Bears Blitz

Published by Tim Daniels on October 19, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Every week on the NFL schedule contains a couple of really important games with playoff implications. Those same games usually lead to a major shakeup of the power rankings. Here are three games that everybody should be keeping an eye on this weekend.

San Diego Chargers at New York Jets

San Diego wasn’t playing up to its potential prior to a Week 6 bye, but thanks to a weak schedule the Chargers are 4-1 anyway. Philip Rivers has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns and Antonio Gates has been unable to shake a nagging foot injury.

The Jets are a mess right now and probably can’t wait for bye week following this game. The defense hasn’t been as dominant in years past and a transition to a more pass-heavy offense failed miserably. That said, New York’s running game hasn’t been any good, either.

The Jets are sitting at No. 17 in my rankings and need this game more than San Diego. With the Buffalo Bills providing an unexpected challenge for a playoff spot, New York can’t afford too many more losses before every game becomes a must-win scenario.

Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After starting the season with a win over the Atlanta Falcons, it’s been a shaky month for Chicago. They haven’t won on the road, albeit against tough competition, and the defense is struggling to stop both facets of an opposing offensive attack.

It’s been a different story for Tampa Bay, which has already defeated its two biggest competitors in the NFC South. Even though Josh Freeman has struggled to match last year’s success, a strong running game and an underrated defense are carrying the Bucs.

When you consider those two different paths, it’s very surprising the game is being considered a pick ’em by the oddsmakers. Unless the Bears defense makes an abrupt turnaround, which isn’t totally out of the question, you have to like Tampa Bay’s chances on Sunday.

Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions

The Falcons have alternated wins and losses all season and, following that pattern, they would be due for a loss this week in Detroit. Matt Ryan has had a quarterback rating above 91 in all three wins and below 77 in each of the three losses, proving the team can only go as far as he takes them.

Detroit lost an entertaining game against the San Francisco 49ers last week, but unfortunately it was overshadowed by the post-game shenanigans, which were blown out of proportion. If Jahvid Best misses any time with a concussion, it will be interesting to see how the team reacts.

Having already lost to Tampa Bay, this game is important to Atlanta in terms of the wild-card race. A win could bring the Lions back within one game and would open up another avenue that appeared to be blocked last week. A loss, however, would leave them in a precarious position.

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