Ray Lewis

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis reacts as he is introduced while doing his pregame Squirrel Dance, a YouTube sensation this season at home games.

Andrew Luck

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck had set several rookie team passing records with playoff-bound Indianapolis.

Bears fire coach Lovie Smith after 9 seasons

The Bears fired Lovie Smith on Monday, parting ways with a coach who led the team to a Super Bowl but also oversaw late collapses the past two seasons. Smith ranks third on the Bears' wins list behind George Halas and Mike Ditka.

Bears fire coach Lovie Smith after 9 seasons

The Bears fired coach Lovie Smith on Monday, one day after the team beat Detroit to finish 10-6 but still didn't make the playoffs.

Robert Mathis, Chuck Pagano

Colts head coach Chuck Pagano talks to Robert Mathis during the second half of Sunday's game against Houston.

Tim Jennings

Detroit Lions' Kris Durham stops Bears cornerback Tim Jennings during the second quarter of Sunday's game.

Stephen Paea, Lance Briggs

Bears defensive tackle Stephen Paea (92) celebrates with linebacker Lance Briggs (55) after Paea's sack against the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 2 at Soldier Field.

Henry Melton, applying pressure

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson scrambles away from Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton in their Dec. 2 game at Soldier Field.

Robert Griffin III

Washington Redskins' Robert Griffin III passes against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in Philadelphia. Washington won 27-20.

Andrew Luck, Colts quarterback

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass to Dwayne Allen in the third quarter of last Sunday's game in Houston.

Andrew Luck, Antonio Smith, Whitney Mercilus

Despite a poor team performance last week against the Texans, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and his team are on the cusp of making the playoffs, despite the loss of team captain Peyton Manning, a head coach battling leukemia and gloomy preseason predictions.

Marshall understands strong comments irked some

Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall scored the team's only touchdown Sunday as the team lost to the Green Bay Packers. But his comments after the game may have more of an effect on his team as the Bears seek to return for the playoffs for only the second time in the last six years.

Jay Cutler, Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Mike Neal (96)

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Mike Neal (96) celebrates after tackling Bears quarterback Jay Cutler on Sunday. The Packers won 21-13 to clinch the NFC North division title.

Kellen Davis fumbles

Bears tight end Kellen Davis fumbles as he is tackled by Houston Texans safety Danieal Manning in the Nov. 11 game in Chicago.

Robbie Gould

Bears kicker Robbie Gould watches his game-tying, 46-yard field goal against Seattle on Dec. 2. Gould will miss the rest of the season after injuring his left calf Sunday.

Everson Griffen, Jay Cutler

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler lays on the field after getting tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen on Sunday. Griffen was called for a personal foul on the play.

Everson Griffen, Jay Cutler

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler gets hit by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen on Sunday in Minneapolis. Griffen was called for a personal foul on the play.

Brandon Marshall catch

Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) makes a reception over Minnesota cornerback Antoine Winfield (26) during Sunday's 21-14 loss. Marshall finished with 10 catches for 160 yards and one touchdown.

Lovie Smith

Bears head coach Lovie Smith looks on during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 21-14.

Kirk Cousins

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins spikes the ball after a two point conversion to tie the game and force overtime against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.