NFL Week 11 Upset Pick: Bears over Eagles

Eagles vs. Bears Live Point Spreads – NFL Expert Picks – NFL Handicapper Rankings

In a critical game for their fading playoff hopes, the 4-5 Chicago Bears will entertain the 5-4 Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night at Soldier Field. With four losses in their last five outings, Chicago can’t afford another home setback. While the Eagles are a 2-point favorite in the matchup, the Bears could be in a position to stay alive in the NFC wild-card playoff race.

1.) Extra prep time

The Bears will have ten days to prepare for this week 11 contest after last Thursday’s defeat in San Francisco. The extra time should help the club regroup after a rough stretch of games. While Chicago is getting into a comfort zone at home, the Eagles had to travel across the country after Sunday’s loss at San Diego. Philly will have to get on a plane again this week for their trip to the Windy City.

2.) Soldier Field

Chicago is 3-1 at home this season. After a tough setback to begin the season at Green Bay, the Bears returned home to face the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers in week 2. Chicago rallied for a dramatic win to avoid an 0-2 start. The loyal fan base for the Bears should be able to pump some life into the club on Sunday night.

3.) Chicago’s defense

The Bears are 9th in the NFL in total defense despite losing standout linebacker Brian Urlacher to an injury in the season opener. Linebacker Lance Briggs leads the club in tackles with 71 while Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown have combined for nine sacks on Chicago’s frontline. Chicago is 8th in the league in passing defense. The Bears should match up well against Philadelphia’s pass-oriented offense.

4.) Jay Cutler

The quarterback is under fire after last week’s debacle at San Francisco. Cutler leads the NFL in interceptions (17) after being picked off five times against the 49ers. Still, the former first-round draft choice has plenty of ability. Without a sound running game, Cutler has been forced to throw the ball at some inopportune times this season. He is capable of carrying the team on his back based on last year’s (4526 passing yards, 25 TD passes in 2008) performance in Denver. Cutler should be especially focused for this week’s contest after last week’s rough effort.

5.) Eagles are also struggling

After last year’s trip to the NFC championship game, the Eagles were a trendy pick to reach the Super Bowl before the season began. However, Philadelphia has been pretty average in 2009 with a 5-4 record. With two straight losses, the Eagles could be feeling the pressure on Sunday night. Standout running back Brian Westbrook has been limited to only 47 carries this season and is unlikely to play against Chicago after suffering another concussion last week at San Diego. With road games against the Falcons, Giants and Cowboys still on tap, Philadelphia will be hard pressed to make the playoffs in the NFC based on their recent play.



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