester returning punts, and one of the most consistent FG kickers in the NFL Robbie Gould. Enough said!

Falcons – The Falcons have a talented return man in Eric Weems and also have a strong kicker in Matt Bryant.

My Pick: Da Bears!

4^TH PHASE X-FACTOR

Bears – Although boasting the smallest stadium in the NFL with 61,500 seats, Soldier Field houses one of the loudest and most intimidating in the NFL. It is difficult for any team to enter this stadium feeling comfortable.

Roddy had 1,389 yards rec. and 10 TD in 2010

Falcons – The Falcons have plenty of offensive weapons for Matt Ryan. The most interesting player matchup will be Roddy White vs. Charles Tillman. Roddy White is a beast so Tillman could shut him down or surrender 150+ yards and 2 TDs. Watch this battle all day.

My Pick: Tie (if the Bears D can stop Roddy White)

My Winner for the Wk. 1 Matchup: DA BEARS! 

Bears 23 Falcons 21