(Getty)
The New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears each own the same 5-8 record, however, the Bears have already been eliminated from the postseason while the Saints actually still have playoff hopes because of how dreadful the NFC South is. On Sunday, the Atlanta lost to Pittsburgh and Carolina defeated Tampa Bay, which means that the 5-8-1 Panthers currently sit atop the NFC South in first place — unless the Saints can win their third consecutive road game tonight.
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Here is what you need to know:
The Basics
Who:
Saints vs. Bears
When:
December 15, 2014, 8:30 p.m.
Channel:
ESPN
Where:
Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Line:
Saints by 3.5
Last Meeting:
Saints 26, Bears 18, October 6, 2013 in Chicago
New Orleans vs. Chicago is a Match-up of Lackluster and Mediocre Teams
Jay Cutler warms up before what turned out to be yet another disastrous game.
Both the Saints and Bears can still perform on offense. Nobody is doubting the ability of Drew Brees who threw for five touchdowns just two weeks ago in Pittsburgh — who are suddenly 9-5. Mark Ingram is finally showing flashes of being a running back the Saints can rely on with 810 rushing yards (on 4.5 yards-per-carry) and six touchdowns this season. Despite Jay Cutler’s never-ending mediocrity, his receivers have performed well all season. Alshon Jeffery is 51 yards shy of 1,000 and Martellus Bennett has had a career year for the Bears. Matt Forte also has a billion receptions (this isn’t an exaggeration).
Defense? That’s another story.
The Bears have allowed 29.1 points-per-game to their opponents. The Saints aren’t far behind with 27.6. In fact, the Saints have given up at least 27 points in five straight games (and have allowed an average of 472.3 total yards in the past four). They’re allowing the second-most yards per game in the NFL this season at 398.7, and Atlanta is allowing 410.8.
In order for the Saints to win, the Saints defense has to make several stops throughout the course of the game. In order for the Bears to win, Cutler must take care of the football. He has lost six fumbles this season, which is tied for most in the league, and has thrown the 15 interceptions, the second highest total in the league.
Heavy’s Pick
Saints 31, Bears 27
The Saints have more to play for, or, rather, they actually have something to play for. The Bears have been in a season-long funk that they just haven’t quite seemed to snap out of yet.
Despite the Saints 5-8 record, they still show flashes of the team that has been consistently good since Sean Payton and Brees arrived. Their final three games are manageable and winnable, and they can get to, at least, a respectable .500 to close out 2014. The Bears downward spiral continues.
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