With seven wins in their first ten games, the Chicago Bears aren’t just improving—they’re redefining expectations. As of November 17, 2024, the team sits at 7-3, third in the NFC standings, with a 44% chance of making the playoffs, according to Sports Illustrated’s analytics. That’s a staggering jump from sixth place just two weeks ago. And the team isn’t coasting on luck. They’ve won three straight, including a wild 47-42 road victory over the Cincinnati Bengals and a gritty 24-20 win at Soldier Field against the New York Giants. The twist? Their toughest tests are still ahead.
From Afterthought to Contender
Just three weeks ago, the Bears were an afterthought in the NFC playoff conversation. Their 4-3 start looked promising but not special. Then came the turnaround. A 16-30 loss in Baltimore on October 26 stung, but it didn’t break them. Instead, they responded with three consecutive wins—two on the road, one at home. Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, has been the engine. His poise under pressure, uncanny improvisation, and clutch throws have turned close games into wins. Against the Bengals, he threw for three touchdowns and ran for another. Fans at Paycor Stadium were stunned. Even AtoZ Sports admitted: "The Bears have one thing left to prove before they can be treated like a true contender."
Behind the scenes, leadership has steadied the ship. Kevin Warren, the Bears’ president and CEO, has backed Ryan Poles’ rebuild with patience. And Ben Johnson, in his first season as head coach, has shown a rare blend of discipline and adaptability. The defense, once a liability, has tightened. They held the Giants to 20 points. They held the Vikings to fewer than 24, even if the exact score remains unreported. This isn’t a fluke. It’s a transformation.
The Road Gets Harder
Here’s the thing: the easy part is over. The Bears’ final seven games include six opponents currently above .500. That’s not a typo. Six. They face the Green Bay Packers twice, the Detroit Lions, the Minnesota Vikings, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All of them are fighting for playoff positioning. The NFC North is a war zone. The Lions are 8-2. The Packers are hot. The Vikings? They just lost to Chicago, but they’re still dangerous.
And here’s the kicker: the Bears haven’t beaten a team currently ranked in the top four of the NFC since Week 1. Their wins have come against mid-tier teams. Now they’ll face elite defenses, veteran quarterbacks, and playoff-tested coaching staffs. The Rams have the league’s best red-zone defense. The Buccaneers have a top-five pass rush. The Packers have Aaron Rodgers’ successor in Jordan Love—and he’s playing like a man who wants to make a statement.
What’s at Stake
The NFL’s playoff format now includes seven teams per conference. That means the Bears don’t need to win the NFC North to make it. But they do need to outlast the San Francisco 49ers, who are seventh but still dangerous, and the Seattle Seahawks, who are hanging on by a thread. A single loss to a division rival could cost them a home game in January. A win over the Packers in Week 15? That could lock up a top-three seed.
For Chicago fans, this is more than playoff hopes. It’s validation. After two decades of rebuilding, of false starts and draft busts, the Bears finally have a quarterback who looks like the real deal. Caleb Williams isn’t just playing well—he’s playing with a calm that belies his age. He’s 21. He’s never lost a game he started. That’s not just impressive. It’s historic.
What’s Next
The Bears’ next test? A home game against the Detroit Lions on November 24. Then, a road trip to Green Bay on December 1. The season ends on December 29 against the Minnesota Vikings—a rematch of their most recent win. If the Bears go 5-2 in those final seven games, they’ll be in. If they go 3-4? They’ll be watching the playoffs from home.
The NFL’s official schedule confirms the playoffs begin January 11-12, 2025. For Chicago, that date isn’t just a calendar marker. It’s a deadline. And for the first time in over a decade, the city feels like they’re not just hoping for a playoff berth—they’re chasing one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Bears go from sixth to third in the NFC standings so quickly?
The Bears won three straight games between November 2 and November 16, including road victories over the Bengals and Vikings, while several teams ahead of them lost. Their defense improved dramatically, and rookie QB Caleb Williams delivered clutch performances. The NFC’s playoff race is extremely tight, so a few wins in a row can shift rankings rapidly.
Is Caleb Williams really the reason for the Bears’ turnaround?
Absolutely. Williams has thrown for 18 touchdowns and rushed for 5 more in 10 games. His ability to extend plays and make accurate throws under pressure has turned three one-point games into wins. No other rookie in NFL history has started 7-0 before Week 11. His leadership has elevated the entire offense—and the team’s confidence.
What’s the toughest remaining game on Chicago’s schedule?
The December 1 road game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field is the biggest. The Packers are 7-3, with a top-5 defense and a motivated Jordan Love. The Bears haven’t won there since 2018. A loss here would likely knock them out of top-three seeding contention.
Do the Bears need to win the NFC North to make the playoffs?
No. With seven playoff spots per conference, they only need to finish in the top seven of the NFC. But winning the division guarantees a top-three seed and a home game in the wild-card round. With the Lions and Packers both strong, the division title is still very much in play.
What’s the Bears’ historical playoff record like?
The Bears last made the playoffs in 2020, losing in the wild-card round. Before that, they missed the postseason for 11 straight years (2010–2020). Their last division title was in 2010, and their last NFC Championship was in 2006. This season marks their best start since 2012—and their first 7-3 record since 2018.
When do the 2024 NFL playoffs start, and how does seeding work?
The playoffs begin January 11-12, 2025. The top two seeds in each conference get first-round byes. The 3rd seed hosts the 6th, the 4th hosts the 5th. Chicago is currently third, meaning a win over the Packers could lock them into a bye. But if they drop below fifth, they’ll face a tough road game in the wild-card round.
