The Chicago Bears are fresh off a blowout win against the Cleveland Browns, and they’re positioned themselves nicely for their first postseason berth since 2020. In fact, Chicago could lock down a playoff spot as early as this week.
The Bears earned a 31-3 win over the Browns, where the offense scored four touchdowns, the defense forced three turnovers and special teams had some big returns. Head coach Ben Johnson had his team ready to bounce back after a close loss to the Green Bay Packers last week, and now they head into a Week 16 rematch primed to extend their lead in the NFC North and closer to a playoff spot.
The Bears are gearing up for their final three-game stretch to close out the 2025 regular season, which features the most difficult slate in the NFL against the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions. But here’s how Chicago can earn a playoff spot, or even clinch the NFC North, in the coming weeks:
How the Bears can clinch a playoff spot in Week 16
Chicago could earn a playoff spot as soon as Week 16, but they’re going to need a little help. First, the Bears need to beat the Packers, which would also put more space between them and the NFC North lead. But the Detroit Lions also need to lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are looking to maintain atop the AFC North. So there’s plenty on the line in both games.
How the Bears can clinch the NFC North
The Bears can’t clinch the NFC North this week, but they can put in the work to get it down in a couple of weeks. Looking ahead, Chicago can win the NFC North with a victory over the Packers and a win over either the San Francisco 49ers or Lions.
NFC North standings after Week 15
- Chicago Bears (10-4)
- Green Bay Packers (9-4-1)
- Detroit Lions (8-6)
- Minnesota Vikings (6-8)
NFC standings after Week 15
- Los Angeles Rams (11-3)
- Chicago Bears (10-4)
- Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
- Seattle Seahawks (11-3)
- San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
- Green Bay Packers (9-4-1)
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