Bears running back Kahlil Bell didn't hide his distaste for the Vikings this week. Bell was signed as an undrafted rookie in 2009 out of UCLA but was cut before the regular season. "Personally, I really don't like Minnesota," Bell told reporters. "I was there for a short stint. It won't take much for me to get motivated for this game." Filling in for the injured Matt Forte and Marion Barber, Bell had a career-high 121 yards in Sunday's loss to the Packers.
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Although he's out of the running for league MVP, Lions star Calvin Johnson still has had one of the best seasons by a receiver in NFL history. He needs 63 yards receiving against the Packers on Sunday to become only the fourth player to post at least 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns in the same season. Jerry Rice did it three times. Marvin Harrison and Randy Moss each did it once. Moss had 1,632 yards and 17 TDs with the Vikings in 2003.
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It appears the Packers are going to get left tackle Chad Clifton back as a starter in time for the playoffs. At least that's the hope now that Clifton has come through his first padded practice since suffering back and hamstring injuries that have sidelined him the past 2 1/2 months. Clifton is expected to play on a limited basis against the Lions on Sunday. The Packers then have a bye week to move him back ahead of Marshall Newhouse.
