The Chicago Bears have been mathematically eliminated from the race for the NFC's No. 1 seed, which is a noteworthy development for multiple reasons. First and foremost, that means a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the road to Super Bowl LX are no longer on the table. Yet, somehow, this is only the tip of the iceberg.
Chicago's thrilling albeit disappointing 42-38 loss to the San Francisco 49ers could cause a massive ripple effect. The ramifications of this Sunday Night Football showdown cannot be overstated, specifically with respect to the Bears.
Yes, the Bears have punched their ticket to the postseason, but they ostensibly have their sights set on much bigger goals. However, that becomes much harder for a club no longer in contention for first place in the conference. Just look at the updated standings; the list of prospective opponents is less than ideal, to say the least.
Bears locked into daunting first-round playoff matchup after SNF loss to 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3, first in NFC West)
- Chicago Bears (11-5, first in NFC North)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5, first in NFC East)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8, first in NFC South)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4. second in NFC West)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-4, third in NFC West)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6-1, second in NFC North)
- Minnesota Vikings (8-8, third in NFC North)
- Detroit Lions (8-8, fourth in NFC North)
- Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1, second in NFC East)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9, second in NFC South)
- Atlanta Falcons (6-9, third in NFC South)
- New Orleans Saints (6-10, fourth in NFC South)
- Washington Commanders (4-12, third in NFC East)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-13, fourth in NFC West)
- New York Giants (3-13, fourth in NFC East)
The seven NFC playoff representatives are locked and loaded, now it's just a matter of what order the teams will be arranged in. Chicago can finish as high as second or as low as third depending on how Week 18 shakes out. With that in mind, a date with the whoever finishes third in the NFC West title chase or the Green Bay Packers awaits.
A rematch with the 49ers, one of the hottest squads in the NFL, is well within the range of outcomes. The alternatives are arguably the league's most talented roster in the Rams or top-flight defenses likes the Seahawks and Packers. Green Bay is probably the lesser of evils for the Bears, though none are a cakewalk.
Unfortunately, not everyone has the benefit of facing the winner of the NFC South. There's a very real chance that the Bears are underdogs regardless of who they host on Wild Card Weekend. Whether it be the Rams, Niners, Seahawks or Packers, Chicago's youth at critical positions, namely quarterback and head coach, can be exposed.