5 Chicago Bears' observations at the Bye Week in Week 7

5. The Bears need to stay competitive in the NFC North race. It could also save Matt Eberflus' job.

The combined record of all NFC North teams are 17-5. The only divisional game played so far are Minnesota and Green Bay in Week 4, where Minnesota jumped out to a huge lead and held off Green Bay's rally in the second half to win 31-29.

Many players and coaches will perhaps enjoy watching Minnesota take on Detroit this Sunday in the comforts of their home on Sunday. The race for the NFC North title is about to get competitive.

Meanwhile, after playing Washington and Arizona on the road, the Bears finally return to Chicago and host New England in Week 10. They will play their first divisional game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 11, Minnesota the following week and Detroit on Thanksgiving four days later. That is three consecutive divisional games that will likely determine the 2024 Bears season.

It could also determine the fate of head coach Matt Eberflus. He has yet to beat Matt LaFleur and the Packers. Meanwhile, Kevin O'Connell has the Vikings undefeated so far and Dan Campbell already took the Lions to the NFC Championship last season.

On paper, Eberflus is the worst head coach in the division in terms of wins and losses. But he has made ill-advised challenges and taking questionable timeouts, which has angered many fans. Because of that, the fans are not completely sold on Eberflus as a head coach.

If Eberflus wants to prove he deserves more respect as a head coach, this upcoming stretch will test him. He must go 3-3 in the division this year to stay in the playoff race. Otherwise, many will accuse him of wasting Caleb Williams' talent, and the call for his firing will grow louder.