From an article by Larry Mayer on ChicagoBears.com --

"The Bears (9-6) can win the NFC North next Sunday with a victory in Houston coupled with a Vikings loss to the Giants. Even if Minnesota wins, Chicago can make the playoffs as the NFC’s second wildcard with a victory along with losses by the Cowboys to the Eagles and the Buccaneers to the Raiders."

In any case, Chicago MUST win in Houston!

Stunning overtime win keeps Bears' playoff hopes alive - Chicago Bears

They had their chance to control their own destiny, blew it, now the odds are very long and most likely lead to yet another one-n-done playoff appearence.... i think the time would be better spent finding replacements for Jerry Angelo, the coaching staff, a younger, more agressive defense,offensive line, and a legit deep threat at wide reciever, just my thoughts.

My Dad says the guy who calls the plays - I think it is Ron Turner, needs to be replaced... In any case, the biggest variable I think is MN losing to the Giants. What are the odds on that game?

Eric

On paper, the Giants should beat the Vikes (especially the Vikes without the Williams brothers) but it's a meaningless game for the Giants. I'd guess they'll play their starters for a half, then play their bench, so let's just hope the Giants win, the Bears find enough fire, drive, pride to beat the Texans, the Bears win the NFC by default, then after we lose the playoff game....fire Turner and Babich, draft, sign a quality offensive and defensive line and a deep threat reciever

The only two games I missed this season were the recent overtime wins by the Bears.. one time I was stuck on a delayed flight back from New Jersey and during this week's win my family was vacationing in Orlando.

While those were probably great fun to watch, it doesn't say much for the Bears strength as a team to be eeking out wins. We'll see how they fair against the Texans.

Orton's performance has been disappointing lately...

Orton determined to resusciate struggling passing attack - Chicago Bears

The Bears are losing and MN is winning.. it's not looking good for the Bears making it to the playoffs!

Eric