After losing their star quarterback Jay Cutler to an injured thumb on Sunday,  many wonder whether the 7-3 Bears will continue to pose as a playoff threat.

In order to earn a playoff bid in the tough NFC, the Bears would need about 10 wins, or to continue with a record of 3-3.

Cutler’s injury was not season ending, but filling in for him will be the unproven Caleb Hanie. After Cutler’s stunning year so far, Hanie as a fill-in will affect the Bears passing, but they still have the record setting returner Devin Hester. Matt Forte will also continue his best career year to date as running back. Even without Cutler, the Bears look to continue with their success

With tough upcoming games against the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers, the Bears will be tested, but they still have games against the easier Chiefs, Seahawks, Broncos, and Vikings.

“Don’t feel sorry for us.  We have a lot of things in place. We’re going to miss a great player for a period of time. But offensively we’re going to rely on our running game a little bit more. We have a great defense and special teams.” said head coach Lovie Smith.

The Bears look to maintain their victorious record and qualify for playoffs as there are only six games left in the regular season.