The Chicago Bears are finally getting some more respect.
In the standings, they are the No. 1 seed in the NFC. But the playoffs don’t start today, so it doesn’t matter. The numbers also say the Bears only have a 77 percent chance to even make the postseason, despite their place atop the standings.
Sure, most of that is likely down to three remaining NFC North games and a 1-2 overall record against their division.
Either way, put some respect on the Chicago Bears.
I think the rankings reflect it.
6. Chicago Bears (9-3) Previous Week: 9
The Bears are… For real. Not only have they won nine of their last 10 games following a (0-2) start to the season, but they have beaten division leaders in back-to-back weeks. Although the Steelers’ win could have been written off as beating another backup quarterback, their complete domination of the Eagles in Philadelphia is undeniable. For as impressive as this run has been for Chicago, their final five games of the season feature just one team under .500. They might have notched their first winning season in seven years, but they’ve still got some work to do before locking up a playoff spot. That said, they’ll enter Week 14 as the top seed in a loaded NFC. Next up, a late afternoon showdown at Lambeau for sole possession of first place in the North.
5. Bears (No. 7; 9-3): Their locker-room celebrations make everyone else’s seem boring by comparison.
8. Chicago Bears (15): They’ve swept the NFC East. They’ve swept Pennsylvania. If the team currently sitting atop the NFC can win at Lambeau Field on Sunday, then any notions of fraudulence should be fully put to bed.
6 (12): Chicago Bears (9-3)
Heading into Week 13, the Bears didn’t have a win against a team with a record better than .500. They rectified that. Chicago didn’t just sneak by Philadelphia; the Bears were absolutely dominant. The key to the Bears currently being the No. 1 seed in the NFC is the running game. The Bears are second in the NFL in rushing yards, and they were able to rush for 281 yards at Philadelphia. As the weather gets worse, that’s a good strength to have.
6. Chicago Bears (11) The day after last Thanksgiving, Chicago fired Matt Eberflus after the Bears completely flubbed the end of a loss to the Lions. The day after this Thanksgiving, they proved they’re for real with four quarters of dominance over the Eagles in Philadelphia. I suspect this was the first time a lot of folks outside the Midwest sat down to watch a whole Bears game this season, and they had to be impressed with Ben Johnson’s team. Chicago’s offensive line looked something like a Macedonian phalanx, plowing its way to a 281-yard rushing game. I agree with Caleb Williams’ assessment that the Bears still haven’t hit their pinnacle, with the passing game capable of more. Exciting times in the Windy City, considering the Bears currently own the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. But they’re still in a dogfight for the NFC North, so they must continue rounding into form, starting in Sunday’s massive game at Green Bay and continuing into a possible winner-takes-all tilt in the Week 16 rematch vs. the Pack in Chicago.
14. Chicago Bears (14) The Bears just ran for 281 yards against the reigning Super Bowl champions, just totally crushing the Eagles’ defensive front—the unit that was supposed to be the strength of that team. I’ve been hesitant to give the Bears offensive line too much credit thus far because of how inconsistent individual players have been, but head coach Ben Johnson has made the whole unit significantly greater than the sum of its parts.
The Bears lead the NFC North and are now sitting comfortably in the playoff race. Beating the Packers in Week 14 would all but guarantee them a spot in the postseason. That fact alone solidifies Johnson as one of the most transformative coaching hires the NFL has had in a while.
6. Chicago Bears (10) They went into Philadelphia and mauled the Eagles. It was brutish the way they ran the ball. Now they get a big one with the Packers this week.
The Athletic – Josh Kendall and Chad Graff
6. Chicago Bears
Last week: 12
Friday: Beat Eagles 24-15
Best-case scenario: A home playoff game
The Bears have won the NFC North just once in the last 14 years. Our playoff simulator gives them only a 37 percent chance of doing it this year — even though they’re the No. 1 seed in the NFC — largely because of a difficult remaining schedule that includes games against the Packers (twice), Lions and 49ers.
The Bears leaped into the top 10 for most rankers. Is that about right for where they are today? Is Diante Lee the last doubter?
