The NFL Making My Life Easier: Bears at Browns Preview

Due to fortunate coincidence the Bears are visiting the Browns this weekend, meaning I don't have to write two different blogs! So let's break this game down. First we'll look at the Browns. Now this Browns team really isn't as bad as their 4-9 record would tell you, which is classic if you're a fan of Cleveland. They've lost to the Chiefs and Ravens by one score, and fell to the Patriots by only one point last week in a  game they should have won. Campbell played well, and with Gordon playing like he's not a human being, the Browns passing attack is shockingly good. Coupled with a passing defense that ranks tied for 7th in the league, this isn't a team you can just assume a W against.

The Bears however have a new hope today, because Jay Cutler is back.

Don't get me wrong, Josh McCown did a great job, but Jay is the starter and needs to be starting today for a team that could absolutely still make the playoffs. Win out, and they're in, and the only way they do that is with Jay Cutler at QB throwing to B-Marsh and new breakout stud receiver Alshon Jeffery. But, being out of Chicago and not having "Bear Weather" may hurt the Bears today and Cleveland has shown they can compete with teams that are on paper better than they are, especially in Cleveland. The X-factor of this game is gonna have to be Matt Forte. Forte has had a great year with 9 total TD's (7 on the ground) and averaging 4.6 yards a carry, so he's going to need to help Jay out in cold ass Cleveland and tear up this Browns rushing defense that ranks 4th in the league.

PREDICTION: For the sake of my fandom, a Bears win would be a win win for me. Bears win and keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Browns lose and hopefully get a higher draft pick in April. But this is a tough game for the Bears and the Browns have shown they're not just gonna roll over this year. Even the odds makers are having trouble with this game, considering the line is Bears -1. Ultimately, because it's Cleveland and really this is just what I want to happen, I think the Bears win this game mainly due to the lack of rushing attack from Cleveland and the return of Jay will spark the Bears to a W.

Bears: 20 (-1) Browns: 14