The Chicago Bears’ Potential Playoff Opponents Is Down To Three

The Chicago Bears couldn’t quite keep their hopes for the #1 seed alive in that thrilling loss in San Francisco. Still, their playoff aspirations are far from dashed. They play the Detroit Lions on Sunday with a chance to still grab the #2 seed, which would guarantee at least two home games. Head coach Ben Johnson has stated the team aims to pursue that goal. He understands the value of playing at home in big games. The only question is, who will the Bears play? That issue has been narrowed down to three with the results of Monday night.

Here is how things currently stand.

If the Chicago Bears win or the Eagles lose on Sunday, they play the Green Bay Packers.

This is the clearest path of the three. Green Bay is locked into the 7th seed. That means they will play whoever the 2nd seed is. If the Bears beat the Lions at Soldier Field, they are the 2nd seed. If Philadelphia loses to Washington, the Bears are the 2nd seed. It would mean a third and decisive rematch between the two long-time rivals.

If the Bears lose on Sunday, they play the Rams or 49ers.

• Rams if 49ers clinch the #1 seed by beating Seattle
• 49ers if they lose to Seattle

The NFC West is a straight dogfight right now. Seattle and San Francisco battle for the #1 seed this weekend. If the Bears lose Sunday and Philadelphia wins (which they should), Chicago drops to the 3rd seed. That means they play the Rams or 49ers, who will be the 6th seed depending on the outcome of that game. Either the Bears get a shot at revenge for Sunday night in San Francisco, or they take on an old rival in Matthew Stafford.

The Chicago Bears face no easy path.

That is the nature of the playoffs. Every team is good. Green Bay beat them once this year and would’ve again if not for that epic comeback. San Francisco just hung 42 points on them last weekend. L.A. is as well-rounded a team as there is in the NFC despite some recent setbacks. Who would you rather play? There is no correct answer. The truth is, the Chicago Bears would’ve had to beat one of these teams to reach the Super Bowl anyway. If they want to prove they’re serious, it’s time to put up or shut up.

If we’re talking matchups, the most favorable is probably Green Bay, if for no other reason than the Bears know them well. You can prepare better for opponents you’ve seen several times. San Francisco and Los Angeles present issues. The 49ers’ offense was almost impossible to stop the first time, and they’ll have George Kittle back. The Rams have a dynamite pass rush that could give the Bears fits. It’s all about which team shows up.