Chicago Bears Sink Minnesota Vikings' Ship: Can They Drown Dolphins in Miami?

As is common, the Chicago Bears get no credit for wins or for improvements that actually work.  Their wins are always chalked up as other teams' screw-ups. 

Games that come down to plays like the much-discussed Detroit week one controversy, or watching the Packers' penalty meltdown at Soldier Field, and even the victory over the Cowboys, before people saw how bad they actually were, are all games that add to this unearned wins perception.

Of course, with the schedule left, everyone will be very careful about predictions and expectations in regard to the Chicago Bears, especially considering all the feet-in-mouth, word eating, so on and so forth because of their 6-3 record.  Of course, this team is unproven, but if the playoffs started today, the Bears would have the third seed in the NFC.  But there are seven games left.

Unfortunately for Bears fans, the toughest part of the schedule is like a train at the end of the tunnel.  Fortunately for the Bears organization, they have enough schedule left to continue to improve and get cohesion in the necessary areas if they are to actually win a playoff game.  After all, who wants to just get there?

Which brings us to the 'Phins and this Thursday's showdown in Miami.  I doubt the Miami Dolphins are taking the Bears lightly.  All the analysts will probably pick the Bears to win against what figures to be a heavy dose of the once feared Wildcat.

Only days after the AP reported that wide receiver Brandon Marshall guaranteed the playoffs no matter who is quarterbacking in Miami, both quarterbacks who had been tapped to start for Miami this season went out within minutes of each other with what appears to be season-ending injuries. 

That leaves them with a pretty capable Tyler Thigpen.  Mobile and seasoned, he's probably not afraid of the Bears front seven, yet.  I would think the Miami defense may have more to be concerned about this Thursday as Jay Cutler and his offense gains confidence and continuity.

The Bears need a full head of steam as momentum to finish strong, and their offense still has yet to fire on all cylinders, if that's possible, although the Minnesota game Sunday was a very positive step.

Will the Bears be considered serious contenders after they defeat the Miami Dolphins?  I think not.  This one will again will be passed off as luck with the Chad and Chad injuries and the story will switch to how Green Bay is a much better team, and how the Falcons might be the best team in the NFC, or how Michael Vick will pose all kinds of problems for the Bears next.

If nothing else, the Chicago Bears have benefited from an easy first half schedule to build momentum, plain old luck with injuries on the team and against opponents, and by flying under the radar which also creates an edge or a nasty us-against-the-world swagger.

Since training camp, I've made it no secret that this Bears team can achieve big if they can use what they have.  Because most people don't believe in what they have, every decent performance sends jaws dropping. 

So as this Bears Club prepare to take their talents to South Beach (couldn't resist), the question is what will a win over the Miami Dolphins prove.  Maybe that the teams that win it all have a little luck on their side as well.

The Bears go into this game as underdogs despite it all and may be in trouble if they can't pull this one out. 

My prediction?  Bears win 31-13.