Washington Redskins at Chicago Bears: NFL Week 14 Picks
By Erik Lambert
Nov 22, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a touchdown pass in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The playoff picture isn’t set just yet. The Washington Redskins are tied for first in their division (incredibly) while the Chicago Bears still have a sliver of hope to steal a wild card if they win out. That makes this game one of big importance for both sides despite their repulsive records.
Backdrop:
Two teams that suffered crushing losses the week before. Chicago gave away another late lead, missed what would’ve been a winning field goal and then saw it all fizzle in overtime. Washington had numerous opportunities to put away a Cowboys team without Tony Romo, at home no less and still could seal the deal.
Now they head into a pivotal game where it truly is do-or-die in terms of their playoff hopes with both 5-7. Both are banged up and just trying to hang on. It will come down to who has the mental fortitude to push through the pain.
Matchup To Watch:
TE Jordan Reed vs. ILB Shea McClellin
The Bears have had problems with tight ends all season, which is shocking given they have three inside linebackers led by Shea McClellin who are athletic and shown they can cover. It’s all been about poor discipline and execution. That will be put to the test by Jordan Reed who is the Redskins’ leading pass catcher with 574 yards and six touchdowns.
Controlling him should help the Bears defense clamp down on Kirk Cousins and turn their focus to stopping Washington’s ground attack.
Key Stat:
This is a tale of two teams that are at their worst in their current situations. The Redskins are terrible on the road at 1-5 while the Bears are just as bad at home at 1-5. One would imagine this game has a chance to turn into one those where the teams trade mistakes in hot potato fashion, a game where looks like both are trying to lose. Something will have to give at Soldier Field. It’s almost too frightening to ask what it will be.
Prediction: Redskins win 24-20
The Bears have just had problems winning at home. They are 3-11 at Soldier Field since the beginning of 2014. They’re also 0-5 against the Redskins since 2004. That’s some bad juju to be fighting against on top of the fact that Washington has more to play for in terms of playoff hopes.