Imagine this: after years of waiting, the Chicago Bears are finally back in the playoffs. But here's where it gets controversial—is this team truly ready to make a deep postseason run, or are they just riding a wave of momentum? ESPN's Courtney Cronin, a seasoned sports journalist with a knack for uncovering the stories behind the stats, breaks down the Bears' dramatic return to the playoffs after a five-year drought.
The journey began with first-year head coach Ben Johnson, who had been preaching patience and focus on a single magic number: 11 wins. That milestone was achieved in a heart-stopping 22-16 comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. Yet, the celebration had to wait. It wasn’t until the Detroit Lions fell 29-24 to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday that the Bears officially clinched their playoff berth.
Quarterback Caleb Williams summed it up perfectly after the Packers game: 'It's a signature moment for us... to be in the position we are with 11 wins and everything at the tip of our fingers is exactly where we want to be.' Bold words, but do they hold up under scrutiny? And this is the part most people miss—only three players from the Bears' last playoff appearance in 2020 remain on the roster: tight end Cole Kmet, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, and kicker Cairo Santos. This is a nearly entirely new team, with a fresh identity and a hunger to prove themselves.
Kmet, drafted in 2020, reflected on the difference between then and now: 'As a rookie, you don't know any better. This does feel a little different. It feels like we've got a lot of things going on right now that can carry over throughout the rest of the year.' But is this youthful optimism enough to overcome the postseason pressure?
The numbers tell a compelling story. The Bears have won 11 of their last 13 games, including two straight. They’ve dominated the turnover battle, leading the NFL with 10 wins in those games. Even more impressive? They’re 7-2 in one-score games this season, a stark contrast to their 6-20 record in such games over the past three years. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is this a sign of resilience, or are they simply getting lucky?
Their ability to rally late in games is particularly striking. Six of their wins this season have come after trailing in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter—the most since the 1970 merger. But can they sustain this clutch performance in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs?
The Bears’ return to the postseason also has broader implications. The Lions’ loss not only secured the Bears’ spot but also handed the San Francisco 49ers (10-4) a playoff berth. The 49ers, currently the NFC’s No. 6 seed, will host the Bears in Week 17 on Sunday Night Football. Chicago will then close out the regular season at Soldier Field against the Lions on January 4.
Looking back, the Bears’ last postseason win came in 2010, when they were the NFC’s top seed. After a bye, they defeated Seattle 35-24 in the divisional round before falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game. But here’s a controversial take: Could history repeat itself, or is this Bears team destined to write a new chapter?
As the Bears prepare for their playoff run, one thing is clear: this team has the talent, the momentum, and the belief. But in the unpredictable world of the NFL, nothing is guaranteed. What do you think? Are the Bears legitimate contenders, or is their success this season just a fluke? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
