Go Bears!!!!

As I wrote the other day, the Bears can make the playoffs as either a wild card or as division champs. First and foremost, the Bears have to win their last two games which would put them at 10-6. Then the following scenario was what I copied from the Tribune:

If the Vikings, Cowboys, Buccaneers and Eagles all win their games, the Bears are eliminated. The Bears will have to pull for the underdogs to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Dallas (9-5) vs. Baltimore (9-5): The line: Dallas by 4.

Minnesota (9-5) vs. Atlanta (9-5): The line: Minnesota by 3 1/2.

Tampa Bay (9-5) vs. San Diego (6-8): The line: Tampa Bay by 3 1/2.

Philadelphia (8-5-1) at Washington (7-7): The line: Philadelphia by 5.

As it turns out, ALL of the underdogs won!!! Whoo-hoo!!! So not only are the Bears still alive for the division with Minnesota's loss, but they can still steal the wild card spot occupied by Dallas currently. For that to happen, both Dallas and Tampa would have to lose next week. Tampa plays Oakland who played tough today and beat Houston (the Bears opponent next week) and Dallas plays at Philadelphia (who gets in if they win, Tampa loses AND the Bears lose). I'm still hopeful that we'll win the division as the Vikings host the NY Giants next week and we go to Houston after playing Green Bay tomorrow.

Regarding the Bears game, due to the EXTREME cold (-20+ wind chill and single digits), we may be calling an audible on the tailgating. It's been suggested by Benny Baseball that maybe we should go to a nearby bar and maybe tailgate for a little bit, but not three hours. The suggestion is under review......

Things I'm grateful for:

#43 All of you!! And I wish you a very Merry Christmas!!

#44 That I can wrap gifts somewhat competently. It's a real skill!!

#45 Housing and insulation. On nights like this, I really, really am grateful for them!!