NFL news: After Chicago Bears' stunning win over Green Bay Packers, here's what they need to clinch playoff spot
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Following the Chicago Bears’ remarkable victory against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, let’s examine what needs to happen for the team to secure a spot in the NFL playoffs.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

This season, the Bears have already delivered several unexpected comebacks, but none quite as dramatic as this one. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Ben Johnson, one thing is clear: the Bears never give up.

Saturday night’s game marked the sixth instance this season where the Bears came back to win after trailing in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter. However, this triumph was statistically their most unlikely yet. With a seven-point deficit at the two-minute warning, they had just a 0.5% chance of winning. Nevertheless, they managed to pull through, tying the game to push it into overtime before sealing the victory with a thrilling 46-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Williams to DJ Moore. The electrifying walk-off win concluded with a score of 22-16.

This victory marks the Bears’ 11th of the season, their highest win total since 2018, and places them firmly in the driver’s seat within their division.

With a game-and-a-half lead over the Packers, the Bears have control over their playoff destiny.

A playoff spot could be clinched as soon as Sunday if the Detroit Lions loses to Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers. That game began at 3:25 p.m. CT at Ford Field.

Or the Bears can keep it simple and win out. They are at the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday night, and then finish the season at home against the Lions. That would win the division, and a split over their final two games would also win the NFC North.

If the Bears stumble and don’t win the division, they could still make the post season as a wild card team, so the opportunity is there thanks to Saturday night’s win.

Their next opponent, the 49ers, play Monday night on ACB7, so they will be on a short week when they face the Bears next.

Chicago Bears' DJ Moore and Caleb Williams celebrate after an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Chicago.
Chicago Bears’ DJ Moore and Caleb Williams celebrate after an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Chicago.(AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The day after their improbable win is Bears fans would call a stress-free Sunday, coming off a massive comeback over the Packers.

ABC7 stopped by Wings and Rings in Bridgeport, where fans were kicking back, hoping for a Detroit Lions loss that would officially clinch the Bears playoff berth.

The playoffs are on everyone’s mind now as fans are still coming down from what they witnessed Saturday night.

Many people shared their end of game celebrations with ABC7 from packed bars across the city.

“Yesterday’s game, the way it ended, it’s a miracle, so it was beautiful and I’m happy,” a Bears fan named Fernanda said.

Fans have been through rollercoaster games all season long, dubbing Chicago’s team as the “Cardiac Bears.”

It’s a special season that has brought in many new fans, and of course plenty of customers to businesses hosting watch parties.

“It’s great for business, it’s great for the environment, the staff loved it,” Wings and Rings general manager Jesse Garcia said. “Having the Bears winning, doing their thing means a lot to us, means a lot to Chicago in general, and means a lot to the business.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
NC plane crash: Passenger texted family member ahead of crash that killed Greg Biffle and family, NTSB says

NTSB Report: Passenger Sent Final Message to Family Before Fatal North Carolina Plane Crash Involving Greg Biffle and Family

The tragic plane crash in North Carolina continues to raise unresolved questions…
Moment shoplifter pulls out gun to shoot officer at point-blank range

Shocking Incident: Shoplifter Fires Gun at Officer at Point-Blank Range in Bold Daylight Crime

Chilling body camera footage reveals the intense moment when a bold shoplifter…
FILE - An attendee asks Pearl Harbor survivor Ira

WWII Navy Veteran and Pearl Harbor Survivor, Ira ‘Ike’ Schab, Passes Away at 105

Ira “Ike” Schab, a distinguished World War II Navy veteran and one…
Singer-songwriter Todd Snider dies at 59

Heartfelt Tribute: George Clooney Honors Late Sister Ada Zeidler

Adelia “Ada” Zeidler, described in her online obituary as having passed away…
Australian PM Albanese gets booed during Bondi Beach vigil honoring Hanukkah attack victims

Australian PM Albanese Faces Backlash at Bondi Beach Vigil for Hanukkah Attack Victims

During a vigil held on Sunday to honor the victims of the…
When does Girl Scout cookie season start?

When Does the Girl Scout Cookie Season Officially Begin?

The eagerly anticipated Girl Scout cookie season is just around the corner,…
Baby girl dies after dad fell asleep in hot tub while holding her

Tragic Incident: Father Falls Asleep in Hot Tub, Resulting in Infant’s Death

A heartbreaking incident unfolded when a one-year-old girl tragically drowned after her…
Parkland school shooting survivor dies after mental health battle

Parkland School Shooting Survivor Tragically Passes Amid Struggle with Mental Health

A survivor of the tragic Parkland school shooting has succumbed to suicide…