Bears featured twice on the SI best games of '12 schedule

The NFL schedule just came out a couple days ago, and Sports Illustrated has already identified the best game in each of the 17 weeks of the regular season. The NFC North is well represented on their list as they have 3 legitimate playoff contenders fighting it out. Sorry Minnesota... The defending division champion Green Bay Packers and the fresh off a playoff appearance Detroit Lions are named 3 times each, and our beloved Chicago Bears have two games mentioned.

First off, I hope you had the chance to see the 2012 Chicago Bears schedule, Kev was all over it on Tuesday like 'Lach on the middle third zone.

SI picked the week 10 Sunday Nighter against the Houston Texans as Must See TV, and here's what they had to say;

Both teams suffered through disappointing ends to 2011, even if they came in different ways. Chicago missed the playoffs after posting an 8-8 record, while Houston felt like it had all the makings of a Super Bowl team and just could not keep a healthy quarterback on the field. Matt Schaub (or whoever happens to be in charge of the Texans’ offense at this point in the season) ought to keep an eye on Julius Peppers.

It seems like the Texans were close to breaking through the last few years, and with Peyton Manning officially out of their division they should be the class of the AFC South. This should be a fine inter-conference match up.

The second game they highlighted is the season finale in Detroit.

Considering the NFL saves Week 17 for only intra-divisional matchups, you can throw a dart and hit a game that might have postseason implications. But, despite what the AFC North accomplished last season, it’s rare for one division to claim three playoff berths. If we assume that the Packers will be a force again, that may leave just one spot for Chicago or Detroit, meaning this one could be for all the marbles.

I think most Bears fans would like to see this game featuring the Chicago back up brigade, because they are resting their guys for the playoffs, but the scenario painted above could very well take place. If a playoff spot is on the line, you can expect a hard hitting fight.

Check out all 17 of their must see games here, and let us know what other games you are looking forward to seeing.