5 Bold Predictions for the Chicago Bears' Week 16 Matchup
Mercifully, we are down to the final two weeks of the season for the Bears. The Detroit Lions come to town looking to stomp on their division rivals and take a big step toward winning the NFC North.
Things have gone from bad to worse for Chicago. The coaching staff seems to have lost control of the team and the quarterback has regressed dramatically.
What's in store for the final home game of the year? Will Jay Cutler finish the game? Can Willie Young get to 10 sacks on the season against his former team? These are just a few of the topics in this week's bold predictions.
Jay Cutler Won't Finish the Game
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As each week passes by, quarterback Jay Cutler takes more of a beating in meaningless time and looks less and less effective on the field.
It's time for Cutler to take a seat on the bench for a little bit. He's not completely to blame for the Bears' offensive struggles, but it still wouldn't hurt to have him sit a while.
Cutler will be the guy going forward in 2015 and the Bears would be best served to allow him to clear his head and protect his body.
If Cutler comes out struggling against a Lions team who's known for battering the quarterback then the Bears should pull him. Expect to see backup Jimmy Clausen at some point in the second half.
Brock Vereen Will Get Payback Against Matthew Stafford
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The defense has been a disaster for the Bears but rookie free safety Brock Vereen is starting to play better with more playing time.
In the first matchup against the Lions, Vereen looked lost and slow to the football against Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. Since then, Vereen has been noticeably quicker on his breaks to the ball.
When Vereen sees Stafford this week, he will get his revenge for the touchdown given up on Johnson in Detroit on Thanksgiving Day. Vereen will get his first career interception this week.
Marquess Wilson Will Outperform Calvin Johnson
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Are you in your fantasy football championship? If you are then you are still paying attention to this game because you likely need some points from a few guys to bring home the win.
Calvin Johnson is still a top receiver in this league but has had a down year fantasy wise for his owners. Marquess Wilson proved to be a solid waiver-wire pickup against New Orleans getting a few catches and a touchdown.
This week, Wilson will have a bigger impact. He will catch at least six balls and will have another touchdown or two. It might be close, but Wilson will have a better day than Johnson fantasy wise and bring a few people a championship.
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Willie Young Will Eclipse 10 Sacks on the Season
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Pass-rusher Willie Young has been a bright spot this season since coming over from Detroit. He's sitting on 9.5 sacks right now and is looking to improve on his career-best season.
Young's going to reach 10 sacks for the year and it's going to happen against Matthew Stafford and the Lions.
In the first meeting, Young didn't have any sacks but did have a few pressures on the quarterback. Young would want nothing more than to reach the 10-sack mark against his old team. Look for Young to go fishing at least once in this game.
The Bears Will Flashback to 2004
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Do you remember 2004? R&B singer Usher topped the charts with "Yeah" and the Bears finished the season with 11 losses.
2004 was the last time the Bears lost double digits in a season and they are well on their way to hitting that mark again this year.
The Lions are a good, well-coached team with something to play for. They will beat the Bears handily in order to set up an epic last week showdown with the Packers. The Lions will win 28-13.
Ten years later, the Bears will take it back to 2004 by securing their first 10-loss season during that time. Head coach Marc Trestman's seat is already hot but now it's virtually on fire.
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