NFC North Standings: Bears have A LOT of work to do

The Chicago Bears began last Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers with at least a sliver of hope that a strong three-game showing in the NFC North could reinvigorate their 2024 season and keep playoff hopes alive. Then came the blocked field goal heard throughout the NFL universe, dropping the Bears to 4-6 and suffering their first divisional loss of the year.

Making matters worse for Chicago is the strength of the NFC North. Three teams, headlined by everyone’s Super Bowl favorite, the Detroit Lions, are likely to make the playoffs from the division. At 9-1, they control their destiny for home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs.

Here’s a look at the NFC North standings entering Week 12:

1. Detroit Lions (9-1)

2. Minnesota Vikings (8-2)

3. Green Bay Packers (7-3)

4. Chicago Bears (4-6)

Had the Bears gotten the Packers monkey off their back in Week 11, things would look a whole lot different. Chicago would be 5-5, with only one game behind Green Bay for third place, and there would be a game on deck against the Minnesota Vikings. If the Bears pull an upset this week? Well, hey… they’d be 6-5 and closing the gap on second place.

READ: NFL Power Rankings, Week 12 — More Bad News for Bears

You know what they say about ifs and buts, right?

The Chicago Bears have no choice but to approach the season with a one-game-at-a-time mentality. They have to focus on developing Caleb Williams, and hopefully, they can stack a few wins along the way. And if they do? Ya never know how the end-of-year record will look. For now, though, it appears hope is lost.