Cubs
Well it looks like the Cubs will be advancing on to the playoffs. With the Dodgers and Giants facing off six times over the next 10 games there is a high probability that the Cubs will finish ahead of one of these two teams, if not both, to capture the wildcard.
Sure, a lot can still happen. But the Cubs would have to start playing some bad baseball again for them not win the Wild Card. But they are finally playing up to their potential and I don’t see that happening.
Sox
The Sox will try to finish with a .500 record for the 4th straight year (I need to double check this). Mediocrity shouldn’t be a goal, but you think they would be losing 90 games a year for all the criticism they receive.
Bears
The Bears will try to stop the Vikings offense without their two best secondary players, FS Mike Brown and CB P’nut Tillman (not to mention CB Jerry Azumah who has been out since the preseason).
Losing Brown hurts, but Tillman’s loss is much worse. Brown has been a big playmaker on the defense. But it’s a lot easier replacing a safety than a cornerback, especially a number one corner like Tillman.
You can’t hide a cornerback, especially against the Vikings. It might get ugly watching special teams player Todd McMillon and rookie Nathan Vasher trying to replace Tillman.
But the offense should be able to move the ball and prevent this game from becoming a blowout. It would be nice to get a win to go 2-1 before facing the Eagles, but I don’t think its going to happen.
Northwestern
Northwestern will also travle to the Metrodome to open their Big Ten schedule. Northwestern has a horrible defense while the Gophers have a great offense, so this one might also get ugly. I mean 50 points 500 yards ugly.
Illinois
I can guarantee you that Illinois will get their asses pasted when they open their Big Ten schedule this weekend. The sad thing is, I don’t even know who they play.