A crucial Packers clash looms, potentially boosting Bears' playoff odds to 91% with a win, but a loss significantly dims their postseason hopes.
The Chicago Bears are sitting pretty at 9-3, holding onto the top spot in the NFC North and the conference's playoff race.
Chicago got the No. 1 seed in the NFC after the Los Angeles Rams lost 31-28 to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Now, the Bears prepare for a key divisional matchup with the Green Bay Packers in Week 14.
While things are going well for Chicago, there is no guarantee they will be in the postseason yet. However, if the Bears beat the Packers on Sunday, their playoff odds will have a sizable increase.
Bears analyst Jacob Infante revealed that with a win, the Bears' chances of making the playoffs increase to 91%. However, if they lose, they will go down to 70%.
Chicago will improve to 10-3 with a win, but will still have some massive games left on the schedule.
The Bears must still play the Cleveland Browns, the Packers again, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Detroit Lions after Sunday. Things will be looking really good for the team with a win, but they still have a tough road ahead.
Chicago is still aiming for its first playoff berth since the 2018 season. With the 24-15 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13, Chicago secured its first winning season since that year.
Unfortunately, the Bears will be without their top receiver in terms of yards, as Rome Odunze is out with a foot injury. Odunze leads Chicago with 661 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Luckily, receiving options like D.J. Moore, Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland, and Olamide Zaccheaus are all healthy.
The injury comes at a tough time, as the Packers allow the sixth-fewest passing yards per game at 202.7.
Outside of Odunze, the only players who were listed as out for the game were defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (hip) and rookie linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II (shoulder). Sunday will be the second game fans will see defensive backs Jaylon Johnson (groin) and Kyler Gordon (calf) back from injury.
Johnson and Gordon were both activated off the injured reserve ahead of the Eagles' game. Speaking of returns from injury, both T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring) and Noah Sewell (elbow) are back for Sunday's game.
Chicago was without Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds (groin) and Sewell for the last two games. Sadly, Edmunds will not be joining his fellow linebackers on the field in Week 14, as he is on the IR.
Sunday's game could have a massive impact on Chicago's playoff chances. Kickoff is at 3:25 p.m. CT on Fox.