How Week 18 will impact the Bears’ Wild Card playoff opponent

First, the good news: The Chicago Bears have clinched the NFC North title and a top-three seed in the 2025 NFL playoffs.

The bad news? There’s no chance the Bears can earn a first-round bye. The winner of the NFC West — the Seattle Seahawks or San Francisco 49ers — will get it.

As a result, Week 18 has meaning for the Bears. At least, there are a few scenarios that can impact who Chicago plays in the Wild Card round at Soldier Field.

If the Bears defeat the Detroit Lions or the Philadelphia Eagles lose to the Washington Commanders, Chicago will clinch the No. 2 seed. They’ll host the No. 7 seed, which is the Green Bay Packers.

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Oh. My. Lord.

But if the Bears lose and the Eagles win, Chicago drops to the No. 3 seed and will host the No. 6 seed, which is currently the Los Angeles Rams. However, if the Seahawks beat the 49ers (and the Rams beat the Cardinals), Chicago will play the 49ers in Round 1.

Got it? Great.

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Bottom line, there’s still a lot to be determined, but what we do know is this: The Chicago Bears will host either the Packers, Rams, or 49ers in the Wild Card round.

Welcome to playoff football.