DETROIT (AP) -- Jay Cutler threw for 257 yards and a touchdown and helped seal the game with a late scramble, and the Chicago Bears kept their playoff hopes alive -- for now -- with a 26-24 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Chicago (10-6) still needs a Minnesota loss to Green Bay to reach the postseason. The win by the Bears eliminated the defending champion New York Giants from the playoff picture.
The Lions (4-12) lost their last eight games and turned the ball over four times in the finale. Calvin Johnson fell short in his attempt to become the first player with 2,000 yards receiving in a season.
Cutler's 19-yard run on third down helped Chicago run out the clock late in the fourth quarter.