The Chicago Bears will face off against the Detroit Lions in the NFL on Sunday with the Bears on the brink of dropping out of the playoffs.

The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET and can be watched online through free live stream (details below).

(Photo: REUTERS)Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) lies on the field after being hit late on a play by the Houston Texans with his teammates over him during the first half of their NFL football game.

The Chicago Bears come into this game with a record of 9-6, which is tied with the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North. However, the Vikings have the advantage and lie in second place in the division moving into the final week of the regular season.

The Bears have an outside chance of still making the playoffs but they will need to do their part and hope the Vikings do something to help them out.

If the Bears win today and the Vikings lose, then Chicago scrape through to the postseason. However, even if the Bears destroy the Lions today, if the Vikings win they will go through to the playoffs.

Chicago find themselves in an unthinkable position after their amazing start to the season. Mid-way through the season there would not have been many analysts questioning whether the Bears would make the playoffs. However, a terrible run of form over the second half of the season coupled with a storming run of form for the Green Bay Packers, and a solid Vikings performance has now seen the Bears drop out of the playoff spots.

However, despite their poor form they should feel confident of taking down the basement side in the division today. The 4-11 Lions have had a torrid season - although that said, they are able to cause opponents plenty of trouble with the pass.

The Lions have the number 2 ranked pass offense in the NFL despite their poor overall record. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is 411 from 685 for 4695 yards and 17 touchdowns. Calvin Johnson has also excelled and gone 1,892 yards at an average of 16.2 yards for each throw received, scoring five touchdowns.

Meanwhile, although the Bears have been offensively disappointing this season, their defense has been solid, and if their corners can clamp down on Johnson then this should go the Bears' way.

Last week the Bears snapped a three game losing streak by beating the Cardinals, and if they can win again today then they might just be able to sneak back into the playoffs.

Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions will start at 1 p.m. ET and can be watched online through free live stream by clicking here.