The playoffs come early this week in a matchup of two teams whose successes often look like a mirage. Both teams sit atop their divisions, but barely. The Chicago Bears are 7-3 and the Shitsburgh Steelers are 6-4. Both teams have overachieved thus far and they know it, at least in the back of their minds. Both teams also know they are one loss away from squandering their precarious leads atop their respective divisions. The Bears have the Packers and Lions breathing down their necks and the Steelers have the Ravens.
To add to the urgency of this week’s game the Steelers play the Bills next week at home, where the mighty Bills who have owned the Steelers will have a rest advantage, and the Bears play the Super Bowl champs and top dog in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles on the road. In a league where one game can make the difference between making the playoffs and being left out in the cold, this week’s game becomes nearly a must win for both teams.
Regardless of whether or not Rodgers plays, this should be a knock-em out drag out fight where both teams play a conservative, risk-averse brand of football to squeak out a win. The Bears love to dominate time of possession with their run game, and Pittsburgh’s bend but don’t break defense should allow the Bears long sustained drives before clamping down. On the other side of the ball, I expect Tomlin to also shorten the game and minimize the risk of a turnover by his gimpy starter (Rodgers) or his second string QB (Rudolph) by deploying a ball control offense that methodically moves down the field to put precious points on the board.
My play is under 45.5 knowing full well most handicappers online are salivating to take the over in this game because both teams are projected to score over 25 points!
Under 45.5
Good luck 
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