The Chicago Bears are looking like one of the best teams in the NFL after a commanding 24-15 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, but it got even better with the rest of the league playing.
One matchup every Bears fan was watching was the Carolina Panthers vs. the Los Angeles Rams. Chicago needed the Panthers to win so the Rams would drop to the second seed in the NFC and the Bears could move up to the number one seed. That's exactly what happened as the Panthers took down the Rams 31-28.
The NFC playoff looks a lot different with the Bears first at 9-3, the Rams second at 9-3, and the Eagles at 8-4. Chicago finds itself in unfamiliar territory as the number one seed, but this shows something the Bears haven't done in almost two decades.
A little history made by the Bears shows momentum going into final five games
ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin shared a stat from the ESPN research team that favors Chicago. What's even better is what happened the last time they accomplished this feat, which might have some fans thinking Super Bowl title.
"This is the latest in a season that the Bears have held at least a share of the best record in the NFC since the end of the 2006 season. They had the NFC's best record that year (13-3) and went to the Super Bowl."
From ESPN Research: This is the latest in a season that the Bears have held at least a share of the best record in the NFC since the end of the 2006 season. They had the NFC's best record that year (13-3) and went to the Super Bowl. https://t.co/Pe9dRudnO7
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) December 1, 2025
Bears fans might remember how that season went for Chicago: despite a lackluster offense, they had the best defense in the NFL, led by Brian Urlacher. Unfortunately, that did end in a Super Bowl loss to the Peyton Manning-led Indianapolis Colts despite an opening kickoff return for a touchdown by Devin Hester.
This 2025 Bears team is different from that 2006 Bears team that made the Super Bowl. Arguably, the offense is stronger this season, with Caleb Williams more naturally gifted than Rex Grossman, and the running game is stronger. Fans can't compare the defenses, as that 2006 unit was one of the best in franchise history.
Read more: Predicting the Bears' final five games to challenging close of 2025 season
If the Bears fan base was looking for any sign of this season's team making an improbable run for the Super Bowl when no one else in the NFL would believe it, maybe that stat will add some encouragement to start going overboard the rest of the 2025 season.