New CBA Will Improve Chicago Bears Odds of Making 2020 Playoffs

The Chicago Bears were nowhere near the postseason by the end of 2019. Another bitter loss to the Green Bay Packers killed those hopes. Going into this year, some had misgivings about the team being able to rebound back to the playoffs again given a loaded division. However, a surprising development regarding the new Collective Bargaining Agreement might lend them a big hand in realizing that goal.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the new proposal that players and owners are discussing would involve a change in the playoff format. One that would include seven teams making the postseason instead of six for each conference. Only one team would be given a bye week (the #1 seed) and the rest would play three games to reach the Super Bowl. The idea of course is to increase late-season drama for those spots and also the obvious financial benefits of more postseason action.

Given how difficult it has been for the Bears to reach January, this would be a welcome turn of events. Given their 8-8 finish this past year, that means they'd still be right in the thick of the chase towards the end if they experience a repeat of events. No longer would 10-6 be the benchmark. Just a 9-7 record would offer solid odds of cashing in. This can't be viewed as anything but positive from their perspective.

Chicago Bears remain at the mercy of the union and owners

Keep in mind, none of this is set in stone. Word is that a lot of progress has been made in negotiations, but the two sides remain far apart on a number of issues. If a deal can't be worked out before the start of the new league year, it might result in a loss of momentum. Most believe the owners have the negotiating advantage at this point. The only way for the players to get more than what they're being offered is to strike after the current CBA expires in 2021. It would be the first time that has happened since 1987.

All the Bears can do is sit back and wait to see how things play out.