Chicago Bears: Six games that will make-or-break the Bears’ playoffs hopes

Week 17: Rams @ Cardinals

Root for: a Rams victory

(Too early to tell complete scenarios for a Rams victory + a Cardinals victory)

Before even discussing this scenario, this needs to be said: shame on the Chicago Bears for forcing the “if” game so often. It’s remarkable just how much easier life becomes if they finish the job in Week 14 against the Detroit Lions.

But thinking forward, here are some scenarios to watch for:
— Rams losses in Week 16 and 17. (plus Bears going 2-0)
— Cardinals going 1-1, losing to either 49ers or Rams. (plus Bears going 2-0)
— (The unlikely scenario on the next slide)

In all likelihood, the Cardinals are going to win their Week 16 matchup against the wounded San Francisco 49ers, but a Week 17 matchup that pits playoff lives on the line could be beneficial for the Chicago Bears.

At this point, it’s arguable that this will be the most important non-Bears game, in regards to their playoff hopes.

It’s mostly unnecessary to be rambling about this Week 17 scenario, given Week 16’s unknowns. The two met in a shootout earlier this month, which suggests that the teams are familiar with one another.

In that game, the Rams’ offense dominated in a 38-28 win, and in the process, provided a self-made blueprint on how to limit Arizona: win the time of possession battle and force them into underneath routes, among much else.

This game begins at 3:25 pm CT, which means the Bears will be in watch-and-see mode. If it happens as it probably should, the Bears will be sitting on the No. 7 seed, and packing for a playoff trip.