Monday Night Football: Vikings At Bears In Frigid Chicago

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Jay Cutler threw a perfect 39-yard touchdown pass to Devin Aromashodu nearly six minutes into overtime, and the Chicago Bears responded after blowing a 17-point lead by beating the Minnesota Vikings, 36-30, and sending shockwaves through the NFC playoff picture.

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson had fumbled on the previous play, setting the Bears up at the Minnesota 39. Chicago (6-9) almost blew a chance earlier in the extra session, as Robbie Gould pushed a 45-yard field goal attempt wide right on the hosts' first possession of overtime.

But Cutler, who was efficient for most of the night, had maybe his best game in a Bears uniform. The former Denver Broncos quarterback completed 20-of-35 passes for 273 yards and a season-best four touchdowns, with one interception.

Aromashodu, a practice squad player for most of his four-year career, nearly doubled his career receiving yardage output with seven catches for 150 yards and the game-winning score. Greg Olsen, Desmond Clark and Earl Bennett each added a receiving touchdown, and Matt Forte ran for 74 yards on 21 carries.

Brett Favre nearly got his first win as a professional after trailing by 17, but in the end he couldn't keep the Vikings (11-4) in control of their own destiny. Favre threw for 321 yards and two scores on 26-of-40 passes, but the loss knocks the Vikings behind the Eagles in a bid for a first-round bye in the postseason.

In addition to the Vikings' falling behind the Eagles due to tiebreaking procedures, the New Orleans Saints locked up the top seed in the NFC. The only way Minnesota would be able to have a bye in the playoffs is if it wins against the Giants next week and Philadelphia loses in Dallas.

Additionally, the Arizona Cardinals could still lock up the two-seed should they win and both the Vikings and Eagles lose next week.