The Chicago Bears started the season 0-2. They were already being penciled in as a likely contender for the #1 pick in the 2026 draft. In the two months since then, the team has won eight of its last nine games, reaching 9-3 for the first time since 2018. Their 24-15 drubbing of the Philadelphia Eagles was a signal that this run is not a fluke. They can hang with the best in the NFC. All they had to do was sit back, relax, and see what happens with the playoff picture going into Sunday.
Nobody on the planet saw what came next. The Los Angeles Rams have held the #1 seed in the NFC for most of the year, riding a white hot offense and stellar defense. Most expected that trend to continue against the rollercoaster Carolina Panthers. Instead, the Rams were dealt an ice-cold dose of reality as a stingy Panthers defense and efficient day from Bryce Young resulted in a stunning 31-28 upset. Just like that, L.A. dropped to 8-3, losing their grip on the #1 seed.
The new owner? Those Chicago Bears.
The Chicago Bears are in it for real now.
A big part of this unbelievable turnaround has been their ability to win the most meaningful games. After their 0-2 start against the Lions and Vikings, they have won six straight games against NFC opponents. That 6-2 record against the conference is the reason they have the advantage over the Rams at this point. What's remarkable is that they've managed to do it despite never having everything fall into place. Their defense has been devastated by injuries all year. Offensively, quarterback Caleb Williams continues to suffer accuracy issues. You could argue the Chicago Bears aren't even playing their best football.
Whether they manage to keep hold of the #1 seed for long is up for debate. Their next game is on the road at Lambeau Field against the surging Green Bay Packers. They have home field, the better defense, and a seeming advantage in health. Beating them will be difficult. If the Bears pull it off, it might be time to start imagining the NFC playoffs going through Soldier Field.
