VIKINGS -2.5 v. Lions The early part of the season has belonged to the 5-0 Minnesota Vikings, the most surprising team in the NFL. But if they lose Sunday, Minnesota will relinquish the top spot in the NFC North and suddenly be thrust into the middle of the best division in the league. Coming into this season, Detroit was the betting favorite to find themselves representing the … [Read more...] about Bye Week NFL Slate: Predictions for NFC North Foes
Bye Week Blues, and Three Haikus
Mister Eberflus, chills out in his jacuzzi. Glass of red, in-hand. Rookie of the year. People say it is Jayden’s. Caleb says, “Hold up.” Hope in Chicago. An uncommon emotion. It ain’t leaving town. Tomorrow: Predictions for the weekend’s bye week action. … [Read more...] about Bye Week Blues, and Three Haikus
Bye Week Blues: Thoughts on the NFL, Generally Speaking
The Bears are good. But what else is happening around the NFL? It is amazing how many big plays have been derailed this season by illegal shift and illegal formation calls. Every game seems to have one, and this was clearly a league focus. My only question is…why? Why is this a league focus? Do we really want big plays being negated because the right tackle is a foot or two … [Read more...] about Bye Week Blues: Thoughts on the NFL, Generally Speaking
Segmenting the Season, Part Two: Commanders, Cardinals, Patriots
Before the season, I broke up the Bears schedule into three distinct segments: Segment One: Weeks 1-6, leading into the bye. Segment Two: Weeks 8-10 Segment Three: Weeks 11-18, wherein six of their final eight games are against division opponents. Segment one was a success. Could the Bears have beaten both the Texans and the Colts? Absolutely. But they also could have lost to … [Read more...] about Segmenting the Season, Part Two: Commanders, Cardinals, Patriots
At 4-2, and on the Bye, a Season Awaits the Chicago Bears
The Bears are 4-2. And as they head into their bye week, one thing is certainly clear: a season, a real season, is possible. Not that entering the bye week at .50o would have precluded the Bears from having a strong finish to this campaign and fighting for a postseason berth. It would not have, especially with the way their rookie quarterback is playing. But 4-2 puts the team … [Read more...] about At 4-2, and on the Bye, a Season Awaits the Chicago Bears