Sunday Morning Bloody Mary: The NFC North Playoff Race Begins Today
by Kev H on Nov 28, 2010 10:47 AM CST
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Print| Packers | Bears | ||
| Week 12 | @ FALCONS | EAGLES | |
| Week 13 | 49ers | @ LIONS | |
| Week 14 | @ LIONS | PATRIOTS | |
| Week 15 | @ PATRIOTS | @ VIKINGS | |
| Week 16 | GIANTS | JETS | |
| Week 17 | BEARS | @ PACKERS |
7-3.
Two teams sit at the top of the NFC North with that record, the Packers and Bears. Taking very different routes to get there, the Bears have the slightest of edges against the Packers right now, having beaten them by a field goal in Week 3.
So the race for the playoffs begins today. It's a two team race for the North as both of these teams will probably win at least 2 games, and the Vikings are not likely to win out. The Lions are done for this year, like so many years before, but they're a few pieces from being a legitimate contender, so don't sleep on them in 2011.
With two common opponents remaining over the last six games (not counting each other, obviously), the Lions would seem to have a slightly easier stretch--but that's why they play on Sundays (and occasionally Thursdays and Mondays.) Winning this division will be crucial, because Wild Card spots can hardly be guaranteed.
What are the Bears looking at on their way to late January Football?
From nfl.com standings page, coming into today the NFC North looks like this:
NFC North Team
W
L
T
PctPF
PA
Net Pts
TD
Home
Road
Div
Pct
Conf
Pct
Non-Conf
Streak
Last 5
Chicago Bears
7
3
0
.700
191
146
45
20
3-2
4-1
3-0
1.000
5-3
.625
2-0
3W
3-2
Green Bay Packers
7
3
0
.700
252
146
106
30
4-1
3-2
3-1
.750
5-2
.714
2-1
4W
4-1
Minnesota Vikings
3
7
0
.300
172
226
-54
20
3-2
0-5
1-3
.250
3-4
.429
0-3
2L
1-4
Detroit Lions
2
9
0
.182
258
282
-24
30
2-3
0-6
0-3
.000
2-6
.250
0-3
4L
1-4
Let's also briefly glance at some of the tiebreaking procedures (full list at this link):
- Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
So the Bears have the edge in head to head, currently, which is huge. A victory against the Packers in Week 17 will hopefully negate that entirely, however it's possible that the Packers could be a game up on the Bears going into that game. Trying to win the division against the Packers at Lambeau in January isn't a thrilling prospect, so hopefully it won't come to that.
Losing the conference against the Redskins, Seahawks, and the Giants hurts, but the Packers have 5 games left against the conference, whereas the Bears have four. This could theoretically come into play as well.
Most times the tiebreaker doesn't come down to the other two steps, so I'm not going to talk about it here. Winning this division is almost a requirement, and a win against the Eagles today would be a big statement.
ENJOY WITH ABSOLUT RESPONSIBILITY®
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all i can say is go falcons
my favorite team is the bears, my second favorite team is who ever is playing the packers.
"I always tell people I want to live to be 150 and they say why would you want to do that. I say, well there's a few people I haven't made mad yet, I want to get them. "
-Mike Ditka
by garyfencikrapping on Nov 28, 2010 10:55 AM CST reply actions
Sunday Morning Bloody Mary???
wtf
If you go in the bathroom, turn off the lights, and say "Da Coach" 5 times while facing the mirror... Ditka will appear and slap the wussy right out of you.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Nov 28, 2010 11:30 AM CST reply actions
You don't enjoy Vodka
at brunch on Sunday morning?
If I did what I love for a living, what would I do in my free time?
Writer at windycitygridiron.com {-/-} http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
no
I’m more a Mimosa guy
If you go in the bathroom, turn off the lights, and say "Da Coach" 5 times while facing the mirror... Ditka will appear and slap the wussy right out of you.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Nov 28, 2010 9:22 PM CST up reply actions
come on 415
did i mention i love boobies?
by Tommy Ohyeah Mcduffie on Nov 28, 2010 11:59 AM CST reply actions
'America's game'
I must not live in America, though, cuz I got the stinking Broncos-Rams instead of Bears-Eagles.
