How the Bears Clinched the NFC North
The Bears secured the division title when the Packers lost, eliminating Green Bay from contention. This victory lap for Chicago marks their first division crown since 2018, boosting team morale as the regular season winds down.
Current NFC North standings show the Bears at 11-4, well ahead of the Packers at 9-6, Vikings at 8-7, and Lions at 8-7. This gap ensures no team can catch them, even with one week left.
League-wide, the Bears trail only the Seahawks, who hold the No. 1 seed after beating the Panthers. Philadelphia Eagles sit at No. 3, while wild-card spots go to teams like the 49ers and Rams.
Week 17 Matchup and Seeding Scenarios
In Week 17, the Bears travel to face the 49ers in a primetime clash that could impact wild-card positioning. A win keeps their No. 2 seed intact and potentially improves home-field advantages.
Playoff probabilities favor the Bears for a deep run, with tiebreakers already in their favor over divisional foes. Scenarios from official sources outline paths to the divisional round.
Beyond seeding, the focus is on health and momentum. The Bears' defense and offense have surged late-season, making them a formidable playoff threat.
Full NFC Playoff Picture
NFC standings: 1. Seahawks (13-3), 2. Bears (11-4), 3. Eagles, 4. Panthers, 5. 49ers, 6. Rams. The Bears' position locks in a bye potential or strong wild-card hosting.
Postseason paths include possible opponents like the 49ers or Rams in the wild card. Updates from NFL.com and ESPN confirm the Bears' spot amid Week 17 probabilities.
This achievement reignites Bears fandom globally, with eyes on a Super Bowl push after years of rebuilding.