5 Bold Predictions for the Chicago Bears' Week 12 Matchup
This Sunday, Chicago Bears fans will get to see the old versus the new. Head coach Marc Trestman looks to get his team closer to .500 against the man who roamed the sideline for the Bears for nine years.
There are plenty of things to keep an eye on in this game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including the quarterback battle and how the fans will react to Lovie Smith. Those are just a few of the topics we are looking at in our bold predictions this week.
Who will win the quarterback battle? How will fans react to Smith, and ultimately, who will win the game? Click ahead for this week's bold predictions.
Bears Fans Will Welcome Lovie Smith Back to Chicago
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Are you ready for the return of Smith? Say what you want about the ex-Bears coach, but he did win 81 games during his tenure in Chicago, including three playoff wins.
The Soldier Field crowd will embrace Smith when he's announced, and they should. The Bears didn't quite reach the mountain top during his tenure, but he is still one of the team's most successful coaches of all time.
In an age in which the Bears defense is relatively soft and unproductive, fans will remember Smith's defenses and get a little mushy. There will be a ton of love for Smith up until when the game starts, of course.
Martellus Bennett Will Break out of His Scoring Slump
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Through the first three games of the season, Martellus Bennett looked like he was on his way to an All-Pro season. Bennett had four touchdowns in those three games but has only one since.
If Bennett is ever going to be able to get back on track, it's going to be against the Bucs. Tampa Bay is 30th in the league in points allowed, and it is susceptible to giving up big plays to tight ends.
Last week, we said Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery would erupt, and they did against the Minnesota Vikings. This week, it is Bennett's turn. If he's on your fantasy team, start him with full confidence.
The Bears Defense Will Play Lovie's Style of Football
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When the Bears were at their best on defense, they were attacking the quarterback, forcing teams into long drives and ultimately getting takeaways.
With their former coach on the other sideline, Lance Briggs and Co. will get back to that style of football.
Jared Allen had his best game last week; look for that to continue against a struggling Bucs offensive line. Bucs quarterback Josh McCown has thrown an interception in every game he's played this season except for last week.
This week, McCown will have a few turnovers. He will be anxious to prove his worth against his former team and will force a few throws.
The Bucs might be able to move the ball from drive to drive, but ultimately, they will settle for field goals and turnovers.
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Jay Cutler Will Have His Best Game of the Season
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Just like McCown, Jay Cutler has a little something to prove this week. Cutler would like to show everyone he's the better option over McCown and do it against his old coach's defense.
Unlike McCown, Cutler has the weapons and the moxie to put up big numbers this week.
The game against Atlanta and the second half against San Francisco are Cutler's shining moments this year. Don't worry, he's going to blow both of those performances out of the water this week.
Cutler will go for well over 300 yards through the air and at least three touchdowns. Just wait and see how everybody loves him again after this performance.
The Bears Will Put Up 40 Points
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At 2-8, the Bucs are bad. They have given up over 40 points twice this year and have had more embarrassing performances on defense than the Bears.
Trestman had the offense rolling on the right track last week, and it is due for a huge breakout game.
A high-octane offense, combined with an opportunistic Bears defense, will give Chicago great field position all game, and it will result in a ton of points. The Bears will win this one big. On to Detroit on Turkey Day.
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