I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something. - Dick Butkus
Me 2
i got the Ravens-Bucs, what kinda crap is that.
by l3ig_lvlike_430 on Nov 28, 2010 1:32 PM CST up reply actions
Is there an early game open thread?
Or is this it?
by David in Maine on Nov 28, 2010 12:04 PM CST reply actions
Game thread will arrive
at 2:30 pm, daniel-san. Feel free to speak here until then.
If I did what I love for a living, what would I do in my free time?
Writer at windycitygridiron.com {-/-} http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
2:30 CT, that is.
If I did what I love for a living, what would I do in my free time?
Writer at windycitygridiron.com {-/-} http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
looking into my crystal ball I see
1. Cutler out gaining Vick on the ground.
2. Vick throwing 4 INTs including a pick 6
3. Hester running down the sideline into history
4. Sgt. Pepper promoted to Chief Master Sgt. after 3 sacks
5. Daniel Manning catches Desean Jackson from behind and punches the ball loose. The ball rolls into Peanuts hands after he slips and falls down.
there is more but the crystal ball starts to cloud up indicating its time for a brewsky.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
3 and out for the Pack
on their first possession..
by David in Maine on Nov 28, 2010 12:19 PM CST reply actions
got robbed of
1st down IMO….but eh….
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 12:20 PM CST up reply actions
counted like
3 blocks on the back on that return but only saw one? …..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Skins and Queens
Tied at 7….come on Skins….
by David in Maine on Nov 28, 2010 12:26 PM CST reply actions
Saw the beginning of that game
All the players jumping up and down, hugging each other, the announcer talking about how their is so much relief and no tension in the locker room anymore…….
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 12:44 PM CST up reply actions
well packers
got this game….
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Atlanta making a lot of
DUMB penalties…..
by David in Maine on Nov 28, 2010 12:45 PM CST reply actions
3 personal fouls already
If your going to do that do it to rodgers not gb scrubs……
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 12:47 PM CST up reply actions
Damn
ATL is commiting dumb ass penalties!!!
by Dozjah on Nov 28, 2010 12:47 PM CST via mobile reply actions
My god
I want to punch tom brenamen in the mouth…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
well when green bay
wins this game they will be labeled best team in the NFL…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Yes!!
Fumble in the end zone for the Pack!
by David in Maine on Nov 28, 2010 12:52 PM CST reply actions
Yeah
Rodgers fumbles at goalline Atl recovers
by Dozjah on Nov 28, 2010 12:53 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Rodgers' throwing hand
being examined on the sideline……
by David in Maine on Nov 28, 2010 12:55 PM CST reply actions
For the love of god
brenamen wants to go for it on every 4th down……
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Hey
I reapeat he and his father suck!!!
by Dozjah on Nov 28, 2010 1:02 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
His dad
announces? ….Ugh…..I just hate him….pretty obvious that he actually roots for certain teams and that gets annoying…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 1:04 PM CST up reply actions
How does zombies
in the old west make sense……
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Don't question it...
Just play and enjoy it for the goodness that it is…besides, when does Zombies anytime make sense..
(Asshole Sr) "If you learn one thing here, NEVER pass out in Ohio."
The living
dead movies…..I dunno I got nothing……
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 1:29 PM CST up reply actions
Hmmm
denver fans losing their minds on “spygate II”…..Didnt know that….
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
The Bears game on Fox in my area will be pre-empted!!!
…by the Denver game.
I am in a postal mood. Not good.
"I am a sinner who does not expect forgiveness. But I am not a government official." - Francis Wolcott
well dont worry im at work
cant stream or nothing…
did i mention i love boobies?
by Tommy Ohyeah Mcduffie on Nov 28, 2010 1:41 PM CST up reply actions
ah brenamen
crying for a flag……
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
That non-challenge by Atlanta is looming large right now.
48 minutes of intensity
by dsenchi on Nov 28, 2010 1:47 PM CST via mobile reply actions
All the games are pretty boring right now...........
…..Sigh…..I hate it when the Bears are not playing.
brenamen
“after all that he picked up half a yard”….Stupid frick he got 6 – 7 yards……
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Never noticed it....
