CHICAGO (WLS) — Following the Chicago Bears’ thrilling triumph over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, here’s a look at what they need to secure a playoff berth in the NFL.
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This season, the Bears have pulled off several unexpected comebacks, but none quite like this. Under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears have shown time and again that they are relentless.
Saturday marked the sixth instance this season where they clawed back to win after trailing in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter. Yet, this comeback was statistically the most unlikely. Down by 7 points at the two-minute warning, their chances of winning were a mere 0.5%. The Bears, however, managed to tie the game, pushing it to overtime, and then secured a victory with a thrilling 46-yard pass from Caleb Williams to DJ Moore, clinching the win 22-16 with a breath-taking finish.
This victory marked their 11th of the season, the highest since 2018, positioning them firmly at the top of their division.
With a game-and-a-half lead over the Packers, the Bears are now in control of their playoff fate.
A playoff spot could be guaranteed as early as Sunday if the Detroit Lions fall to Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers. The action kicked off at 3:25 p.m. CT at Ford Field.
Or the Bears can keep it simple and win out. They are at the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday night, and then finish the season at home against the Lions. That would win the division, and a split over their final two games would also win the NFC North.
If the Bears stumble and don’t win the division, they could still make the post season as a wild card team, so the opportunity is there thanks to Saturday night’s win.
Their next opponent, the 49ers, play Monday night on ACB7, so they will be on a short week when they face the Bears next.
The day after their improbable win is Bears fans would call a stress-free Sunday, coming off a massive comeback over the Packers.
ABC7 stopped by Wings and Rings in Bridgeport, where fans were kicking back, hoping for a Detroit Lions loss that would officially clinch the Bears playoff berth.
The playoffs are on everyone’s mind now as fans are still coming down from what they witnessed Saturday night.
Many people shared their end of game celebrations with ABC7 from packed bars across the city.
“Yesterday’s game, the way it ended, it’s a miracle, so it was beautiful and I’m happy,” a Bears fan named Fernanda said.
Fans have been through rollercoaster games all season long, dubbing Chicago’s team as the “Cardiac Bears.”
It’s a special season that has brought in many new fans, and of course plenty of customers to businesses hosting watch parties.
“It’s great for business, it’s great for the environment, the staff loved it,” Wings and Rings general manager Jesse Garcia said. “Having the Bears winning, doing their thing means a lot to us, means a lot to Chicago in general, and means a lot to the business.”
