I can't believe I'll be rooting for the hated Packers today so that the Bears will be able to play the Seahawks next week. I'll take my chances with the winner of the Packers-Falcons game.
I've known too many obnoxious Jets fans to root for them. I'm not all that hopped up on the AFC, unless the Bears are in the Super Bowl. If Ihad to root for an AFC team, I'd probably go with the Chiefs.
While I expect the Bears to beat Seattle, I'm not so sure about either Green Bay or Atlanta. When Cutler is at his best, the Bears can beat anyone. Forte is versatile enough and no tandem of recievers are as fast as Knox and Hester. The opposition having to obssess about Hester's ability to return kicks is a huge advantage for the Bears.
So, there are positive things to look forward to with the Bears.
I know what you mean about how it feels when your team is out of it. I'd probably watch very little of the playoffs if the Bears weren't involved.
Go Bears!