Are the Bears in the playoffs? Absolutely. In a stunning turnaround, the Chicago Bears have clinched the NFC North division title in Ben Johnson’s first season as head coach, marking their first division championship since 2018. Now the focus shifts to playoff seeding and what lies ahead for a team that transformed from league worst to division best.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Bears clinched the NFC North title on December 27, 2025, when the Green Bay Packers lost to Baltimore
- First division title since 2018 marks only the sixth time in this century the Bears have won the division
- Ben Johnson is the 18th head coach in franchise history and first to win division in his debut year since Matt Nagy
- Chicago’s 11-4 record secured at least the No. 3 playoff seed in the NFC with two games remaining
Ben Johnson’s Historic First Season Pays Immediate Dividends
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The Bears hired Ben Johnson on January 21, 2025, replacing Matt Eberflus after the team bottomed out at 5-12 last season. Johnson arrived from Detroit, where he spent six years developing prolific offenses. The turnaround happened faster than anyone expected.
Johnson’s system emphasizes balance between rushing and short passing, a strategy that has unlocked the potential of quarterback Caleb Williams and running back D’Andre Williams. The Bears went from worst to first in one of professional sports’ most dramatic reversals.
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“It’s pretty wild to watch,” Johnson said regarding the season’s unexpected trajectory. The first-year coach views the division title as validation but not the final chapter of this unlikely story.
Playoff Picture and Remaining Seeding Scenarios
The Bears currently hold the No. 2 NFC seed with two weeks until the playoffs begin. Their remaining schedule against the San Francisco 49ers and one final opponent determines whether they can climb to the coveted No. 1 seed.
To secure the top seed, Chicago needs to win both remaining games while Seattle loses at least once. A victory in just one game likely locks in the No. 2 seed regardless of other results. Even in worst-case scenarios, the Bears cannot drop below No. 3 seed.
| Playoff Scenario | Chicago Record | Likely Seed |
| Win 2, Seattle loses 1 | 13-4 | No. 1 |
| Win 1, any Seattle result | 12-5 | No. 2 |
| Win 0, Seattle wins both | 11-6 | No. 3 |
Caleb Williams and the Offensive Explosion
Young quarterback Caleb Williams has thrived in Johnson’s system, showcasing the mobility and decision-making that made him the top prospect. The connection between coach and quarterback developed quickly, suggesting sustained success beyond this season.
The offensive line continues to protect Williams effectively, giving him time to execute Johnson’s plays with precision. Receivers have adjusted to his throwing patterns and the team benefits from improved communication across the attack.
Supporting cast members like wide receiver DJ Moore and Rome Odunze have found their rhythm alongside the division-winning performance, creating a foundation for playoff success.
Defensive Resilience Under Pressure
Chicago’s defense has stepped up when needed most throughout the season, holding opponents accountable in crucial moments. The unit recorded multiple defensive touchdowns and forced turnovers during the division-clinching stretch.
Pass rush threats have created constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks, while the secondary has improved consistency week to week. Several defensive backs are performing well above preseason expectations.
Playoff opponents will find the Bears defense battle-tested and hungry to prove this turnaround is genuine rather than a fluke.
What Do the Bears Need to Accomplish in January and Beyond?
Wild card round matchups represent the first test, where Chicago could face teams from weakened wild card positions. The path to a Super Bowl run demands multiple consecutive wins against quality opponents.
Home-field advantage through the divisional round would provide significant benefit, making those final two regular-season games critically important. Momentum heading into the playoffs often matters as much as seeding.
Johnson’s first playoff tournament will reveal whether this remarkable season represents a sustainable foundation or an outlier fueled by perfect circumstances.
Watch the Division-Clinching Celebration
Sources
- NFL.com – Bears clinch first NFC North title since 2018
- Chicago Bears Official Website – NFC North Champions proclamation and playoff information
- ESPN – 2025 NFL playoff picture and playoff odds projections
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.