The Chicago Bears control their playoff destiny and will lock up the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a victory against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, January 4 — but there is another path to at least two home playoff games at Soldier Field.
The Philadelphia Eagles share the same 11-5 record as Chicago, though the Bears bested the Eagles in Philly earlier this year, affording the NFC North Division champs the tiebreaker. Thus, should the Eagles lose to the visiting Washington Commanders in Week 18, the Bears will claim the No. 2 spot in the conference.
Chicago’s chances to do so were increased significantly by Philadelphia’s announced intention to rest some of its top starters in Week 18 in preparation for the franchise’s Super Bowl defense.
“Coach Nick Siranni said the ‘marathon of a season’ is the reason he will be resting key starters against the Washington Commanders despite playoff seeding still on the line,” Jayna Bardahl of The Athletic reported on Friday. “Tanner McKee will start at quarterback in place of Jalen Hurts, and others will likely join Hurts on the sideline. This is the fourth time in five seasons in which the Eagles have rested key players in Week 18.”
Eagles Favored to Beat Commanders, as Washington Will Start 3rd-String QB Josh Johnson in Philadelphia
GettyPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee.
McKee has limited NFL experience but is also among the best quarterbacks that casual fans may not know much about.
He profiles as a trade candidate in the coming offseason who could potentially fetch a Day 2 pick. Thus, a strong performance by the QB and the team on Sunday is in the best interests of both McKee and the Eagles organization.
Beyond that, the Commanders (4-12) are at the end of a nightmare campaign following a trip to the NFC championship game less than one calendar year ago. Third-string quarterback Josh Johnson will start in Philadelphia, as the team has already shut down Jayden Daniels for the season and Marcus Mariota is out with a quad injury and a cut on his throwing hand.
Considering all of the circumstances, the Eagles remain 4.5-point favorites to defeat the Commanders, which means the Bears likely must beat Detroit to preserve the No. 2 seed.
Bears Will Face Packers at Soldier Field if Chicago Can Claim No. 2 Seed in NFC
GettyChicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
Unlike the Eagles and Commanders, the Bears and Lions are both playing everyone healthy this Sunday.
The Lions destroyed the Bears by 31 points in Week 1, and Chicago head coach Ben Johnson has a chance to exact revenge on Detroit head coach Dan Campbell, his former boss. But more than bragging rights or evening the on-field score, a win for the Bears Sunday has major playoff implications.
Green Bay has locked up the No. 7 seed and is taking the safe route Sunday in Minneapolis, where they will sit the majority of their starters. If the Bears beat Detroit or Philadelphia loses, Chicago will host Green Bay at Soldier Field regardless of how the Packers‘ game plays out.
The Packers bested the Bears early in December, while Chicago eked out a miracle overtime victory against the Packers in comeback fashion in Week 16. That said, Green Bay is banged up on both sides of the football and the Bears are very familiar with the Packers and how they play/win.
Should Chicago lose Sunday and fall to the No. 3 seed, they will likely face the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field. The Niners just bested the Bears in Santa Clara in Week 17 by a score of 42-38, and while San Francisco’s defense is dealing with major injury issues, it is hard to imagine Chicago’s defense being able to stop the 49ers’ attack — even in cold weather.
The Bears could also end up in a showdown the Los Angeles Rams, should the Rams lose in Week 18. Chicago has not faced the Rams this season, but QB Matthew Stafford is a top-two MVP candidate and the wide receiver duo of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams could prove a terror for the Bears secondary.
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