Opinion Corner: Chicago looks to be real deal
My least favorite NFL team is the Chicago Bears. Maybe it’s because, all through the 2000s, people picked the Bears to win the division every year because “of that defense.” Only, the Bears’By: Chris Aarhus, Sun Sports Writer, The Jamestown Sun
My least favorite NFL team is the Chicago Bears.
Maybe it’s because, all through the 2000s, people picked the Bears to win the division every year because “of that defense.” Only, the Bears’ defense is arguably the most inconsistent from year to year. Some years, it gets them to the Super Bowl. Other years, it leads them to 5-11.
This year appears to be the former. The Bears have scored eight touchdowns between defense and special teams, the same as the next two teams combined (Houston 4, San Diego 4).
I’ve often picked against Chicago this year, because I feel like they could lose to anyone. For that, my record has suffered. The Bears are 7-1 and finally look to have the team capable of contending for the Super Bowl. I’d take this team over the one that actually went to the Super Bowl and lost to the Colts.
The Bears are dangerous and as long as they keep making plays on defense, they should go a long way.
Steady improvement in the NFC North has it without a losing record. The Lions are 4-4 at the bottom, looking quickly to rise. The Packers have rebounded from their slow start and seem to be hitting their stride.
The 5-4 Vikings appear to be the only team headed the opposite direction. They’ve lost two in a row and with a hot Lions team coming into the Metrodome on Sunday, it could become a streak.
Detroit (4-4) at Minnesota (5-4): See above. Lions 31, Vikings 27
Atlanta (8-0) at New Orleans (3-5): The Saints are pushing toward a .500 record, while the Falcons are due for a loss. It may finally happen, but the Falcons are the better overall team. Falcons 24, Saints 20
N.Y. Giants (6-3) at Cincinnati (3-5): It should be close, but the Bengals just haven’t had what it takes to push themselves over the top against good teams. Giants 34, Bengals 23
Oakland (3-5) at Baltimore (6-2): Hard to believe Baltimore is 6-2. The Ravens don’t feel like a playoff team without Ray Lewis. They’re still a lot better than the Raiders. Ravens 27, Raiders 13
Buffalo (3-5) at New England (5-3): Buffalo has trapped the Patriots into shootouts in the past, but this is in New England. Patriots 31, Bills 17
Tennessee (3-6) at Miami (4-4): The Dolphins are playing good defense and running the ball while the play at the QB position tries to manage the game. Dolphins 23, Titans 17
San Diego (4-4) at Tampa Bay (4-4): Both teams fighting for playoff spots. Somewhat similar teams, actually. Bucs 23, Chargers 20.
Denver (5-3) at Carolina (2-6): Peyton Manning is destroying teams. He’s back, folks. Broncos 38, Panthers 21
N.Y. Jets (3-5) at Seattle (5-4): Big win for the Seahawks last week. This week should provide for some smashmouth football. Seahawks 17, Jets 13
St. Louis (3-5) at San Francisco (6-2): The 49ers are a complete team, when Alex Smith completes passes. 49ers 23, Rams 16
Dallas (3-5) at Philadelphia (3-5): Struggling at times, both teams are trying to find their identities. Eagles 23, Cowboys 20
Houston (7-1) at Chicago (7-1): This is a home team prediction. Bears 23, Texans 20
Kansas City (1-7) at Pittsburgh (5-3): The Chiefs are one of the worst teams in the NFL. Steelers 31, Chiefs 13
Last week: 9-4
Season: 72-50
Sun sports writer Chris Aarhus can be reached at (701) 952-8462 or by email at caarhus@jamestownsun.com
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