Bears coach Lovie Smith has made a point of saying his team still has a chance of finishing 10-6 -- and that 10-6 teams usually qualify for the postseason.
True, 10-6 gets it done most years. Unfortunately for the Bears, this isn't one of those seasons. Without even stepping on the field Sunday, the Bears (8-6) playoff hopes took some serious body blows. Washington (7-7) played its way out of contention with a preposterous loss to Cincinnati. But every other game important to the Bears went the opposite way it needed to: Minnesota (9-5) beat Arizona, Atlanta (9-5) beat Tampa Bay (9-5) and Dallas (9-5) beat the New York Giants. Another contender, Philadelphia (7-5-1) hosts Cleveland tonight.
The biggest issue for the Bears is the fact that they do not own the tiebreakers against any of the four teams that are 9-5. In effect, each of those four teams owns a two-game lead over the Bears with two games to play.
To win the division, the Bears would have to win out and have the Vikings lose their final two games. The Bears could earn a wild-card spot if they win out, the Eagles lose one more time and two among the group of Atlanta, Tampa Bay or Dallas take the pipe and blow their final two games.
Let's review the remaining schedules for the contenders:
Bears: Green Bay, at Houston
Vikings: Atlanta, N.Y. Giants
Falcons: at Minnesota, St. Louis
Buccaneers: San Diego, Oakland
Cowboys: Baltimore, at Philadelphia
Eagles: Cleveland, at Washington, Dallas
Among the group the Bears need to lose, it is possible Dallas will lose out. Baltimore and Philadelphia are both tough opponents. But even if the Cowboys falter, someone else would have to choke twice to clear the way for the Bears.
It is unlikely the Vikings will drop their last two at home.
The Falcons might lose at Minnesota, but I can't see them falling at home to the Rams.
Tampa Bay has two home games against losing teams, including the miserable Oakland Raiders.
I'd say the Bears are in serious trouble, even if they get to 10-6. But strange things happen sometimes, so I will not say they are done until it is mathematically so.
As Ken Harrelson would say, THIS ONE IS OVAH!
Nothing is going to stop the Vikings. Nothing. After a big-time performance by the Vikings, it's hard for me to think they are going to choke the division. You want to compare the Vikings to the Twins? Guess what, folks. The Vikings have veterans that are hungry for a playoff berth, and they know the consequences of what's going to happen if they are choke. For most of the guys, the clock is ticking for them to win the Super Bowl so they are not going to blow this type of opportunity. The Twins had too many young players at the time and I think they were too amped up or tired from that three-game sweep against the White Sox in the final weekend of the season. With the Vikings, the vets know what it takes.
The Vikings are playing at a high level right now. The defense is playing well, and the offense is clicking. Everything is finally working after months of inconsistent football. I don't think anyone wants to play the Vikings come playoff time.
As for Da Bears, they can still win the wild card. They are in that race. If the Falcons lose to the Vikings and then their final game and Chicago wins the next two, Da Bears got that wild card.
Bears fans have quite a decision to make. Do they root for the Vikings to win or lose? A Vikings win, and Da Bears chances of getting the wild card becomes good. A Vikings lose, and Da Bears have a chance to win the division.
If Da Bears win the wild card, guess what. The Vikings get to play Da Bears at the playoff game, and this time, the Vikings are the home team. It would be delicious to see the Vikings end Da Bears' season come playoff time.
I don't think there's a decision to be made at all. I'm rooting for the Falcons on Sunday.
Suit yourself, JB.
Enjoy watching the Vikings clinch the NFC North this Sunday.
It's not over yet.