Does it rank up there w/ Jared Allen’s goat roping deal?
by David in Maine on Nov 28, 2010 1:59 PM CST up reply actions
cmon guys
dont like the belt thrust?……Its so manly…..Just like rodgers….Just ask him……
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 2:00 PM CST up reply actions
I might even rank it higher than that.
If you watch the highlight from his TD run, you’ll see him do it.
Or David Terrell's rolling down the window, driving the car?
I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something. - Dick Butkus
Players
need to start doing the shopping cart or the fishing pole after a TD…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 2:04 PM CST up reply actions
I think Terrell
also had the ‘chucking some wood’ on a TD catch as well.
I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something. - Dick Butkus
Take that you Green bay pukers
48 minutes of intensity
by dsenchi on Nov 28, 2010 2:08 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
No delay
of game on turner on that run for spiking the ball? ……Ah well…..
Oh oh turner is running possessed…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Michael turner is a badass
Chitown represent
48 minutes of intensity
by dsenchi on Nov 28, 2010 1:58 PM CST via mobile reply actions
That he is.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Nov 28, 2010 2:11 PM CST up reply actions
Not brenamen
he didnt even catch the ball……Wonder if brenamen has money on the packers with some of his stupid comments…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 2:05 PM CST up reply actions
I wonder if that was
Forte that he just runs into the pile for no gain……
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Good Afternoon gentleman
What are everyones score predictions for our game at 3? I have bears 27-24 over the Eagles. Anyone?
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 28, 2010 2:08 PM CST reply actions
I say 21-10 Los bears
Cutler throws 2 Tds, forte 1
48 minutes of intensity
by dsenchi on Nov 28, 2010 2:10 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
simed the game
10 times on Madden 11…..that didnt go so well…..and most everyone giving the Bears no shot at winning today…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 2:11 PM CST up reply actions
we do well when everyone picks the other team
watching the entire fox crew pick the Eagles actually gave me hope.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 28, 2010 2:18 PM CST up reply actions
A puker commits a dirty play
Go figure
48 minutes of intensity
by dsenchi on Nov 28, 2010 2:11 PM CST via mobile reply actions
brenamen
upset at the roughing call…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Brennaman deserves to be roughed up
never liked that guy or his side kick Billick.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 28, 2010 2:13 PM CST up reply actions
Dont mind billick
so much but brenamen is just mind numbing bad with his praise of certain teams…..I actually think he has money on the game…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 2:16 PM CST up reply actions
Matty Ice.
Game Winning Drive… I see it happening.
That said, I would be scared if they have home field.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
I hope it doesn't come to that...
hope the Pack doesn’t catch up….
by David in Maine on Nov 28, 2010 2:14 PM CST up reply actions
adrian peterson
left the game with ankle injury was going to come back in but now questionable to return…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
wow so it goes from bad to worse for Vikings
too bad for frazier.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 28, 2010 2:17 PM CST up reply actions
According to Bradshaw:
Top 5 QB’s under 30:
1) Rivers
2) Ben
3) Rodgers
4) Ryan
5) Bradford
what does Bradshaw know?
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
Really....
Really?…..sanchez over bradford IMO just because of what sanchez has done this season……..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 2:20 PM CST up reply actions
That and...
Ben ‘Just Wins’.
Rodgers is, and Ryan probably is better than Ben in a ‘pure QB’ list.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Nov 28, 2010 2:21 PM CST up reply actions
Bradford at 5 is insane
no rookie QB should even be considered for any best of list.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 28, 2010 2:21 PM CST up reply actions
4th went for it
didnt get it…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
That's a big Woohoo.
Short field. Put it up by 2 scores.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Nov 28, 2010 2:18 PM CST up reply actions
Thank goodness we don't play atl this season
It wouldn’t end well for us.
48 minutes of intensity
by dsenchi on Nov 28, 2010 2:22 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Until the playoffs
(cue jim mora)
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Nov 28, 2010 2:23 PM CST up reply actions
if things go as planned we see them in some kind of post season game
but its too soon for that talk
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 28, 2010 2:23 PM CST up reply actions
snelling questionable
to return with hamstring injury…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
rodgers
does not throw INTs…….
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 2:26 PM CST up reply actions
Neither does Vick.
