The Chicago Bears secured a playoff berth in the NFC following a stunning overtime victory over the Green Bay Packers and a subsequent loss by the Detroit Lions to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This marks the Bears' first postseason appearance since 2020, with their 11th win of the season being the most since 2018. Fans celebrated the milestone, highlighting the team's resilience under first-year head coach Ben Johnson.
The Chicago Bears' improbable 22-16 overtime win against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night propelled them into the playoffs. Trailing by seven points with two minutes remaining, the Bears mounted a comeback, tying the game to force overtime. Quarterback Caleb Williams connected with wide receiver DJ Moore on a 46-yard touchdown pass for the walk-off victory, electrifying the crowd at Soldier Field. Statistically, the Bears had only a 0.5% chance to win when down late in the fourth quarter, marking the sixth time this season they rallied from a deficit in the final two minutes.
This victory gave the Bears their 11th win, the highest total since 2018, and established a 1.5-game lead in the NFC North over the Packers. The Bears now control their destiny for the division title, needing just one win in their final two games or benefiting from a Packers stumble. Their remaining schedule includes a road game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night, followed by a home finale against the Lions.
The clinching moment came Sunday when the Lions fell to the Steelers at Ford Field, eliminating Detroit from contention and confirming Chicago's postseason spot. Bears fans, dubbing the team the 'Cardiac Bears' for their thrilling finishes, gathered at local spots like Wings and Rings in Bridgeport to watch the Lions' game, turning a high-stakes Sunday into a celebration. General manager Jesse Garcia noted the excitement boosted business and community spirit. Even without winning the division, the Bears remain positioned for a wild card berth, showcasing their turnaround under coach Ben Johnson.
