API’m not contractually obligated to try to build interest in tonight’s Bears-Packers game on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. But I’ll do it anyway.
And it’s really not a stretch to say that this game has actual meaning. Apart from the fact that the Packers have yet to clinch the top seed in the NFC playoff field, something they would squander with back-to-back losses to end the regular season and a win by the 49ers next Sunday over the Rams, the Bears still have an outside shot at wresting away a wild-card berth from the Falcons.
If the Bears can win tonight and on New Year’s Day at Minnesota, and if the Falcons lose on Monday night at New Orleans and the following Sunday at home against the Buccaneers, the Bears will be in, and the Falcons will be out.
Now let’s be realistic for a moment. With Josh McCown at quarterback and Khalil Bell replacing the guy who replaced Matt Forte, an upset of the Packers by the Bears at Lambeau Field on Christmas night arguably would be even more stunning than last weekend’s win by the Chiefs of the defending Super Bowl champions.
To be even more realistic, the Bucs currently are in a full-blown, nine-game free fall. Still, they know how to play the Falcons tough, and they’d surely love nothing more than to get some company for their 4-11 misery.
We’ve learned in recent weeks that anything can happen. The Bears could win the next two; the Falcon could lose the next two. It probably won’t happen, but tonight’s game nevertheless has meaningful complications for the Bears and the Falcons — and the Packers and the 49ers.
Tune in at 7:00 p.m. ET for Football Night In America. The game starts at 8:20 p.m. ET, and you’ll be able to enhance the experience with SNF Extra, including user-selected viewing angles and a live chat with me — and Rosenthal in those moments when I have to tap out for one of various possible reasons.
Besides, how many more times can you watch Elf?
I have greater faith that the world will end on 21 Dec, 2012!!
Khalil Bell deserves better than being identified as a guy who replaced a guy who replaced a guy.
McCown, on the other hand, well…bleh.
in summary: “The bears can make the playoffs. HAVING SAID THAT, there’s no way the bears can make the playoffs.”
I could care less about the Bears, but I have been praying for Bell all day. I need a big night for my fantasy team.
After last week, I’m not counting on anything. HOWEVER, my Packers SHOULD be able to win this game…maybe in a blow out. If they do not win, this Christmas night will be a shocker for the entire league. Maybe the biggest upset/disappointment of the entire season.
Having said that, I have confidence.
Oh and no, boiler. He doesn’t deserve better.
Can you smell that? its the sweet stench of the bears season goin up in flames.
Lets see Bears can make playoffs, reality is without Cutler, Forte, a decent O line, and Defense which is allowing 30 pts on average will NOT make the playoffs. Lovie and Angelo back to the excuse book and Bears fans to the Cubs “theres always next year” mentality.
What can we say someone is trying to get people to look at the game it mean nothing the game.
I would love to see San Fran take the #1 seed as it fits my olayoff bracket, but I cannot see the Falcons losing back to back. They might still win the division!
Merry Christmas Bears, America’s Team will be ending your playoff hopes tonight in the World’s greatest city.
staffordsyear says:
Dec 25, 2011 3:30 PM
Can you smell that? its the sweet stench of the bears season goin up in flames.
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I’m sorry, sir, but that is incorrect. The Bears season went up in flames long ago. What you’re smelling now are the last smoldering embers, as they burn away relentlessly, already feeding off of next year.
Mathematically the Bears still have a shot at the playoffs….
Fortunately for us, the Bears aren’t too good at math…
If if’s and but’s were candy and nuts we’d all be fat and happy. Merry Christmas.