Things are certainly getting interesting in the NFC as the latest game has caused waves with in the conference.
The Los Angeles Rams took a stunning loss to the Atlanta Falcons 27-24 to close out Week 17 which complicates the NFC playoff picture a bit. Los Angeles can no longer get the number one seed as that only goes to the winner of the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers game in Week 18.
What does it mean for the Chicago Bears as they enter Week 18 and fighting for the number two seed?
Bears' potential NFC playoff scenarios entering Week 18
After the Bears' tough loss to the 49ers in Week 17, Chicago can no longer get the number one seed in the NFC. The best they can do, and the most likely scenario, is earn the number two seed.
For the number two seed, it is straightforward: win, and the Bears get it, or the Philadelphia Eagles lose, and the Bears still get it. If the Bears lose and the Eagles win, Philadelphia earns the number two seed instead. The only opponent the number-two seed winner can face is the Green Bay Packers, who clinched the number-seven seed with the loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17.
In that scenario where the Eagles take the number two seed, the Bears could face two different opponents in the NFC Wild Card as the number three seed. Here is the complete breakdown of who they could face if they are the number three seed in the NFC:
- If the 49ers win, Bears lose, and Eagles win: Rams vs. Bears in Wild Card
- If the Seahawks win, Rams win, Bears lose, and Eagles win: 49ers vs. Bears in Wild Card
- If Seahawks win, Rams lose, Bears lose, and Eagles win: Rams vs. Bears in Wild Card
Read more: Caleb Williams did not hold back his frustration after Bears loss to 49ers
It really comes down to the Bears taking care of business against the Detroit Lions to keep their number-two seed in the NFC. Week 18 should be exciting, regardless of what happens, as Bears fans want to make the playoffs.