The Chicago Bears secured a dominant 31-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 15, improving to 10-4 and reclaiming the top spot in the NFC North. This win, combined with the Green Bay Packers' loss, positions the Bears as the NFC's No. 2 seed if the season ended today. Three crucial games remain against playoff contenders.
The Chicago Bears delivered a commanding performance against the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field, winning 31-3 to boost their record to 10-4. This result propelled them back atop the NFC North standings, especially after the Green Bay Packers fell 34-26 to the Denver Broncos, leaving Green Bay at 9-4-1.
If the season concluded now, the Bears would earn the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs and host the Packers in the wild-card round. However, with three weeks left, Chicago faces a tough slate: a home matchup against the Packers on Saturday, a road trip to the 10-4 San Francisco 49ers on December 28, and a home finale versus the 8-6 Detroit Lions on January 3 or 4.
The team believes 11 wins will secure a playoff berth, but victories in these games could push them to 13-4 and the No. 1 seed. Head coach Ben Johnson's first full season has shown progress, though losses could derail postseason hopes.
Entering Week 16, the NFC playoff picture includes:
- LA Rams (11-3, division leader)
- 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)
Further down: Detroit Lions (8-6), Carolina Panthers (7-7), Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1). Teams eliminated include the Minnesota Vikings (5-8), Atlanta Falcons (5-9), Washington Commanders (4-10), New Orleans Saints (4-10), Arizona Cardinals (3-11), and New York Giants (2-12). The Dallas Cowboys-Minnesota Vikings game from Sunday night remains outstanding.