Chicago Bears Could Clinch Playoff Berth Next Week
The Bears are one win away from a playoff berth for the first time since 2010
By James Neveau ••
The Chicago Bears not only made a big statement with their win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night, but they also took a massive step toward clinching their first playoff berth in eight years.
The Bears, who beat the Rams 15-6 on Sunday Night Football, now have a 9-4 record on the season, and thanks to losses by several teams that are chasing them, they are poised to wrap up a playoff berth next weekend when they face the Green Bay Packers.
Bradley Sowell #79 of the Chicago Bears reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the third quarter at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois.
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Roy Robertson-Harris #95 and quarterback Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Rams 15-6 at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois.
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 09: Fireworks explode at the start of the game between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 09: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams is tackled by Adrian Amos #38 of the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 09: Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears runs for a first down ahead of Samson Ebukam #50 of the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 09: Head coach Matt Nagy of the Chicago Bears stands on the sidelines in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 09: Roquan Smith #58 of the Chicago Bears returns an interception in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 09: Bradley Sowell #79 of the Chicago Bears completes the pass for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 09: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears attempts to recover the fumble against quarterback Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams in the third quarter at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 09: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears celebrates with fans after defeating the Los Angeles Rams 15-6 at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
If the Bears beat the Packers at Soldier Field next weekend, they will clinch a playoff berth for the first time since the 2010 season. A Washington Redskins loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars would also clinch a playoff berth for the Bears, who are still hoping to win the NFC North crown with a strong late season finish.
The Bears could theoretically wrap up a division title next weekend as well. One more loss by the Minnesota Vikings, who play the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, would give the Bears a chance to clinch the division with a win against the Packers.
The Bears have not won a division title since 2010, when they reached the NFC Championship Game before losing to the Packers.
