Bears clinch playoffs for first time since 2020, and it’s eerily similar to how they made it the last time

The Chicago Bears have clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2020. After the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Detroit Lions 29-24 on December 21, 2025, the Bears secured their postseason berth with a 11-4 record. This marks a dramatic turnaround for a franchise that spent five years outside the playoff picture.

How the Bears Clinched Their Playoff Berth

The Chicago Bears watched Sunday’s Week 16 matchup between Pittsburgh and Detroit with championship aspirations. The Bears had already strengthened their position on Saturday night with a dramatic 22-16 overtime victory against the Green Bay Packers. That win put them in prime position to advance with a Lions loss.

When Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers held off a late Lions rally to secure the 29-24 triumph, the celebration began in Chicago. The defeat mathematically eliminated Detroit from playoff contention while simultaneously clinching the Bears’ postseason trip. It represents one of the most unexpected twists of the season—Aaron Rodgers, a former NFC North rival of the Bears, ultimately became the architect of their playoff entry.

The Bears still have work ahead to secure the NFC North division title, but qualification is now assured regardless of their remaining games against the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions.

The Steelers’ Dramatic Final Moments

Pittsburgh’s victory came in wild circumstances that dominated Week 16 headlines. The Steelers built a commanding 22-10 lead with 12:23 remaining in the fourth quarter after Jaylen Warren scampered into the end zone on a 45-yard touchdown run. Detroit mounted a furious comeback attempt that had momentum swinging toward the home team.

However, a controversial offensive pass interference penalty on the Lions’ final play negated what appeared to be a potential game-tying touchdown for Detroit. The flag killed the Lions’ hopes and sealed Pittsburgh’s victory. The penalty call became an instant talking point across the NFL, with Lions fans and analysts debating its validity amid the dramatic finish.

Chicago Bears’ Path Forward in NFC Contention

Team	Record	Status
Chicago Bears	11-4	Clinched Playoffs
Green Bay Packers	9-6	Playoff Contention
Detroit Lions	8-8	Effectively Eliminated
Minnesota Vikings	8-8	Outside Looking In

The Bears’ 11-4 mark positions them atop the NFC North standings. They remain within striking distance of securing a premium playoff seed if they continue their winning ways down the stretch. Interestingly, they still hold a realistic chance at even better seeding within the entire NFC playoff picture.

Coach Ben Johnson’s squad has exceeded expectations in his inaugural season with the franchise. The offshore from the Packers into Chicago has proven remarkably successful, with the team’s turnaround from perennial playoff contender back to actual playoff team representing the most significant moment of the season

A Five-Year Journey Returns to the Postseason

Chicago’s absence from the playoffs since 2020 has been a humbling chapter in franchise history. The Bears made that 2020 wild card as an 8-8 team, but subsequent seasons brought steady disappointment and coaching changes. The organization cycled through multiple head coaches and quarterback situations before settling on the current roster.

This year’s vintage looks substantially different—more promising, more cohesive, and ultimately more successful. The pieces have aligned with the offensive scheme, defense has stabilized, and the quarterback situation has found footing. For a fanbase accustomed to November and December being months of mathematical fadeouts, playoff football in January represents vindication.

“This comes after the Bears rallied through the fourth during Saturday night’s game against the Packers.”

— CBS Chicago, Official reporting

What happens next for Chicago as they prepare for their first playoff run since 2020?

The Bears face a San Francisco 49ers team in Week 17 before closing the regular season against Detroit. Both opponents remain formidable, but the psychological weight has lifted. The Bears no longer chase a postseason ticket—they now prepare for it.

With the playoff clinch secured, offensive weapons like Caleb Williams can operate with December confidence rather than desperation. The defense has proven capable of shutting down elite offenses throughout the season. Coaching decisions can prioritize positioning for playoff matchups rather than fighting just to maintain relevance.

Sources

• CBS News Chicago – Bears clinch first playoff spot since 2020 confirmation
• Chicago Sun-Times – Aaron Rodgers Steelers victory details and playoff implications
• NBC Chicago – NFC North standings and Bears playoff path analysis