It sure seems that PIERRE THOMAS of New Orleans and MATT FORTÉ of Chicago — who can play a main role on the ground this cold December night right by Lake Michigan — should be playing for the other team. Thomas – with the French first name — was born in Chicago, went to Illinois, was not drafted but signed as a rookie free agent with the Saints last year.

He comes off his second career 100-yard rush game (102 yards and two TDs against Atlanta). His first? Last December 30 (105 yards) in Chicago. “He’s a great young talent,” says Saints FB MIKE KARNEY.

For Chicago? Their main guy is from – Louisiana. And he’s got that French last name. That’s rookie Forté, who was born in Slidell, Louisiana — a suburb of New Orleans — and went to Tulane. He is the second-leading rookie rusher in the league with 1,081 yards.

These ground games aside, the big question will be can QB DREW BREES and the Saints’ No. 1 NFL passing offense perform up to its fireworks level outdoors in the December night? New Orleans went to a more balanced run/pass attack last week in topping Atlanta.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (7-6) at CHICAGO BEARS (7-6) (Thursday night, NFL Network, 8:00 PM ET)