Week 10 NFL Game Spotlight

This week we will watch as two NFC powerhouses go head to head in one of the biggest matchups of the year. The Chicago Bears, who lost last week to the Miami Dolphins, will take a trip to the Big Apple for the game that has been chosen as this week’s featured game. Will Tiki Barber, Eli Manning, and the high-flying Giants be able to overcome the stout defense of the Chicago Bears, or will Rex Grossman and the Bears offense overcome recent struggles to prove they are the best team in the NFC?

Schedule to Date:

Chicago is currently 7-1 on the season. They lost their first game of the season last week against the 2-6 Miami Dolphins. Seattle is the only team they have played with a winning record. The combined record of their opponents is currently 23-41.

New York is currently 6-2 on the season. Their two losses have come at the hand of an undefeated Indianapolis team and the Seattle Seahawks. Their opponent’s combined record is currently 33-31.

Chicago has by far had the easier schedule of the two teams. New York is in a tough, yet inconsistent NFC East Division and are currently riding a five-game winning streak, the longest in the NFC and second-longest in the NFL.

Keys to Victory

New York:

1. Must do what they have done nearly all season. RUN, RUN, and RUN some more! In the games that the Giants have won they have absolutely dominated the Time of Possession. In their two losses, they had the ball for only six more seconds than Indianapolis and in the Seattle game they were down by 16 minutes in Time of Possession. They cannot allow the Bears to force them into passing the ball early in the game.

2. Must force turnovers. Rex Grossman is very prone to turning the ball over if the opposing defense will force him into long-yardage situations and put some pressure on him. If he is allowed to sit in the pocket he will pick apart the defense. He has thrown 10 interceptions this year and fumbled the ball five times. New York has 21 sacks on the season and they are among the league leaders. They should not have too much of a problem forcing Grossman to unload the ball quickly.

Chicago:

1. Must keep their defense in a position to win the game for them. I know this statement sounds a bit odd, but Chicago’s offense is not going to win very many football games for them, but they will lose games for them. Their defense has allowed only one rushing touchdown this season and only seven passing touchdowns. If their defense can cause some three and outs, give the offense some easy field position, they have a good chance at this game. This is the one thing that Chicago must do. They don’t have to have great offensive production but if they don’t make offensive mistakes, they will be fine.

Injury Report

Bears:

Player	Position	Injury Type	Status
Bernard Berrian	WR	Ribs	Doubtful
Brian Urlacher	LB	Toe	Questionable
Dante Wesley	CB	Knee	Questionable

Giants:

Player	Position	Injury Type	Status
Brandon Short	LB	Quad	Questionable
Justin Tuck	DE	Foot	Questionable
Jim Finn	FB	Knee	Probable
Plaxico Burress	WR	Back Spasms	Questionable
Carlos Emmons	LB	Groin	Questionable
Sam Madison	CB	Hamstring	Questionable
Sinorice Moss	WR	Quad	Questionable
Amani Toomer	WR	Knee	Out
Osi Umenyiora	DE	Hip Flexor	Doubtful
Michael Strahan	DE	Foot	Out

The Giants defense has really taken a beating this week and will be without their defensive team leader, Michael Strahan. The Bears may also be without their defensive leader in Brian Urlacher. If Bernard Berrian, who did not practice on Friday, is not able to play, that would leave Chicago without its leading receiver in terms of yardage and touchdowns.

Fantasy Quick Hits

Chicago:

Rex Grossman has been a streaky quarterback all season and I would not expect that to change anytime soon. If he is on your team, leave him on the bench for this game. Bernard Berrian is a wide receiver that many fantasy teams have been relying on, but it is doubtful he will ever see the field this week. Continue to monitor his status, but it is not likely you will be able to use him this week. The Bears DST is a must start every week unless you have an incredible matchup on the waiver wire or on your bench. Tight End Desmond Clark started the season on fire and continues to be a good play at tight end. Look for him to produce some decent numbers this week.

New York:

Eli Manning has put up some decent fantasy numbers this season, but carries his own set of risks. With him playing against the best passing defense in the league, look elsewhere for your quarterback position this week if at all possible. The Giants DST has produced consistent numbers this season, but with all of the injuries, you may want to look elsewhere for your DST position. Start Tiki Barber. Every week, every game, no matter what defense. I know he doesn’t get the goal-line looks we wish he would, but he leads the league in yardage and unless you have an absolute stud on your bench, Tiki is the way to go.

Final Thoughts

The Bears seem to be the lock to win this game until you begin to look at their schedule. So then you start leaning towards the Giants. That is, until you see their injured defense. This game has the makings of a last-minute, down-to-the-wire game. It should be a wild ride Sunday night in New York. I think that the Chicago defense will be fired up after the embarrassing loss to the Dolphins. The Giants have confidence, but I think are borderline on getting a little complacent. I see the Bears winning in an upset. Bears 23, Giants 21.

 
Joel Wilbourn is one of a growing number of football experts who write for the Cafe. Joel is writing this from the great state of Texas and welcomes all comments and suggestions in the Cafe's forums where he posts under the name of joelamosobadiah.
 

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