Smith says Bears still control playoff hopes as losses continue to mount

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Lovie Smith realizes the Chicago Bears no longer control their fate in the NFC North. Their playoff hopes still are in their hands, though.

That's something Smith emphasized Monday after an ugly loss at Minnesota that knocked the Bears (8-5) out of first place in the division. They've dropped four of five with Green Bay coming to Soldier Field this week.

If the Packers win, they clinch the division, and a wild card is no sure thing for Chicago. The Bears were sixth in the NFC after Sunday's loss, with Washington, Dallas and Minnesota a game behind them.

He says the Bears "do control our playoff hopes." Smith also says whatever pressure the Bears are feeling is "on our performances."