The Chicago Bears Are Headed Back To The NFL Playoffs
If you told a Chicago fan five years ago that Aaron Rodgers would be the reason the Bears punched a ticket to the postseason, they would have checked you for a concussion. Yet, here we are in 2025. The simulation is officially broken, and frankly, nobody in the “Windy City” cares one bit.
For the first time since the 2020 season, the Chicago Bears have clinched a playoff berth. And the way it happened? You couldn’t script a better drama if you tried.
A Weekend Of Pure Chaos In the NFC North
The madness started on Saturday night under the lights at Soldier Field. This wasn’t just another game against the Green Bay Packers; it was an exorcism. Down late, facing that familiar sinking feeling that usually accompanies Packers week, Caleb Williams decided he wasn’t interested in history. He led a drive that ended with DJ Moore hauling in a 46-yard game-winning touchdown in overtime.
The stadium shook. The narrative shifted. For the first time in a long time, the Bears didn’t just play the Packers; they outlasted them. But the job wasn’t quite finished when the fireworks stopped on Saturday.
The Unexpected Assist From An Old Foe
Sunday afternoon turned Chicago into the world’s most confused fanbase. To lock up that Wild Card spot immediately, the Bears needed the Detroit Lions to lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The quarterback for Pittsburgh? None other than the bad man himself, Aaron Rodgers.
It had to feel dirty cheering for him. But when the Lions’ last-second, game-winning touchdown was wiped off the board by an offensive pass interference call, the Steelers held on for a 29-24 win. Rodgers did his job, and just like that, the “x” appeared next to Chicago in the standings.
From Doubters To Legitimate Contenders
Let’s be honest: back in November, the vibe was different. When Chicago first took the division lead, the national media and plenty of cautious locals asked if this team was for real. Were they contenders or just pretenders feasting on a soft schedule?
Consider that question answered.
In the last month alone, this squad has downed the Steelers, marched into Philly to beat the defending champs in primetime, and pulled off a miracle comeback against Green Bay. This isn’t a team backing into the playoffs because the math worked out; they are kicking the door down.
What This Means For Week 18 and Beyond
The best part of clinching early? The blood pressure medication can stay in the cabinet for Week 18. The upcoming game against the 49ers still matters, a win locks up the NFC North title, but the do-or-die pressure is gone. If things get dicey, Head Coach Ben Johnson can rest his starters against the Lions in the season finale.
Ryan Poles has built a roster that can survive injuries, and Williams has proven he has the ice-cold veins required for January football. The Bears are in. The drought is over. And somewhere, perhaps begrudgingly, Chicago owes Rodgers a thank you card.
