Bears Stun Packers in Overtime Thriller, Take Commanding Lead in NFC North
If you’re in Chicago and still running on adrenaline this morning, you’re not alone. The Bears pulled off one of their most dramatic wins in recent memory, rallying from a 10-point deficit in the final minutes to beat the Packers in overtime.
It wasn’t just a win-it was a statement. And now, with an 11-4 record, Chicago holds a firm grip on the NFC North and is suddenly in striking distance of the NFC’s top seed.
Let’s break down what this win means for the Bears’ playoff picture and how the NFC is shaping up with just two weeks left in the regular season.
The Comeback That Changed Everything
Down 16-6 with just over five minutes left, it looked like the Bears were headed for a frustrating loss to their archrivals. But then came the kind of late-game surge that defines seasons. Chicago clawed back, forced overtime, and finished the job in front of a stunned Green Bay crowd.
The win didn’t just add another tally to the win column-it gave the Bears breathing room in the NFC North. They now sit nearly two games ahead of the Packers, and with just two games remaining, the path to a division title is suddenly clear.
What the Bears Need to Clinch the NFC North
Here’s the math: one more win-either against the 49ers in Week 17 or the Lions in Week 18-and the Bears lock up the division. Even if they stumble, one more loss by both the Packers and Lions would also seal it.
The Lions, sitting at 8-6, are hanging on by a thread. One more loss, and their hopes of taking the division are gone.
Green Bay, now 9-5-1, can’t afford another misstep either. The Bears, meanwhile, just need to take care of business.
One win, and it’s theirs.
Chasing the NFC’s Top Seed
Now, here’s where things get even more interesting. The Bears are currently the No. 2 seed in the NFC, just behind the 12-3 Seahawks.
Seattle’s narrow overtime win over the Rams kept them in the top spot-for now. But the door isn’t closed.
For Chicago to leap into that No. 1 spot, they’ll need to win their final two games and get some help. Seattle would need to lose both of their remaining games.
The Rams also need to drop at least one more. It’s a tough path, but not impossible-and the Bears have already shown they’re capable of shaking up the standings.
Tiebreakers and Key Matchups Ahead
The Bears’ head-to-head win over the Eagles earlier this season could prove crucial. Philadelphia beat Washington to move to 10-5, but if they finish 12-5 or worse, and Chicago matches that record, the Bears hold the tiebreaker.
Next up for Chicago: a massive Week 17 showdown with the 49ers. Not only would a win eliminate San Francisco from No. 1 seed contention, it would also give the Bears the head-to-head edge over another top NFC team. That’s the kind of win that could swing seeding-and momentum-heading into January.
Current NFC Playoff Picture (Entering Second Half of Week 16)
- Seattle Seahawks (12-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-4)
- Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-4)
- San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
- Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)
The Road Ahead
For the Bears, it’s simple: win out, and you’ve got a shot at the NFC’s top seed. Win just one more, and you clinch the division. With two games left-against the 49ers and the Lions-Chicago controls its destiny.
They’ve already defied expectations. Now, they’re in position to do something even bigger. If they keep playing with the grit and resilience they showed against the Packers, the road to the Super Bowl might just run through Soldier Field.