NFL Playoffs 2012: Chicago Bears defeat Detroit Lions 26-24, keep playoff hopes alive

The Chicago Bears offense started off with a bang, as Jay Cutler connected with Earl Bennett with a 55 yard touchdown pass on their second possession of the game. After that, there was not much doing on that side of the ball. Cutler was never able to get on the same page with Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall, but Matt Forte had one of his better games of the season. In the end, it was just enough.

The Chicago Bears did their part to clinch a Wild Card, defeating the Lions 26-24.

The defense did what we have come to expect: Matthew Stafford was harrassed all day long, and the Lions coughed up the football four times. The defense looked like a playoff defense, despite Brian Urlacher being sidelined with a hamstring.

Quick stats-

Jay Cutler: 18/31, 257 yds, 1 TD, 95.8 rating

Matthew Stafford: 24/42, 272 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT, 90.6 rating

Matt Forte: 24 rushes, 103 yds, 1 TD

Mike LeShoure: 15 rushes, 57 yds

Brandon Marshall: 5 rec, 42 yds

Earl Bennett: 5 rec, 109, 1 TD

Calvin Johnson: 5 rec, 72 yds

3rd down efficiency-

CHI: 4-15

DET: 7-14

Turnovers-

CHI: 0

DET: 4

Now, the Bears need the Green Bay Packers to beat the Minnesota Vikings. If that happens, Lovie Smith is in the 2012 playoffs. Sound off here for your post-game chatter, then head over to our late games Open Thread to root for the Pack.