The Chicago Bears are heading into Week 14 not just as one of the hottest teams in the league, but as the current No. 1 seed in the NFC. Yes, you read that right - the Bears, a team that many still weren’t sure about just a few weeks ago, now sit atop the conference standings after a statement win over the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13. And with the Los Angeles Rams falling to the Panthers, the door swung wide open for Chicago to take control.
Both the Bears and Rams are sitting at 9-3, but Chicago holds the edge thanks to a better conference record - 6-2 compared to L.A.’s 4-3. That matters in a big way when it comes to playoff seeding, and right now, the Bears are in the driver’s seat.
But the road ahead is anything but smooth. Week 14 brings a massive divisional clash against the Green Bay Packers, who are right on their heels in the NFC North. This isn’t just about bragging rights - this game could go a long way in deciding who takes the division crown and potentially locks up home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Rams face a much softer matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, who were officially eliminated from playoff contention after another loss this past weekend. So while the Bears are riding high, they’ll need to keep their foot on the gas.
And the national power rankings? They’re finally starting to reflect what Bears fans have been seeing on the field.
Bears in Week 14 NFL Power Rankings
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: No. 4 (Up 3 spots)
Iyer gave the Bears a significant boost, crediting their dominant ground game and how it’s perfectly complementing Ben Johnson’s game plan. The offensive rhythm is syncing up with a defense that’s quietly becoming one of the more reliable units in the NFC.
That kind of balance makes the Bears a dangerous team down the stretch.
Taylor Wirth, NBC Sports: No. 5 (Up 2 spots)
Wirth didn’t hold back in praising Ben Johnson’s fiery leadership, both on the sideline and in the locker room. The energy he’s brought to this team is palpable, and it’s clear that Chicago has found its guy.
Add in a thunder-and-lightning backfield that’s been steamrolling defenses, and suddenly the Bears aren’t just winning - they’re doing it with an identity.
Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut: No. 6 (Up 3 spots)
Johnson noted that skepticism around the Bears was starting to fade after their Week 13 performance. Before that, critics pointed to their negative point differential as a reason to doubt them.
But after bullying the Eagles in their own house on Black Friday, those questions are taking a backseat. And here’s the kicker - Caleb Williams isn’t even playing his best ball yet.
The rookie quarterback hasn’t needed to carry the load because Chicago’s rushing attack has been the best in the league for nearly two months, and the defense is rounding into form. Johnson also highlighted the importance of the upcoming Packers matchups, which could decide the NFC North title.
Jacob Infante, Pro Football and Sports Network: No. 12 (Up 4 spots)
Infante took a slightly more cautious approach, but even he couldn’t ignore the Bears’ resume. First place in the NFC North.
Winners of five straight. Nine wins in their last ten games.
And that Week 13 win? A 281-yard rushing clinic against a tough Eagles front.
If this team keeps playing smashmouth football like that in January, they’ll be a nightmare matchup for anyone - even with a rookie quarterback at the helm.
The bottom line: the Bears are no longer just a feel-good story or a team overachieving on grit alone. They’re a legitimate contender with a formula that works - a punishing run game, a defense that’s tightening the screws, and a coaching staff that’s pressing all the right buttons.
Week 14 against Green Bay is going to be a litmus test, no doubt. But if Chicago keeps doing what it’s doing, the NFC might just have to go through Soldier Field.