Chicago Bears Playoff Odds Spiked Big Time After Cardinals Win

The Chicago Bears playoff odds over the past several years has bee stuck in quicksand. Every time they try to fight their way out, they seem to sink even deeper than before. Now, at last, it appears they've grasped that proverbial branch and begun pulling their way out of the sucking morass. They're 2-1 and in the lead of the NFC North. The Minnesota Vikings have sunk to a 1-2-1 start to the season with their defense looking like a shadow of its former self. Green Bay also doesn't seem overpowering with their lone win of the year is by a desperate comeback against the Bears which they won 24-23. Aaron Rodgers is banged up and their defense suffered a huge loss in Muhammad Wilkerson for the season. That might explain why, according to FiveThirtyEight.com, their chances of reaching the postseason took such a significant spike this past week. Here's how their projections work.

"How this works: This forecast is based on 100,000 simulations of the season and updates after every game. Our model uses Elo ratings (a measure of strength based on head-to-head results and quality of opponent) to calculate teams’ chances of winning their regular-season games and advancing to and through the playoffs."

Chicago Bears playoff odds show the best finish in five years

There's plenty to like about it. The week before Chicago sat at 18% to win the division. Now it's 30%. A substantial spike. Current projections have them finishing 8-8, which would be the best record the team has posted since 2013. That may not sound like much, but for a fan base that has suffered like this one, it's a welcome step in the right direction. Much depends on the ultimate fate of the offense. So far the results are mixed. Mitch Trubisky looks inconsistent. The running game hasn't gotten going. Head coach Matt Nagy is still working his way through the process trying to find that groove. If he succeeds and puts even a modestly decent offense alongside that great defense? This team absolutely may be one the NFC won't want to see in January.