The Chicago Bears faced an actual test in Week 14, as they took on the hated Green Bay Packers for first place in the NFC North.
Most of the games haven't been pretty, but the Bears have found ways to win nine games so far this season. And that's all that matters. But to silence the criticism of the Packers would have been euphoric for Bears fans.
Unfortunately, it was the same old story for the Bears. In Week 14, they lost 28-21 to the Packers at Lambeau Field. The Bears nearly pulled off an upset, but surrendered a late rushing touchdown to Packers running back Josh Jacobs.
Quarterback Caleb Williams tried his best to orchestrate a game-tying/winning drive. However, Williams' pass to tight end Cole Kmet in the end zone was intercepted by Keisean Nixon to end the game.
With this loss, the Bears are no longer in first place in the NFC North and no longer hold the No. 1 seed in the entire NFC. So, what does the playoff picture look like?
Updated NFC playoff picture after Bears lose to Packers in Week 14
Here is what the NFC playoff
Seed | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
No. 1 | Los Angeles Rams | 10-3 |
No. 2 | Green Bay Packers | 9-3-1 |
No. 3 | Philadelphia Eagles | 8-4 |
No. 4 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7-6 |
No. 5 | Seattle Seahawks | 10-3 |
No. 6 | San Francisco 49ers | 9-4 |
No. 7 | Chicago Bears | 9-4 |
If the season were to end today, here is what the first-round playoff matchups would look like on the NFC side.
- (2) Green Bay Packers vs. (7) Chicago Bears
- (3) Philadelphia Eagles vs. (6) San Francisco 49ers
- (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. (5) Seattle Seahawks
That's right: if the season ended in Week 14, the Bears would have to head back to Lambeau Field to take on the Packers. That would be ratings gold for sure, but we're sure Bears fans would have preferred to pick up the win on Sunday and to hold the No. 1 seed in the conference. With that, they'd keep the first-round bye.
Read more: It took one half for Bears fans to be utterly confused about Caleb Williams
There are positives to take from this loss. The Bears showed they can compete with the Packers and give them a fight. Williams also showed what football fans saw during his college days at USC: a play-making quarterback. Plus, the Bears get their chance at revenge against the Packers in two weeks at Soldier Field.