The Bears' past five games have been decided by a combined 12 points

With last night’s win in San Diego, Chicago’s record improved to 3-5, but it’s easy to think the Bears could just as likely be 5-3.

Including last night’s 22-19 win over the Chargers, Chicago’s past five games have been decided by a combined 12 points.

At 5-3, the Bears would be in second place in the NFC North, and just a game out of the division lead.

Before last night there was a three-point loss to Minnesota, a three-point loss at Detroit, a one-point win at Kansas City and a two-point win against Oakland.

Chicago’s three games before that – all losses – were decided by a combined 59 points.

The win at San Diego would have been another close loss if not for a fourth-quarter, game-winning touchdown drive orchestrated by Jay Cutler.

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Cutler connected with Zach Miller for a 25-yard touchdown pass with a little more than three minutes remaining.

During the same five-game time frame, Chicago has covered its Vegas spread in every game except one – the loss to the Vikings, when Chicago was a 1.5-point underdog.

The Bears are one of only two teams in the NFL to be an underdog in every game this season and that streak likely won’t change until they host the 49ers on Dec. 6.

[FBTW]