Things are certainly starting to get more interesting in the NFC playoff picture for the Chicago Bears after picking up their biggest win of the season over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11.
It took a last-second field goal by Bears kicker Cairo Santos to send Chicago home with a win in front of the Vikings' home crowd with a 19-17 victory. The win put the Bears at a 7-3 record, their best start since 2018. Minnesota dropped to 4-6 and now finds itself in a difficult position to try to get into the postseason picture.
Going into Week 11, the Bears were tied for first in the NFC North with the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers just a half game behind both teams. So, how did the Bears' win over the Vikings change their playoff outlook?
Week 11 has shaped the NFC playoff picture for the Bears
The Bears, as of the noon kickoffs ending for Week 11, find themselves in sole possession of first place in the NFC North with the Lions just a win behind them. Green Bay also secured a win over the New York Giants, but at 6-3-1, it remains behind the Lions and Bears in the division race.
1. Chicago Bears (7-3)
2. Detroit Lions (6-3)
3. Green Bay Packers (6-3-1)
4. Minnesota Vikings (4-6)
As for the NFC playoff picture in general, the Bears would be the number three seed in the conference. They are currently behind the Philadelphia Eagles and the Seattle Seahawks, who are both tied for first at 7-2. Philadelphia owns the tiebreaker based on its conference record being more decisive than the Seahawks.
Read more: Bears broke Justin Jefferson to the point of a meltdown in Week 11 win
The Bears will have to wait for the results of the Eagles-Lions Week 11 game to determine their position, but Chicago looks a lot better following the win over the Vikings.