The Vikings are 7 point favorites against the Bears

[knowyourenemy]

Can anyone explain this to me?

 

[Iggloo]

They are home and need to win to make the playoffs?

 

[knowyourenemy]

They are home and need to win to make the playoffs?

I’m not saying they shouldn’t be favored but 7 seems like a big line. Seems like there may be some inside info that the Bears don’t want to face the Eagles and are going to throw the game.

 

[dbldwn711]

I posted this on the other thread...

I’ve got the complete opposite view here than most. I think the Bears will treat this game like an exhibition game and “prepare” for a rematch with the Vikings in the playoffs at home. Why? Two reasons really.

First, they won’t want to show the Vikings their real game plan because in all likelihood they will face them again next week. Conversely, the Vikings MUST win so they will have to show their game plan. The bears will take a good look at it and prepare all week for it all the while never revealing their true game plan.

Second, it’s not enough that the Bears win. They need help. I would agree here with most that the bears would go all out IF the scenario was win and you get the 2 seed... but that’s not the case.

Side note: I like that football is moving the time of these games. It’s an important Element to the competition. The Premiere League in soccer does this on the last weekend of the season (all teams play at the same time). This affords nobody an advantage.

Side side note: the one who REALLY got screwed here wasn’t the Eagles. It was the Rams. Before the time switch the Rams had the luxury of knowing BEFORE the game started whether or not they could rest their starters or not. Now they have to not only gameplan for their opponent but they must play guys. This time of year rest is important. (Another reason I think the bears will coast a bit.)

For all practical purposes I think this will be the bears bye week

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

I’m not saying they shouldn’t be favored but 7 seems like a big line. Seems like there may be some inside info that the Bears don’t want to face the Eagles and are going to throw the game.

I'm checking with the man on the grassy knoll. If he says the fix is in, bet big time on the Vikings.

 

[knowyourenemy]

I posted this on the other thread...

I’ve got the complete opposite view here than most. I think the Bears will treat this game like an exhibition game and “prepare” for a rematch with the Vikings in the playoffs at home. Why? Two reasons really.

First, they won’t want to show the Vikings their real game plan because in all likelihood they will face them again next week. Conversely, the Vikings MUST win so they will have to show their game plan. The bears will take a good look at it and prepare all week for it all the while never revealing their true game plan.

Second, it’s not enough that the Bears win. They need help. I would agree here with most that the bears would go all out IF the scenario was win and you get the 2 seed... but that’s not the case.

Side note: I like that football is moving the time of these games. It’s an important Element to the competition. The Premiere League in soccer does this on the last weekend of the season (all teams play at the same time). This affords nobody an advantage.

Side side note: the one who REALLY got screwed here wasn’t the Eagles. It was the Rams. Before the time switch the Rams had the luxury of knowing BEFORE the game started whether or not they could rest their starters or not. Now they have to not only gameplan for their opponent but they must play guys. This time of year rest is important. (Another reason I think the bears will coast a bit.)

For all practical purposes I think this will be the bears bye week

Yeah, I think the Eagles actually benefit from the time changes. I’m still curious about that line. Maybe you’re right about the Chicago-Minnesota angle.

 

[dbldwn711]

Yeah, I think the Eagles actually benefit from the time changes. I’m still curious about that line. Maybe you’re right about the Chicago-Minnesota angle.

I think that’s why the line is big.

 

[bksballer89]

Can anyone explain this to me?

No

 

[Iggloo]

I posted this on the other thread...

I’ve got the complete opposite view here than most. I think the Bears will treat this game like an exhibition game and “prepare” for a rematch with the Vikings in the playoffs at home. Why? Two reasons really.

First, they won’t want to show the Vikings their real game plan because in all likelihood they will face them again next week. Conversely, the Vikings MUST win so they will have to show their game plan. The bears will take a good look at it and prepare all week for it all the while never revealing their true game plan.

Second, it’s not enough that the Bears win. They need help. I would agree here with most that the bears would go all out IF the scenario was win and you get the 2 seed... but that’s not the case.

Side note: I like that football is moving the time of these games. It’s an important Element to the competition. The Premiere League in soccer does this on the last weekend of the season (all teams play at the same time). This affords nobody an advantage.

Side side note: the one who REALLY got screwed here wasn’t the Eagles. It was the Rams. Before the time switch the Rams had the luxury of knowing BEFORE the game started whether or not they could rest their starters or not. Now they have to not only gameplan for their opponent but they must play guys. This time of year rest is important. (Another reason I think the bears will coast a bit.)

For all practical purposes I think this will be the bears bye week

You make a lot of good points here, but I still think most teams would choose to play for the #2 seed and the bye here. The Bears could then theoretically play the NFC title game at home if the top seed Saints lost.

 

[knowyourenemy]

No

Short and to the point. I like it!

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Can anyone explain this to me?

No

I admire when someone cuts straight to the chase.

 

[dbldwn711]

You make a lot of good points here, but I still think most teams would choose to play for the #2 seed and the bye here. The Bears could then theoretically play the NFC title game at home if the top seed Saints lost.

That still happens because if they get the 3 seed and win they will automatically play the 2 seed. If they win that and the saints lose the same game your scenario contemplates they play the NFC title game at home.

Nothing changes.

 

[CaptainStubing]

Can anyone explain this to me?

Vikings season is on the line. Bears is not

 

[Iggloo]

That still happens because if they get the 3 seed and win they will automatically play the 2 seed. If they win that and the saints lose the same game your scenario contemplates they play the NFC title game at home.

Nothing changes.

Except having to play in a week. Yes, you could argue that having the week off next week is the same thing, but it isn't. The bye would give them a week extra to prepare for the round 2 opponent before playing a game.

 

[dbldwn711]

Except having to play in a week. Yes, you could argue that having the week off next week is the same thing, but it isn't. The bye would give them a week extra to prepare for the round 2 opponent before playing a game.

If you wanna discuss “preparing for your opponent” I would argue that my scenario works better. Why? Because you KNOW who your opponent will be for the first two weeks if you lose to the Vikings this week. You know you will play the Vikings and then the rams. If you get the 2 seed you can’t “prepare for your opponent for 2 weeks” because you won’t know who that is.

This week is the Bears bye week.

 

[Yo Tee]

No explanation that makes any sense. Chicago ain't resting their starters that's for sure. Chicago can get a 1st round bye with a win and a Rams loss.

 

[knowyourenemy]

If you wanna discuss “preparing for your opponent” I would argue that my scenario works better. Why? Because you KNOW who your opponent will be for the first two weeks if you lose to the Vikings this week. You know you will play the Vikings and then the rams. If you get the 2 seed you can’t “prepare for your opponent for 2 weeks” because you won’t know who that is.

This week is the Bears bye week.

I guess they may not care that much about playing in LA either since it’s been established that the Rams have no homefield advantage.

 

[Yo Tee]

I'll be that guy because for those who know me, my feelings for Cousins is well known.

For $84 million, the Vikings SHOULD NOT be in this position. The Vikings should be at least where Seattle is right now where they are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs and don't have to worry about Week 17. If Kirk Cousins played like he was actually worth that much, the Vikings would be challenging for a division title, not hoping to be the 6th seed.

 

[knowyourenemy]

I’m told the line is down to 5...whatever that means.

 

[NCChiFan]

There is still a chance the Bears would not be playing the Vikings the following week and it starts with a Bear W. Now some other things have to happen, but it is still theoretically possible. Also, theoretically possible that the Rams lose to the 9ers, and with a Bear win, they get the bye. I don't believe the Bears are going to tank this one or go preseason.