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What they're saying: Picking Eagles-Bears

Here's a roundup of who the national media are picking in Sunday's Eagles-Bears matchup.

Here's a roundup of who the national media are picking in Sunday's Eagles-Bears matchup:

SI.com's Peter King likes the Eagles in a 20-13 victory:

For the Bears to win, Israel Idonije or Julius Peppers is going to have to have a game like Justin Tuck did last week, forcing a turnover or two and giving Jay Cutler a couple of short fields. For the Eagles to win, Mike Vick is going to have to be Mike Vick. Until shown otherwise, I trust Vick.

Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com has the Birds in a 20-12 game:

For as great as Michael Vick's legs have been this season, his arm has been all the more impressive. Vick has yet to throw an interception this season in 191 pass attempts. He's got a streak of 220 passes without an interception dating to 2006, when he played for the Falcons. The Giants' defensive line - particularly Justin Tuck - hit him pretty hard on Sunday night. Julius Peppers is no slouch, and Vick's longtime NFC South nemesis could do the same in this one. But in the end, I like the Eagles to win at Soldier Field by the same score they lost 22 years ago in the Fog Bowl.

All six FoxSports.com writers pick the Eagles.

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com thinks the Bears will pull the upset, 23-17:

This is a match of division leaders who can stake a claim as the best in the NFC. The Eagles are flying high with the emergence of Mike Vick. But he faces a fast Chicago defense that has really played well this season. The key for the Bears will be containing Vick in the pocket. That could make Brian Urlacher huge here. The Bears' improved offensive line will face a stiff test against the Eagles front. I think they're up to it. Bears find a way.

Four of five CBSSports.com experts go with the Eagles.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk thinks the Bears will pull out a 24-20 victory:

I've been down on the Bears all year, and now it's time to make amends. With Mike Vick on the cover of Sports Illustrated this week and the Bears surely sick of hearing about Vick, a rested and motivated and overachieving Bears team will use the Giants' defensive game plan as a launching point for their own attempt to confuse and confound Vick. Though the Eagles likely will still make the playoffs and Vick will remain an unlikely MVP candidate, Philly won't be running the table — and the Bears will take full advantage of their chance to enter the ranks of the NFC's elite.

PFT's Gregg Rosenthal has the Eagles, 20-14:

The Bears defense is legitimately great. They could give Michael Vick even more problems than the Giants did. The problem here is that the Eagles are balanced. They can win games with their offense or defense, through the air or on the ground. Raise your hand if you think Jay Cutler can hold up against a pressure-based, quality defense at this point. (OK, put it down Shanahan. You look ridiculous.)

Six of eight ESPN.com experts are picking the Eagles.

ESPN.com's Bill Simmons thinks the Bears will cover as 3.5-point underdogs:

Because I'm tired of getting beaten by the Bears. Uncle. Besides, defense + special teams + a quarterback who can convert third-and-longs = good enough for 10-11 wins these days. I should have realized that about three weeks ago. FYI: The Eagles are long overdue for one of those textbook Andy Reid era "How the hell did we lose that game?????" losses: killer penalties, one brutal turnover at the worst possible time, poor clock management at the end of at least one half … you know what I mean. They're overdue.

Four of five Chicago Tribune writers are going with the Bears. Here's Brad Biggs' reasoning:

There is something about this game that makes you think these teams will meet again in January. The Eagles come in ripe for a fall after huge victories over the Colts, Redskins and Giants. The Bears' defense is too tough for Michael Vick this time.

Three of six Chicago Sun Times writers go with the Eagles.

All three Yahoo Sports experts and 83 percent of Yahoo users go with the Eagles.

According to BetUS.com, 84 percent of the action is on the Eagles to cover 3 points.

Most of you in the Philadelphia area will get Giants-Jaguars on CBS and Packers-Falcons on Fox at 1 p.m.

Eagles-Bears will be broadcast on Fox. Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa have the call.

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