He’s never thrown an INT…
Uh oh.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Nov 28, 2010 2:27 PM CST up reply actions
yah he just fumbles in the end zone big difference
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 28, 2010 2:28 PM CST up reply actions
atl fans
make me sad….well not sadder than miami heat fans…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
why did they remove the force out rule in the endzone
I liked that rule but good for defenses.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 28, 2010 2:31 PM CST reply actions
rodgers
was not expecting that snap…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Was that
delay of game that green bay got away with? …..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Go back a play.
C’mon. Do it…
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Nov 28, 2010 2:33 PM CST up reply actions
Just did
Love DVR….was close clock hit 0 on snap…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 2:34 PM CST up reply actions
Same.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Nov 28, 2010 2:35 PM CST up reply actions
Yes it was
But the refs hate Green Bay if you listen to their fans
(Asshole Sr) "If you learn one thing here, NEVER pass out in Ohio."
another Rodgers fumble
but he recovers his own fumble, too bad.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 28, 2010 2:34 PM CST reply actions
That money drop game
looks cool…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
all the cash does look enticing
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 28, 2010 2:36 PM CST up reply actions
Kick the FG and
onside kick? ….
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Can't do it.
Better chance to convert the 4th.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Nov 28, 2010 2:37 PM CST up reply actions
Cmon I do
it in Madden all the time…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 2:37 PM CST up reply actions
False
start…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
WoW
that was horrible D….
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
JORDYZZZ
Rodgers threw a ball that could only be called sub-cutler-esque.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
They only sent 3
They weren’t looking to rush…too bad, I wanted to see Rodgers get planted..I’m sick of everyone giving Green Bay love for pushing through injury
(Asshole Sr) "If you learn one thing here, NEVER pass out in Ohio."
Still 56 sec on the clock
All they need is a FG…plenty of time…especially with White at WR…this game is far from over
(Asshole Sr) "If you learn one thing here, NEVER pass out in Ohio."
How much time does Ryan have?
50 seconds is enough for him, he is good at the 2 minute drill.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 28, 2010 2:41 PM CST reply actions
great field position
for the Falcons, excellent
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 28, 2010 2:42 PM CST reply actions
a Packer digg and an Anchorman reference
well done sir, bonus points for that comment.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 28, 2010 2:43 PM CST up reply actions
Matty Ice ftw.
Go BC. Go Atlanta.
AW AND THEY BRING UP THE BEARS GAME.
GRRR>
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
green bay gots this
game…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Amen.
All I want for christmas is a Roddy White clone.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Nov 28, 2010 2:44 PM CST up reply actions
not sure he fits the Martz system
too good.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Nov 28, 2010 2:44 PM CST up reply actions
Ha, probably,
Boy it would go a long way towards making the Bears a dominant Offense. Probably not quite as much as Atlanta’s offensive line would, but close.
Bah didnt you hear Angelo
Bears dont need a #1 WR like that cause the WR by committee is teh awesomez…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
by CloudyFuture on Nov 28, 2010 2:49 PM CST up reply actions
I don't get to
watch a lot of Falcons games, but it seems every time I do, Matt Ryan is leading an awesome 2 minute offense for a game winning score.
Fake it
….
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Should
of faked it…..
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
Onside kick....
Boo all you want but you know what….Deep down you know I am right!
- Mike Martz on how the feels about the fans
We are going to have a hard
time beating Atlanta in the Georgia Dome in the NFC Championship game, but I think that our defense is better than their offense.
one game at a time
lets beat the Eagles first
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Packers lose!!!!!!!!
Now if we can do our job, my day will be set.
48 minutes of intensity
by dsenchi on Nov 28, 2010 2:53 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Two teams, similar opponents...
far different strength of schedules. Nobody’s talking about this. Yes, the Bears blew a chance to have the division in hand at this point with their cake early-season schedule. Yes, their schedule gets tougher, but so does the Packers. Most importantly, The Packers have their tough games on the road (Falcons and Patriots). The Bears have their tough games at home (Eagles, Patriots and Jets), while having easier, though important, division games on the road.
We’ve already seen the difference this made this week where the Packers came up short in a hostile environment, while the Bears took care of business at home against a potential playoff team. The Bears need only take care of business from this point forward to make the final game against the Packers and all the tiebreaker discussion an inconsequential factor.
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