Now comes the real test of CBS analyst Tony Romo's predictive powers.
After their 23-16 victory over the Lions, Romo closed Thursday's telecast from Detroit's Ford Field with the 8-3 Bears not just in the playoffs, but a formidable threat with five regular season games still to play.
"Chicago has led in the second half, we said, in every game this year. That's a team, they're going to get in the playoffs," Romo said.
"They're going to be in and this is a team you don't want to see because that defense, when it's cold out, if you're in an environment that, you know, isn't indoors and you're going against Chicago, this is going to be very difficult to move the ball consistently against them. You're going to rely on your defense."
Romo did not dispute that the Rams, who are 10-1 and visit Soldier Field on Dec. 9, and the Saints, who later Thursday would improve to 10-1 with a plucking of the Falcons on NBC, are the class of the NFC.
But "you never know how this finishes up," said the former Cowboys quarterback who has, in his season-and-a-half as a CBS NFL analyst, developed a reputation as a Cassandra of sorts with his knack for tipping plays.
"Those top two teams are real good. Chicago might barely be just under them, but I would also tell you that Chicago has the best defense of all these teams. You never want to see the best defense in the playoffs. I'll tell you, that's a team that can sneak in anywhere."
Not exactly the same as forecasting a run up the middle or a pass in the flat, but it may be interesting to check back on Romo-damus' prophecies in January.
