It’s a dire situation, but Pack not dead yet

It’s probably a little unbecoming, but it’s reality: For many Bears fans, their enjoyment of the Bears’ rejuvenation is only enhanced by — and in some cases exceeded by — the demise of the Packers.

Though it was mathematically advantageous to the Bears for the Packers to beat the Vikings on Sunday, many Bears fans were rooting for the Vikings, for two reasons: 1. They can’t stand the Packers and could never root for them; 2. The Packers with only a heartbeat and Aaron Rodgers are more daunting than the Vikings within striking distance. As it turned out, the Vikings’ 24-17 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium dropped the Packers (46-1) all but out of the NFC North race and put Rodgers & Co. in desperation mode. They need to win out to have a chance at the postseason. “We’re going to need some help,” Rodgers said.

The Bears are the only team left on the Packers’ schedule that currently has a winning record. They finish with the Cardinals, Falcons, Bears, Jets and Lions. But the task this year seems particularly daunting. Even with Rodgers starting all season, the Packers are 0-6 on the road. They have yet to win back-to-back games. They’ve lost four of their last five. In a must-win game, Rodgers came up empty in the second half.

But he’s still Aaron Rodgers. Bears fans know better than to celebrate too soon.

Pick: Packers 31, Cardinals 17.