The Chicago Bears are on an incredible run, with only five games left in the 2025 season.
After 12 games, the Bears are 9-3 and find themselves in first place not only in the NFC North but in the NFC after the Los Angeles Rams lost to the Carolina Panthers. It's official: Chicago controls its own destiny and is no longer looked down upon by the rest of the NFL.
With the Bears on everyone's radar, their last five games are going to be some of the most challenging games of the season. Getting a winning record out of this stretch could help them win the conference's number one seed and the division title, but how will they do?
Predicting the Bears' final five games of 2025 season
Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers - Week 14
- Date: Sunday, December 7
- Time: 3:25 p.m. CST
- Venue: Lambeau Field
- Channel: FOX
Division games have been a massive challenge for Chicago over the years, but picking up a win over the Minnesota Vikings a few weeks ago at least helped break the narrative that they can't win in the NFC North. Chicago and Green Bay square off in a critical game that will determine who is in first place in the division and potentially the conference.
The Bears split the series last year with the Packers after Cairo Santos nailed a game-winning field goal in the final week of the 2024 season against Green Bay. Chicago needs to be careful, as the Packers are riding momentum from their Thanksgiving win over the Detroit Lions.
While the Bears have improved dramatically as a team from last year, this Packers team is tough enough that losing on the road isn't out of the question. This is a good Green Bay team that will be fighting Chicago for that top spot in the conference all season.
Prediction: Packers 23, Bears 17 (Record: 9-4)
Cleveland Browns vs. Chicago Bears - Week 15
- Date: Sunday, December 14
- Time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Venue: Soldier Field
- Channel: FOX
While many would think on paper this is an easy win, keep in mind one thing: Myles Garrett. So far this season, Garrett leads the NFL in sacks with 19 and is 3.5 sacks away from breaking Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt's record of 22.5 in a season.
As much as Bears fans would love to think this is an automatic win with the Browns starting rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, it's no gimme with Garrett on the other side. With that said, Chicago should still beat Cleveland, but it could be an ugly win.
Prediction: Bears 26, Browns 13 (Record: 10-4)
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears - Week 16
- Date: Saturday, December 20
- Time: TBD
- Venue: Soldier Field
- Channel: FOX
The rematch. If the Bears do lose to the Packers the first time, this game just got magnified with it coming before Christmas.
Chicago's ability to run the football should be an advantage on this one. The hope is that the Bears' pass rush will improve and figure out how to get to Jordan Love, with Montez Sweat being the only consistent edge rusher on the team right now.
There's no way Ben Johnson is going to allow the Bears to lose a second game to the Packers and will have them motivated and ready to go for the most crucial game of the season. A win over Green Bay would get them back in the driver's seat in the NFC North and, hopefully, the NFC.
Prediction: Bears 24, Packers 21 in overtime (Record: 11-4)
Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers - Week 17
- Date: Sunday, December 28
- Time: 7:20 p.m. CST
- Venue: Levi Stadium
- Channel: NBC/Peacock
The 49ers feel like a very weird team that, even though they are 9-4 and third in the NFC West, isn't dominating with Brock Purdy at quarterback. It's been San Francisco's defense that has carried them throughout the season.
Chicago will have to lean on Kyle Monangai and D'Andre Swift as Caleb Williams could struggle with this defensive unit, but don't let the sack numbers fool fans, as the 49ers have a great front seven. The concern is that the Bears are traveling across the country, which never bodes well for the road team, but they seem to always find a way to win close games. Watch for the turnovers to make a difference in this game.
Prediction: Bears 28, 49ers 21 (Record: 12-4)
Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears - Week 18
- Date: TBD (Flex Game)
- Time: TBD
- Venue: Soldier Field
- Channel: TBD
To close out the season, the Bears are looking for revenge on the Lions after Detroit blew them out in Week 2, allowing 52 points. That humiliating loss was the driving force in Chicago winning nine of its last 10 games.
Johnson is more well-equipped as a head coach and has his defense finally getting healthy at the right time. The running game is at an all-time best for the Bears, and this team has figured out ways to win games.
Plus, this Lions team has seemed to have lost all momentum with their recent struggles. This is the statement game the Bears need to let the NFL know they are the top team in the NFC and can seal their division title, even if it's another close, ugly game.
Prediction: Bears 16, Lions 14 (Record: 13-4)
Read more: Bears can end 14-year postseason win drought by fixing one issue