Sunday’s Bears game against the Houston Texans is sparking a lot of interest to see how the team will respond following their loss last week to the Detroit Lions. Chicago will look to end a six-game losing streak as another loss could result in the firing of head coach Matt Nagy before the end of the season. With four games left remaining in a season that appears all but over, the most painful aspect is the fact that the Bears are being given every opportunity to make the playoffs.
The NFC Playoff Picture after Week 13 in the NFL – #1 Seed, New Orleans Saints #saints #saintsnews pic.twitter.com/QZu7JFVsD5
— Saints News Network (@SaintsNews) December 7, 2020
Chicago Has The Most Favorable Schedule
The Bears, Although outside of the playoffs right now, have one of the more favorable schedules of the teams looking to make the playoffs. The Minnesota Vikings currently hold the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC. The Vikings’ remaining games include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Bears, New Orleans Saints on Christmas, and the Detroit Lions. Minnesota’s games against the Buccaneers and Saints could easily be losses, while the Bears could help their cause by beating the Vikings next week on the road.
The #Vikings won 5 of the last 6 and are currently slated as the 7th seed in the NFC with Arizona's loss to the Rams. Looks like this season is definitely going to go down to the wire.
MN Schedule
@ Bucs
Bears
@ Saints
@ LionsAZ Schedule
@ Giants
Eagles
49ers
@ Rams— Purple Post (@Purple_Post) December 7, 2020
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Ahead of the Bears in the playoffs standings is the Arizona Cardinals, who have a similarly difficult schedule to finish the season. On Sunday, they will travel to New York to take on the surging Giants who pulled the upset of the year last week, beating the Seahawks in Seattle. They will then play the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Rams, who could still be trying to win the division in week 17. The Cardinals have lost their last three games and would have a five-game losing streak if it wasn’t for their miracle win against the Buffalo Bills in week 10.
If the Giants beat Arizona on Sunday, not only do they take another step forward in NFC East race: their playoff chances (and a shot at the final wild card) receive a big boost, too.
A victory and NYG is right in the mix for division AND wild card. Such a pivotal game for NFC.— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) December 12, 2020
The Bears have arguably the easiest schedule remaining of teams in contention for a playoff spot, starting with the four-win Houston Texans. They will then take on the Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, and finally the Green Bay Packers, who may rest their starters in week 17. Outside of the Packers, The Bears’ next three opponents have a combined 11 wins on the season.
No Confidence To Capitalize
What makes looking at the strength of schedule and legitimate playoff favorability maddening for Bears’ fans is that there is no faith in the team to capitalize. Many Bears analysts and fans are predicting the Texans, who will be without running back David Johnson and are coming off a brutal loss, to still defeat the Bears handily. Many see the Bears in a free fall for the remainder of the season with no hope of the team making a playoff run.
Texans placed RB David Johnson on the reserve/COVID list.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 11, 2020
Even with the favorable opponents, it is almost expected as if the Bears will lose the remainder of their games this season. With the blowout loss to Green Bay and the collapse against Detroit, many believe Nagy has lost his team.
5. I said this in my Lions-Bears post-game thread on Monday — the sad thing is, the Chicago has gotten plenty of help to make the playoffs. But they just haven't taken advantage. Expect the Texans to put them out of their InTheHunt misery.
Prediction: Texans 34, Bears 23.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) December 11, 2020
Unfortunately, it has come to this as back in week seven, the possibilities for a Bears’ Super Bowl run felt all but certain. If any other NFL team had the great opportunity that the Bears have with their last four games, there would be a sense of optimism as fans would strongly believe their team could make a December playoff run. For Bears fans, the worst possible outcome is always anticipated.
Lots Will Be Left On The Table Before Being Wiped Clean
The final four games will also serve as a prelude to the expected inevitable, which is a total rebuild. Fans and the media are expecting massive changes, including the firing of general manager Ryan Pace and Nagy, along with the overhaul of the current roster. It is unfortunate as the current team is talented but appears lost and defeated from a confidence standpoint.
Football in December is always better when the Bears are heading to the playoffs, the city buzzes with excitement as everyone is together rooting for their beloved football team. With every expected loss the rest of this season, there will also be a loss from one a team head of the Bears in playoff contention, keeping the Bears’ playoffs hopes alive, but at a smaller chance.
If the McCaskey family cleans house and begins anew, it will be at least two or three seasons before the Bears are competitive again. December Bears’ football will become background TV rather than the must-see appointment television it was just two years ago. A defense capable of winning a championship will be broken up with several players yet to hit their true potential traded to other teams. The remainder of the schedule will serve as what could have been while the Bears accept defeat.
