Who is playing? The Philadelphia Eagles (2-3) v. the Chicago Bears (2-4).

When will this game take place? Sunday, October 21st, 2007 at 4:15 (FOX).

Where will this game be played? Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

Why are they playing this game? Because two of the countries greatest sports cities needed another excuse to get rip roaring drunk and curse (not to mention, just like last week, this is a make or break game for each team. Before the season started the Bears and the Eagles were pegged to be the teams to beat in the NFC, now each team is fighting for its playoff life.).

Any notable injuries I should know about before I bet my kids college tuition? Although Eagles free safety Brian Dawkins practiced yesterday (and I use that term loosely, it was more of a slow saunter around the field), he’s still a week(s) away from returning. Other Eagles that may be joining Dawkins on the sideline could be tight end LJ Smith (groin) and tackle William Thomas (knee); although it seems Thomas is likely to play whereas Smith will be a game time decision.

On the other side of the ball, Bears special teams specialist Devin Hester and All-Pro linebacker Brian Urlacher will be attending former Bear Mike Singletary’s son’s bar mitzvah and will be unavailable… alright so I made that up. A guy can dream can’t he?

The real injury story for the Bears is as follows – former Eagle Darwin Walker is listed as questionable (knee). I will keep you posted on that fake bar mitzvah.

What’s the spread? – 5.5 Eagles

Any history between the two teams? There will be in about seven months when McNabb gets traded to the Bears for Lance Briggs.

How do they match up on paper?

Team Defensive points per game:
Eagles 7th (16.4)
Bears 23rd (24.8)

Team Defensive yards per game:
Eagles 7th (292.6)
Bears 27th (361.3)

Team Offensive points per game:
Eagles 18th (20)
Bears 20th (19.7)

Team Offensive yards per game:
Eagles 9th (352.4)
Bears 28th (287.7)

Who will win? This is a complete and utter coin toss, with only a slight advantage going to the Eagles simply because it’s being played in Philly, but I’m gonna go with my gut and say Philly… Chicago… Philly… Chicago… Philly.

What I do know is this – both teams offenses have been inconsistent and find themselves struggling to put points on the board on a weekly basis. Both teams quarterbacks have yet to find a groove and reach their potential. But unlike the Bears who traded away their best offensive weapon in the off-season (running back Thomas Jones), the Eagles have Brian Westbrook, a guy that you need to keep an eye on every time he’s on the field.

Unlike both teams offenses however, there is a clear distinction between the teams on defense and special teams. Ironically, the Eagles resemble the usual Bears defense (i.e. tough to score on, hard hitting and aggressive), whereas the Bears find themselves struggeling to stop anyone from scoring, running or throwing on them.

But it’s not as though all is lost with the Bears, because like I stated before they do have an advantage over the Eagles with their special teams, and if the Bears can make some plays this could be the equalizer, or worse yet, the difference maker.

All in all I think this game will boil down to how well the Bears contain Westbrook, and how well the Eagles contain Devin Hester and the Bears running game (because let’s be honest: Griese + Bears receivers + Lito Sheppard & Sheldon Brown = ugly offensive day).

Will you be keeping a running diary? Would love to but no. The game isn’t being televised, so I have to hit the bars… and unless my goal is to spill cheap beer and stale vomit on my laptop, I’m gonna pass… but it’s coming soon… very very soon.

Did you know that the Flyers are are still playing hockey? No. I can honestly say that I had no idea hockey was being played in the United States, but apparently it is. And the team that was an embarrassment last year is now sitting in first place of the Atlantic and look to be a legitimate Cup contender (or so Barry Melrose tells me).

Anything else I should know? I will be spending my Friday at the movies checking out Into The Wild and Gone Baby Gone back to back… I will also be spending $30 on food items at the concession stands and hopefully gaining five pounds in preparation for Thanksgiving. Cause like my dad says, “It’s never too early to start training.”