Nobody in Chicago went to bed after watching the Bears' incredible 22-16 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 16 action.
After being down 16-6 in the fourth quarter, the Bears scored a field goal, got the onside kick, and Caleb Williams scored the game-tying touchdown to Jahdae Walker to force overtime. After a botched snap in overtime by the Packers on fourth down, Williams hit DJ Moore for a 46-yard touchdown to win the game.
Now the Bears are 11-4 and have a 1.5-game lead in the NFC North as they look to secure a playoff spot first, then a division title, before considering the No. 1 seed. As they prepare for the San Francisco 49ers game in Week 17, there is a scenario in which they enter the game already knowing whether they are in the playoffs.
Bears' playoff clinching scenarios
Keep in mind that the Bears cannot clinch a playoff spot in Week 16, so while the action starts for getting there in Week 16, it will take until Week 17 to get it done.
The first thing that has to happen is for the Detroit Lions to lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16 or to lose against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17. The Packers also have to lose in Week 17 to the Baltimore Ravens.
With the Lions and Packers playing before Sunday's action in Week 17, the Bears could enter their Sunday Night Football showdown against the 49ers with a playoff spot clinched in the NFC North. The likelihood of that happening seems slim, since the Vikings are not a playoff team with less to play for. The hope is the Steelers, who have plenty to play for, will be motivated enough to get a win in Week 16.
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A few things can help the Bears before the game, but the simplest is for Chicago to beat San Francisco and do it themselves. A little help along the way would be nice as well, though.