Face It: Bears Aren't Playoff Material

I am starting to get pretty annoyed with the local sports media in Chicago. In practically every report/story/commentary I encounter, they can't help but talk about the Bears changes at the playoffs. About how they need to win this game to keep the playoff hopes alive.

Does any regular fan of the team really expect the Bears to make the playoffs?

Do we want them to?

Honestly, I'm happy when the Bears win, but they haven't shown themselves to be a post-season caliber team. They haven't even won two regular season games in a row.

The Bears record is 5-6, which, when you look at the NFC Standings, technically means they are not mathematically out of the wild-card playoff hunt. But let's be realistic. The Bears next three games are against teams (NY Giants, Redskins, and Vikings) hungry for a wild-card spot and who have shown more consistency in their play than the Bears have. After that the Bears finish off the season against the Packers and Saints, neither of whom will just roll over for the Bears.

At best I think the Bears might sneak out 3-2 in those final games, putting their final record at 8-8. I fitting reflection of how the Bears have played this season, but not worthy of a playoff spot.

Sure the Bears could go on a tear, win the next 5 games straight, secure the wild-card, and roll into the playoffs as the hot NFC team. But again, let's be realistic, nobody who has watched more than two Bears games this season thinks this team is capable of that sort of feat.

The Bears aren't going to the playoffs. Let's get over it and just enjoy the final five games.