Despite having the tiebreaker against ATL, TB, and PHL, the Detroit game next week becomes just as big, because, if the Bears don't have the division tiebreaker against DET, then their tiebreakers against the aforementioned teams could become nullified.

Teams have missed the playoffs in this scenario before. If you have, say, a three way tie between DET, CHI, and ATL, and if DET > CHI, and ATL > DET, then ATL goes to the playoffs, and so does DET. CHI would stay home, even though they have the tiebreaker over ATL.

They just broached this topic on Mac and Spiegs, but I think they stated it incorrectly. The divisional tiebreakers are applied first. (EDIT, they just corrected themselves )


So yes, next week is big because you don't want to be third in your division fighting for a wildcard. And DET did in fact lose to ATL.

But then again, it might be better if DET has a better record outright over CHI, because then the tiebreaker is strictly CHI vs ATL, which CHI wins.

Gotta love the NFL!

The head to head is out the window in a three team situation even if the Bears win.

I agree with you conclusion. This is the last critical win situation before Christmas. You have to win at home. You have to win in your division. You have to win in your conference. I think the Bears come out on fire in this game. Every post game interview last night included being geared up for Detroit.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

I also think they have something to prove to Detroit and to the NFL. Yeah Detroit won but that game was not as much of a blowout as the score suggested. That game was there for the Bears to win, and <wanny> if it weren't for a big run and some horrid Oline play </wanny>, the Bears probably win that game too.

The offensive line was awesome last night, and Briggs and Urlacher were running around making plays all night. It was great to watch. If the defense and Oline played like it did last night, the Bears could give anybody in the NFL a lot of trouble.

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I don't think so though; look here:
http://www.nfl.com/standings/tiebreakingprocedures

If there's a 3-way (I hope Boers isn't listening), then you use the division-tiebreaker first, and the first item on that list is head-to-head.

But yes, regardless of anything else, next week is big, and I like the Bears' chances.

This sets up nicely for Lovie. They are obviously pissed about that first Detroit game. They get them at home and Lovie can play the us against the world card. They will play hard for him and I am confident they will beat Detroit.

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"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

You hate to get ahead of yourself in the crazy world of the NFL, but, wouldn't it be something if the Bears win next week, and the world finds them 6-3 with the softest part of the schedule still ahead of them?

Let's also not forget the angle of a dome team playing outside in the second half of the season.

Like I said in my gurantee post in the wagering section, take whatever I won you with my 3-0 record and jump on the Bears at -2.5.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Divisional Home Dog. Almost always a good bet.

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I think they are slightly favored according to Chus, Frank.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Divisional Home Dog is still a good bet

I think if the line gets as high as 6.5 you could still guarantee a Bears cover.

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Let's not go crazy. Detroit is a good team also and hasn't lost a road game yet. It won't be an easy victory.

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Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

blah blah blah

Saying the Bears win by a touchdown is not crazy.

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Guaranteeing it is.

_________________
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

Whatever, Mr 8-0 super bowl.

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The super bowl preceded the 8-0. They're working on back-to-backs now.

_________________
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

Who's 3-0 with his guarantees? I think that person has earned the right to decide when and where to guarantee within his own thread. BEARS!

_________________
O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Even you said the guarantee is void if it moves over 3 and the Bears aren't a good play if they are a home favorite of more than 4.

_________________
Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul