Playoff chances might have left with Urlacher

When the Bears and Packers meet in Chicago on Dec. 16, in a game that could decide the division in Green Bay’s favor, it’s going to be interesting to see how many starters are different than when the teams met back in September.

With the news of Urlacher going down for the Bears, suddenly the playoffs don’t seem like a lock for Chicago. The Bears most likely need two wins over their last four games to qualify.

Chicago faces Minnesota, Green Bay, Arizona and Detroit. The only home game is against the Packers. The Bears are 3-2 on the road this season.

And while the Bears might have the athleticism to replace Urlacher, they don’t have the smarts. Plus, the rest of the Bears defense has looked its age since the season passed the halfway point. Add the injuries on offense and lingering issues on the line, and 2-2 over the final four looks like wishful thinking.