Bears’ remarkable 2025 season reflected in NFC North standings entering Week 17

Chicago Bears fans are enjoying a very special Victory Monday after Week 16’s miracle finish at Soldier Field.

Caleb Williams’ game-winning dagger to DJ Moore to defeat the Packers in overtime is a throw that will live on for years to come in Bears lore, and for good reason. It felt like a critical moment in this next era of Chicago Bears football, as if the Bears finally rid themselves of the curse of Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and the Green Bay Packers.

Indeed, it’s only one game. But what a one game it was. This Chicago Bears team proved that even when the odds appear insurmountable, somehow, some way, Ben Johnson’s team finds a way to fight back.

As for those odds in Week 16, when the Bears trailed the Packers 16-9 with 1:59 left in the fourth quarter? Green Bay had a 96.9% chance of winning, and had the Packers held on, the odds for Chicago to win the NFC North would’ve dropped to 14%.

MORE: Studs and duds from Bears’ incredible Week 16 win over Packers

“We’re never out of it,” Josh Blackwell said. “Guys on the sideline were like, ‘We’re fine. We’re going to score right here, get an onside kick, score again and we’ll win.'”

That’s the kind of culture the Bears have lacked for a long time. It’s the kind of belief that only comes from having an elite head coach and a generational quarterback, too.

It all adds up to the Chicago Bears sitting in first place in the NFC North with two games left to play. Up first is Week 17’s Sunday night clash against the San Francisco 49ers, before facing the Detroit Lions in Week 18’s season finale.

The Bears have already punched their ticket to the playoffs, thanks to the Pittsburgh Steelers and, yes, Aaron Rodgers, defeating the Lions in Week 16. And while that’s a massive goal checked off the 2025 season wish list, winning the NFC North would be a wish come true for Ben Johnson’s first year on the job.

NFC North standings entering Week 17

Chicago Bears (11-4)

Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)

Detroit Lions (8-7)

Minnesota Vikings (7-8)

The Chicago Bears can clinch the NFC North title by winning either of their final two games of the season. There’s a chance the Bears can win the division even if they lose out; they’d need the Packers to lose at least one of their final two games.