The Bears will host Seattle on Sunday in the Divisional Round of the NFC Playoffs. The game is at 12:00pm central time. Weather is forcasted to be a high of 21 degrees with almost no chance of precipitation. Ideal weather for the game, in my opinion.
Offense
Last time the Bears faced the Seahawks, Cutler was sacked six times and the Bears O-line was embarrassed and out-played. The Bears are going to need to keep the run game open to remain umpredictable. They've made big strides on offense since the last time the two teams faced eachother, and they can't go back to their old ways of being predictable, and also letting the opponent get to Cutler. I'm looking for the O-line to continue to improve, and the Bears need to open up the run game so their pass game will develop. Lynch and the hype surrounding him mixed with Hasselbeck's playoff experience give them a slight advantage.
Edge: Seattle
Defense
The Bears defense is back this year and I see the defense being able to take control of this game. If the offense does their job, the defense should be able to hold Seattle's offense to minimal success. Julius Peppers has lived up to his hype this year and I expect him to be a force in this game, hopefully he can give Hasselbeck a piece of his mind. Also look for the Bears to focus on containing Marshawn Lynch after his big week against New Orleans. The Bears have one of the best defenses in the league, and I expect it to show.
Edge: Chicago
Special Teams
The last time the Bears faced Seattle, Devin Hester ran back a punt for a TD, which included a memorable block by Earl Bennett on the Seahawks' punter. Pete Caroll told ESPN 1000 that they will be kicking to Hester, so I expect good field position for the Bears, if not more. When the Bears played Seattle in the 2007 Divisional Playoffs, Robbie Gould kicked the game winning FG. I don't see any problems with his kicking this weekend. The Bears' Special Teams has been one of the most talented in the NFL since their '07 run.
Edge: Chicago
Coaching
Lovie and the staff will be tested this weekend after a regular season that featured a few questionable calls on their part. I expect to see varied play-calling on offense and hopefully Lovie will be smart on the defensive end. Pete Caroll is still inexperienced in the NFL, whereas the Bears have four once-head coaches on their staff.
Edge: Chicago
Prediction
This will be a close game. The Bears defense vs. Seattle's offense is the key match-up, but the Bears defensive talent is too powerful for the Seahawks to do anything. Kicking to the Bears' returners will prove costly and Hester will have a big game. It will be cold and the crowd will be loud, Seattle will be overpowered by the Bears' defense and the playoff athmosphere inside Soldier Field.
Prediction: Bears 24, Seahawks 17
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