The Chicago Bears head into Sunday controlling their own postseason fate. Still, thanks to developments elsewhere in the NFC, they may not need everything to go perfectly to secure a prime playoff position.
A win over the Detroit Lions would lock the Bears into the No. 2 seed and guarantee at least two home playoff games at Soldier Field. But even without a victory, Chicago has been handed a significant assist by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Philadelphia enters Week 18 tied with Chicago at 11–5, but the Bears hold the tiebreaker after beating the Eagles on the road earlier this season. That means if Philadelphia loses at home to the Washington Commanders, the Bears claim the No. 2 seed regardless of the Detroit result.
The odds of that scenario just improved. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed the team plans to rest several starters with the postseason looming. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee will start in place of Jalen Hurts, and other key contributors are expected to sit as Philadelphia prioritizes health over seeding. It marks the fourth time in five seasons the Eagles have taken this approach in the final week.
Washington, meanwhile, limps into the finale with a 4–12 record and a third-string quarterback. With Jayden Daniels shut down and Marcus Mariota sidelined, Josh Johnson will start under center. Even so, the Eagles remain favored, meaning Chicago’s cleanest path still runs through Detroit.
Unlike Philadelphia, both the Bears and Lions are going full throttle on Sunday. Detroit embarrassed Chicago in Week 1, and Bears head coach Ben Johnson now has a chance to return the favor against his former organization with real stakes attached.
If the Bears secure the No. 2 seed, they would host the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round. Green Bay has already locked in the No. 7 seed and is expected to rest starters. The teams split their regular-season meetings, and Chicago’s familiarity with the Packers could prove decisive in a postseason rematch.
A slip to the No. 3 seed would bring less inviting options. Chicago could draw the San Francisco 49ers, who just edged the Bears in a high-scoring Week 17 matchup, or potentially the Los Angeles Rams, led by MVP candidate Matthew Stafford and a dangerous receiving corps.
Bottom line: the Bears still need to take care of business, but with Philadelphia easing off the gas, Chicago has been given a rare late-season cushion. Now it’s on them to capitalize and bring playoff football back to Soldier Field the hard way: by earning it.
The Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions will air on FOX at 3:25 p.m CST.
ALSO READ:
Patrick John Flueger returns to Chicago P.D. after personal leave
