Who knew that sitting on the couch over the last four days was actually going to help out the Chicago Bears?
Through the first two games of the regular season, many Bears fans had already started thinking about the future after two tough losses to the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings. That all changed after two consecutives wins after that against the Dallas Cowboys and the Las Vegas Raiders.
With the bye week complete, the Bears can now shift their focus at 2-2 and attempt to get over .500 for the first time this season. That would help their already decent chances of making the playoffs.
New odds have the Bears with a fighting chance of making the playoffs
Kalshi shared the odds of who will make the playoffs for the NFL. For the Bears, they are sitting at an impressive 29% chance after getting some help in Week 5.
Among the playoff-contending teams early in the regular season, one notable team was the Arizona Cardinals, who blew a 21-6 lead against the Tennessee Titans, ultimately losing 22-21 and falling to 2-3 on the season. Seeing the Seattle Seahawks lose to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was another key result that places them at a 3-2 record.
Unfortunately for the Bears, the NFC North cleaned house with two wins over the weekend. The Vikings needed a game-winning touchdown from Jordan Addison to secure their victory over the Cleveland Browns in London. As for the Lions, they had an easy time, blowing out the Cincinnati Bengals 37-24.
A division title is going to be a reach with this Bears team, with the Green Bay Packers and the Lions in prime position to take the NFC North. Chicago and Minnesota will most likely be in a heated battle for one of the NFC Wild Card spots late in the season.
Read more: Latest 2026 NFL mock draft has Bears finding Jonah Jackson replacement
It's good to see the Bears' chances of the postseason seem pretty good. A win over the Washington Commanders to conclude Week 6 is desperately needed to raise those chances and prove they can beat the elite teams in the NFL.