Seahawks Vs. Bears: 2011 NFC Playoffs TV Time & Predictions

The 2011 NFC Divisional Playoffs game between the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears (host) is set for Sunday January 16 (1 PM EST) at Soldier Field. FOX channel will provide TV coverage for this game. Seattle reached the divisional round after upsetting defending champion New Orleans Saints at home; Chicago is the #2 seed in the NFC with an 11-5 record. This article offers TV time and predictions for the 2011 Seahawks-Bears playoff game.

1) Seahawks-Bears Head to Head

The second game of the 2011 NFC Divisional Round features two division winners in the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears. Since 2000, the two teams have played 5 times with the Seahawks leading the series 3-2. With only one exception, the home team has typically emerged as the victor. The lone exception came in their last meeting (2010); the Bears were beaten at home 23-20.

2) Matt Hasselbeck vs. Jay Cutler

Saturday's primetime game pits veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck against star quarterback Jay Cutler. Both QBs have had a mediocre year, in term of passing statistics. For the season, Seattle's Hasselbeck has accumulated 3001 passing yards, 12 TDs, and a QB rating of 73. Chicago's Cutler has thrown for 3274 yards with 23 TDs and a QB rating of 86. Statistically speaking, there is no clear advantage for either player.

3) Pete Carroll vs. Lovie Smith

On paper, the NFC Divisional match-up between 9-loss Seattle Seahawks and #2 seed Chicago Bears clearly favors the latter. But like everything else that has happened in this year's playoffs, regular-season records and home field advantage are very overrated. Despite suffering numerous lopsided defeats this season, the Seahawks has performed well when it really counts. Underdog Seattle was able to edge both St. Louis and defending champion Saints in dramatic fashion to advance to the divisional round. Unfortunately, it will take more than a simple miracle for the Cinderella Seahawks to beat defensive-minded Chicago Bears.

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It is a fact that most of Seattle's wins this season (including those against St. Louis and New Orleans) were on home turf. Indeed, the Seahawks are infinitely better at home than on the road. Unfortunately, Pete Carroll's team will have to face the #2 team in the NFC away from Qwest Field where it has thrived. Statistically, Seattle ranks near the bottom of most major categories. Pete Carroll's crew is 31st in rushing yards, 27th in passing defense, and 21st in opponent rushing yards. Furthermore, the team has allowed at least 30 points in a game 9 times this season. The odds are once again heavily stacked against the Seahawks.

While Seattle has struggled on the road, Chicago has performed slightly worse at home than on the road. The Bears are, nonetheless, difficult to play against in any environment due to their terrific defense. Lovie Smith's team ranks 4th overall in points allowed and second in rushing defense. Chicago's biggest weakness this season has been its offense, which places among the NFL's worst. This is totally understandable as Lovie Smith is a defensive-minded coach. However, the Bears do have a strong quarterback in Jay Cutler who is capable of making the key plays needed to win this game.

My prediction for the 2011 NFC Divisional playoff game between the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears: the Bears win easily 21-7. Kickoff time for the game is 1 PM EST. The game will be played at Soldier Field, and will be broadcast by FOX channel.

Reference:
ESPN.COM