Titans at Bears: Preview, Predictions, and More
Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears
It truly wasn’t all that long ago when Soldier Field was popping with excitement on Sundays for the Chicago Bears. Frankly, that hasn’t been the case recently and certainly not in the 2016 NFL season. And that’s a trend likely to continue on Sunday in NFL Week 12 as they welcome the Tennessee Titans.
Not that 2016 has gone well for the Bears, but things are about to get exponentially worse. Jay Cutler is out for the year, thus slotting in Matt Barkley as the starting quarterback. That’s an evil you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. Even the Cleveland Browns would be offered that and say, “Nah…”
But it unfortunately doesn’t stop there for Chicago. In addition to Alshon Jeffery being suspended, their best defensive player (who’s healthy) in Jerrell Freeman has also been suspended for PEDs. Just for good measure, tight end Zach Miller broke his foot last time out. It’s a dire and bleak situation in the Windy City.
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Inconsistency has been the biggest issue for a young Titans team this season. However, Marcus Mariota and company have looked dangerous when they’re at their best. They have a stout offensive line which has led to a fierce rushing attack with DeMarco Murray. Moreover, they have a strong defensive front-four and at least one elite cornerback. Suffice it to say, the situation in Nashville is immensely more favorable than the Bears’.
Here are the keys to victory for each team.
Keys to Victory
It’s quite simple as to what the Titans need to do in their Week 12 matchup. DeMarco Murray and/or Derrick Henry will have success in the running game. Their defense will have success against a likely one-dimensional attack and whatever Matt Barkley tries to do. Moreover, Marcus Mariota should be able to exploit a weak secondary and an absent pass-rush. What they simply can’t afford is being careless because they have all of these advantages. Making costly and senseless errors and turnovers is the type of thing that allows a vastly inferior team to gain confidence and be competitive.
For the Bears, it’s a bit difficult to think of much else besides throwing up their hands and praying. If they have one chance for success, though, it has to be running back Jordan Howard. He’s the only healthy, productive, confident weapon they have not dependent on Barkley throwing him the ball. It’s unlikely he’ll get going against a stout Tennessee run defense and behind a beat-up offensive line. However, he’s their best chance on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Odds
Point Spread: Tennessee -5.5
Moneyline: Tennessee -240, Green Bay +200
Over/Under: 42
Next: Chicago Bears 7-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft
Prediction
Despite the Titans coming off of a loss last week, I’m not sure it’s going to matter. Frankly, there’s almost no chance by my estimation that the Bears offense is able to anything. Even though the Titans defense has vulnerabilities, they can sell out on stopping Howard. If they do that, Barkley simply isn’t capable of doing anything through the air. This is a blowout waiting to happen in favor of visiting Tennessee.
Pick: Tennessee Titans: 38, Chicago Bears: 6