Chicago Bears @ New York Jets – Week 12 Game Preview: Overview, Keys to Game, Insights
The Bears (3-8) dropped another close game in Atlanta for their fourth consecutive loss last Sunday. More bad news came late in the game when emerging star quarterback Justin Fields injured his non-throwing shoulder. Things don’t get any easier with another road test against the surprisingly strong Jets this week.
New York (6-4) has a terrific young defense that is in the top-10 in scoring (18.6) and yards (310.5) allowed per game. They have compiled 32 sacks which is tied for the fourth most in the NFL. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams has eight of those quarterback takedowns and is having a monster year.
The thing that is holding the Jets back from being a really good team is the offense. Rookie running back Breece Hall got off to a tremendous start before suffering a torn ACL to end his season. That production has been hard to re-create since.
Second-year quarterback Zach Wilson has not been good. After a particularly bad effort against the Patriots he has been benched for Mike White. White doesn’t seem like he will be that much of an upgrade for New York.
Justin Fields status is still up in the air for Sunday but the Bears think he will play. This feels like it will be a low-scoring affair that will come down to the final minutes. Chicago has not fared well in these type of games, although, they are due to have some luck go their way. Perhaps that adds a little hope for a holiday win.
Where to Watch/Listen
- Sunday, November 27 at 12:00pm CT on FOX, WBBM Radio (English), and WRTO Radio (Spanish)
Keys to Victory
Here are my keys to Sunday’s game. If these things happen, the Bears should have a shot to win.
- Try not to fall behind early. If the Bears go into an early deficit and are forced to pass, Justin Fields will be fully exposed to the ferocious Jets pass rush. Certainly not what you want with his injury.
- Put Mike White under pressure early and often. White began the year as the third-string quarterback and this is his first start of the season. Chicago has to keep him from getting comfortable early with some blitzes.
- Avoid turnovers at all costs. The aggressive Jets defense has scored numerous times off turnovers. If the Bears can limit mistakes they will force the anemic New York offense to have to score.
Don’t Tell Me the Odds
With the status of Fields still somewhat in doubt, the Jets are six point favorites at home against the Bears. The oddsmakers expect a very low-scoring contest with an over/under of just 38.5.
It’s Football Weather
The forecast Sunday at MetLife Stadium is 53 degrees with a chance of rain throughout the afternoon.
My Prediction
It will be another close game but the Bears defense again gives it up late. The Jets will kick a field goal at the end of the game and win 16-13.
Official Bears Preview
Here are Bears analysts Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer with their preview of the Bears’ upcoming Week 12 matchup.