Four Bears Named to Pro Bowl; Vikings Give Bears First-Round Playoff Bye

By Chuck Sudo in News on Dec 29, 2010 2:30PM

Holiday gifts are still coming the Bears way, courtesy of their division rivals in Minnesota. The Vikings upset Philadelphia 24-14 last night, guaranteeing the Bears the second seed in the NFC and a first-round playoff bye. The Bears still have a chance at the top seed in the conference, but they're going to have to rely on losses Sunday to Atlanta and New Orleans. The defensing champion Saints face a tough challenge against Tampa Bay, but the Falcons match up against doormat Carolina.

Meanwhile, the Bears are sending four players to the Pro Bowl. Linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, defensive end Julius Peppers and returner Devin Hester were named to the squad yesterday. For Hester and Urlacher, the nods are welcome returns to form, while Peppers becomes the first Bears defensive end named to the Pro Bowl since Richard Dent in 1993.