The Chicago Bears had no business thinking about the playoffs a month ago. They’d started the season 0-4 and were a woeful 2-7 after a dispiriting loss in New Orleans. People talked about the possibility they could end up with the #1 and #2 picks in the 2024 draft. Then, a funny thing happened. Things began to shift. Led by Justin Fields and a resurgent defense, the Bears have won three of their last four. It was an encouraging sign they were trending in the right direction. A strong finish could give them tons of momentum going into next season.
However, recent events may allow them to think bigger. Until Monday night, everybody felt the Green Bay Packers were positioning themselves not only to claim one of the NFC wild card spots but even catch Detroit for the NFC North crown. All they had to do was take care of what looked like a cupcake schedule down the stretch. From there, things went wrong in a hurry. A sloppy effort at MetLife Stadium against the 4-8 New York Giants saw them fall 24-22, highlighted by an epic defensive collapse in the final seconds against backup QB Tommy DeVito.
The Chicago Bears now have a path to the playoffs.
It’s convoluted and will require some significant breaks, but it exists. Firstly, the Bears have to win out the rest of the way. That is the most crucial element. No losses can be afforded. Here is where the fun begins. Minnesota has to lose three of their next four games. They play Cincinnati, Detroit twice, and Green Bay. So that is definitely possible. The Rams and Seahawks must lose at least two of their remaining four games. Lastly, two of the three teams between Tampa Bay, Atlanta, and New Orleans have to lose at least two games.
Yeah, it’s a lot to hope for. The Chicago Bears played their best game of the year on Sunday against Detroit. Still, their remaining schedule is tough. They head to Cleveland this week to face a tough 8-5 Browns team; then it’s a home stand against Arizona and Atlanta before a rematch with the Packers at Lambeau Field. Remember, they haven’t beaten Green Bay since 2018. It would be quite a turn of events if they somehow pulled this off. If nothing else, it should make the final month of the season fun to watch.
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