Chicago Bears playoff scenarios: Can Justin Fields and co. still make the NFL Playoffs?

The Chicago Bears are nonetheless alive within the playoff race. The staff beat the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and improved to an 8-9 file, which implies they nonetheless can get the ultimate wild-card spot even with a dropping file.

Nevertheless, to get to the playoffs, a whole lot of issues need to go proper. It is unlikely that they’re going to have the ability to get to the postseason, however till the season is over, there’s nonetheless an opportunity to consider.

Chicago Bears playoff image: Why Justin Fields and co. need assistance from the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions

The one state of affairs the place the Bears would qualify for the playoffs entails their direct rivals for the ultimate wild card dropping out and the NFC South happening within the race as effectively. As such, they might get the seventh seed with an 8-9 file.

They need assistance from a whole lot of groups. In Week 18, they might depend on the Arizona Cardinals to beat the Seattle Seahawks and the Detroit Lions to beat the Minnesota Vikings. This week, they want the Pittsburgh Steelers to beat the Seattle Seahawks, the New York Giants to beat the Los Angeles Rams, and the Inexperienced Bay Packers to beat the Minnesota Vikings.

Clearly, the Chicago Bears have to win their two video games as effectively. They play the Atlanta Falcons at residence in Week 17 and the Inexperienced Bay Packers away from residence in Week 18.

Chicago Bears’ playoff probabilities coming into Week 17

The Bears have the smallest probabilities on the planet of creating the playoffs. They’ve a 1% likelihood, in accordance with the New York Instances’ playoff calculator. There are solely 4 groups with a lesser likelihood, however the Washington Commanders, the New York Giants, the Carolina Panthers, and the Arizona Cardinals are all eradicated.

The poor begin to the season is hurting the Bears badly at this level within the season, and Justin Fields’ harm, which noticed Tyson Bagent beginning a number of video games for them, did not assist their trigger both. If Fields nonetheless desires to play for the Bears in 2024, they’ll solely hope for a miracle at this level.