All the attention now shifts to the Green Bay Packers, once again. Forget the lopsided victory in Week 15; the Chicago Bears have bigger fish to fry than the Cleveland Browns. It's Packers week again.
After their win in Week 15, the Bears are now atop the NFC North, thanks to the Packers' loss to the Denver Broncos. Yet, with just three weeks remaining, the NFC is still as close as ever, and the Bears could very well miss the playoffs.
Even scarier, the Bears could still miss the playoffs even with a win over the Packers in Week 16.
Here's how the Bears could still miss the playoffs even if they beat Green Bay
First and foremost, the Detroit Lions would need to win their final three games. Those games come against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, and our very own Bears in Week 18.
It seems highly likely that Detroit beats both Pittsburgh and Minnesota, which would set up a dramatic season finale.
Secondly, the Bears would need to lose their final two games, which come against the San Francisco 49ers and, of course, Detroit. The 49ers are not to be taken lightly, as they're well within the playoff picture, and I'd never count out Kyle Shanahan.
Finally, the Packers would have to win their final two games against the Baltimore Ravens and the Vikings. The Ravens' matchup is not an easy one, as Lamar Jackson and company are still eyeing a very realistic AFC North title and playoff berth. Forget the fact that Green Bay lost Micah Parsons. This is still an excellent team, and they cannot be taken lightly.
So, to recap:
- Lions beat Steelers, Vikings and Bears
- Bears lose to the 49ers and Lions
- Packers beat the Ravens and Vikings
If that happens, then the Bears miss the playoffs altogether, even after beating Green Bay in Week 16.
This shows how tense the NFC is right now and why head coach Ben Johnson continues to preach a next-game mentality. Nine wins weren't enough to get into the playoffs. 10 wins won't be enough, either.
For this reason, it's all about the Packers right now. Yet, if you're a Bears fan, it is hard not to want a sure thing. It's hard not to think this team would make the playoffs with a win over Green Bay.
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You have to believe, though, that the Bears are going to get up even higher for their season finale against Detroit than they do for any other game this season, and that's saying something. The Packers' matchup is always pivotal, but the finale against the Lions is personal.