Chicago Bears playoff scenarios

For the Chicago Bears to make the playoffs this season, one of two things needs to happen:

Chicago can clinch a playoff berth with:

1) Bears win over Lions + Vikings loss or tie vs Packers, OR

2) Bears tie + Vikings loss

It really is that simple, and Bears fans really will have to root for the Packers. Does that make you feel dirty?

Of course, the biggest storyline coming from Week 17 will be whether Lovie Smith is impacted in a positive way, with many folks thinking his future could be in jeopardy if this team fails to make the playoffs. Injuries have decimated the Chicago Bears this season, but to miss the playoffs after starting the season 7-1 could very well be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Not to mention the fact that the Bears were beaten at Soldier Field by the divsion rival Green Bay Packers on a day where Chicago looked just as flat as we've come to expect in recent years.

But, we live to fight one more week, and so does Lovie Smith, and all it takes is for a team to get hot at the right moment. We've seen 5 and 6 seeds hoisting the Lombardi Trophy after backing in to the playoffs, so maybe Lovie Smith is able to work his magic as the regular season gets wrapped up. Who knows...

With that said, there's a Poll. Go vote.