The Chicago Bears have received some great news about their NFL playoff bid ahead of Week 14’s consequential showdown with the Green Bay Packers — thanks to a surprising NFC upset that unfolded in Week 13’s latest games.
During the Thanksgiving holiday, the Bears did their part to keep themselves in the running for a spot in the 2025 NFL Playoffs when they seized a 24-15 statement win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday that moved them to 9-3 on the season.
The win also ensured the Bears would retain possession of first place in the NFC North heading into their first of two regular-season games against the Packers (8-3-1), who can claim the top spot in the division themselves with a win over Chicago in Week 13.
Things got even better for the Bears after the early slot of games in Week 13, though.
On November 30, the Carolina Panthers pulled off a 31-28 upset victory over the Los Angeles Rams that had massive implications on the NFL playoff race. Not only did the win keep the Panthers in the race to win the NFC South, but it also bumped the Rams out of the top spot in the conference, making the Bears the new No. 1 seed in the NFC.
In other words, Caleb Williams and the Bears now have a direct path to clinching the first-round bye in the conference for the NFL playoffs, gift-wrapped for the holiday.
Can Bears Continue Winning & Claim the No. 1 Seed?
In years past, a technical slide into first place in the conference may not have resonated much with a long-tortured Bears fandom. Many fans likely still have reservations about their final five-game stretch, during which they will battle the Packers twice, travel to face the playoff-contending San Francisco 49ers (9-4) and host the Detroit Lions (7-5).
For these self-assured Bears, though, the path to victory is realistically attainable.
The Bears have a few things working in their favor after needing to fight tooth and nail — and tying for an NFL-most five fourth-quarter comebacks — over their first 12 games. For one, they are leaving plenty on the table that, with better execution, can make them a better football team, whether it is missed throws, sloppy coverage lapses or penalties.
The Bears showed improvement on that last category in their Black Friday win over the Eagles. While Gervon Dexter Sr. had a frustrating roughing-the-passer call against him that sparked a Philadelphia touchdown drive, they committed just four total penalties.
The other thing going for the Bears is their improving roster health. Cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon returned to action against the Eagles and made an impact, but both played less than 70% of defensive snaps after so much time away. As they get their legs back under them, their playing time — and impact — should only improve.
The Bears will also expectedly get back all three of their starting linebackers — including veterans Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards — before the end of the regular season.
That’s all conducive to the Bears playing their best football in December and January.
Caleb Williams’ Development Could Define 2025 Run
The Bears have begun turning doubters into believers following their massive win over the reigning Super Bowl champions, but how far their run goes — and whether it even extends to the playoffs — could largely hinge on Williams’ continued development.
Williams has been a better quarterback for the Bears in 2025, looking more settled in the NFL environment and finding better rhythm in a system like Ben Johnson’s, which aims to establish the run game and play to Williams’ strengths. That said, there are still some issues for him to iron out that, if he can do so quickly, can help Chicago’s chances.
Accuracy is a big one. Williams said he wanted to complete 70% of his passes before the season began, but he is currently nowhere close to that mark at 58.2% — which is much worse than the 62.1% he managed as a rookie. Some of that is Williams adjusting to the demands of his new system, while another portion is the team’s 18 dropped passes (tied for sixth-most in the NFL). But Williams, for all his gifts, has also just missed some.
If Williams can correct his issues and start firing passes closer to the 70% standard that he set for himself, though, it could go a long way for the offense’s efficiency as they try to retain control of the No. 1 seed on the NFC down the stretch of the 2025 season.
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