Chicago Bears Week 16 Playoff Scenarios and Important Games
Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detailed view of a Chicago Bears helmet and footballs before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Week 16 is upon us and we can see the finish line from where we’re standing. The Bears have somehow managed to wrestle their playoff destiny from the Detroit Lions. Actually, the Detroit Lions have managed to find a way piss an almost certain playoff berth away by losing four of their last five games. Nevertheless, the Bears head to Philadelphia for a flexed Sunday Night Football game with major playoff implications. Possibly.
Clinching Scenario
Bears clinch the NFC North with a win at Philadelphia and losses by the Lions (vs New York Giants) and Packers (vs Pittsburgh Steelers)
NFC North Race
Detroit Lions vs New York Giants
If the Lions lose and the Packers win, the Bears playoff lives will depend on the outcome of their Week 17 game versus the Packers. Would Trestman hold some guys back to keep them fresh in Week 16, knowing the outcome before the Sunday night game?
The Lions need to win both of their games and get some help from the Eagles against the Bears and the Bears against the Packers. Call me crazy, but their playoff hope died from 61 yards out at the foot of Justin Tucker last Monday.
Nov 4, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (right) talks to Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (left) after the Bears beat the Packers 27-20 at Lambeau Field. Rodgers left the game early in the 1st quarter with a left shoulder injury. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Will he or won’t he? That’s the big question facing the Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers are 3-2 in their last 5 games, including knocking off the Bengals last weekend, so don’t look past them Packers. Packers need to win out a get a little help. Don’t open the door for Aaron Rodgers into the playoffs again this season. Didn’t we all learn our lesson from the 2010 playoffs?