Bears at Eagles Game Preview

Tonight at 7:30PM CST on NBC, the Chicago Bears (8-6) visit Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles (8-6). Chicago comes into this pivotal Sunday Night Contest after defeating the Cleveland Browns on the road last week in come-from-behind fashion 38-31. They outscored the Browns 21-7 in the final period to secure a crucial win. Matt Forte rushed for 127 yards to lead the Bears. He also leads the team in rushing this season with 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns. Jay Cutler has thrown for 2,173 yards this season and 16 touchdowns for Chicago. Their leading receiver is Alshon Jeffery, who has 1,265 yards this season to go along with 7 touchdowns. Brandon Marshall is the team leader for receivers with touchdowns, as he has 10 on the year. Philadelphia can clinch the NFC East with a win and a Dallas loss today. That is possible because Dallas lost at home to Green Bay last week. The Eagles lost 48-30 in Minnesota, but Green Bay's win kept Philly at the top of the East division. Quarterback Nick Foles threw for 428 yards and 3 touchdowns in a losing cause. Foles also leads the team with 2,398 passing yards on the season and 23 touchdowns. He filled in at starting QB halfway through the year due to Michael Vick's injury, shutting him down for the remainder of the season. LeSean McCoy leads the Eagles' rushing attack with 1,343 yards and 7 touchdowns. He is the only player with over 1,000 rushing yards this season. DeSean Jackson has 1,275 receiving this yards and 9 touchdowns, as he is the only receiver over the 1,000 yard barrier this year. This should be a great game as both teams need this win to stay in contention for their respective division titles and a home playoff game. I think the Eagles, being at home, will win this game with their passing attack and move one step closer to a playoff berth.

Packers at Rams Preseason Game Preview

Tonight at 7pm on NBC, the Green Bay Packers (0-1) visit the Edward Jones Dome to take on the St. Louis Rams (0-1) in a preseason contest. Green Bay enters their first road game of the preseason after being defeated by the Arizona Cardinals 17-0 last Friday at Lambeau Field. The Packers had a total of 223 yards of total offense, while the Cardinals racked up 355 yards of total offense. Backup quarterback Graham Harrell was 12-19 for 76 yards and an interception, while starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers was 3-5 for 62 yards. Running back James Starks rushed for 68 yards on 12 carries, while rookie running back and third round draft pick Jonathan Franklin had 6 carries for 14 yards. Receiver Ty Walker had 5 catches for 41 yards, and defensive back Chris Banjo had 5 total tackles. Green Bay is in the middle of a competition. Incumbent Mason Crosby is battling Giorgio Tavecchio for the full-time kicking duties on the team. St. Louis was edged in Cleveland last Friday by a score of 27-19. Although the Rams had 396 yards of total offense and the Browns only had 320 yards of total offense, St. Louis was unable to pull out a victory in their preseason opener. Backup QB Austin Davis was 9-16 for 96 yards, while starter Sam Bradford was 6-13 for 112 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Running back Zac Stacy ran for 23 yards on 7 carries. Receiver Chris Givens caught 3 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Defensive back T.J. McDonald had 6 total tackles in the game last week. This should be a high scoring affair, and look for the Packers to come out with a win because of their running game and defense. (Note: All stats are preseason totals for each player.)