The Chicago Bears playoff picture is officially clear and it’s a good one. With the regular season winding down, Chicago has already locked up the No. 3 seed in the NFC, guaranteeing a home playoff game at Soldier Field. From there, the ceiling only gets higher.
The Bears can clinch the No. 2 seed with either one more win of their own or one more loss by the Philadelphia Eagles. That scenario would secure Chicago a better postseason path and ensure at least one, and potentially two, home games in the playoffs. For a fan base starving for January football, that alone is massive.
The No. 1 seed is still alive, but the margin is thin. If the Bears lose to San Francisco, the dream of the top seed is officially over. However, if Chicago wins out and Seattle drops just one game, the Bears would shock the conference by claiming the No. 1 seed and the very valuable first-round bye.
Adding to the moment, Chicago officially clinched the NFC North on Saturday following the Packers loss to the Ravens. It marks the Bears first division title since 2018 and serves as a symbolic turning point for the franchise. This isn’t just a playoff appearance it’s a statement. Chicago has arrived.
The Bears aren’t sneaking in. They’re positioning themselves to host and to make a real run. They are a year ahead of schedule. But for the first time in years, Chicago controls its destiny and the rest of the NFC is officially on notice.
