NFL news: Chicago Bears clinch spot in playoffs after Detroit Lions’ loss, following stunning win over Green Bay Packers
CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Bears have clinched a spot in the NFL playoffs after the Detroit Lions lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday, following their own dramatic win over the Green Bay Packers Saturday night.
Bears fans had a stress-free Sunday until the ending of that Lions game came down to the wire, but as they fell short, cheers erupted at bars across the city with everyone now gearing up for a Super Bowl run.
The city of Chicago is buzzing as the Bears are officially playoff bound.
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Fans were still riding high from a Saturday night miracle win against the rival Green Bay Packers, now ending the weekend with the cherry on top as the Lions’ loss officially sent the Bears to the playoffs.
Some people are already making plans for the postseason.
“It’s just so exciting,” a Bears fan named Fernanda said. “I can’t wait, and I believe maybe we have the next Super Bowl. I was moving back to Brazil and I’m changing my trip until after Super Bowl because I’m very hopeful.”
Fans packed Wings and Rings in Bridgeport to enjoy Sunday’s NFL action, enduring another chaotic ending to a football game as the Lions almost pulled off a comeback against Pittsburgh.
“I came here to watch the lions game, I was like, wow, that ending was just sensational,” a fan named Marty said. “It feels great to be back in the playoffs. I’m ready, I’m excited about the Bears.”
It’s the first playoff berth for the Bears since 2020, and that’s welcome news for many businesses who have seen more and more people coming in to watch the games.
“It’s great for business, it’s great for the environment, the staff loved it,” Wings and Rings general manager Jesse Garcia said. “Having the Bears winning, doing their thing means a lot to us, means a lot to Chicago in general, and means a lot to the business.”
That passion for the Bears now has people coming together all across Chicago.
“It’s definitely different,” Marty said. “Last night I came home, everyone was in the streets. It was like 1996 again when the Bulls won the championship.”
So with two weeks to play before the playoffs, the Bears still have plenty to play for trying to improve their playoff seeding. All of it is shaping up for some special moments ahead in Chicago.
Chicago Bears’ DJ Moore and Caleb Williams celebrate after an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Chicago.
(AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Saturday night was the sixth time this season they rallied to victory after trailing in the final 2 minutes of the 4th quarter, but its never been more improbable statistically. When the bears were down by 7 at the 2-minute warning, they had a point 5% chance to win. They still found a way, tying the game to force overtime and then winning it on a 46-yard pass from Caleb Williams to DJ Moore, electrifying the crowd with a walk-off win, 22-16.
We have seen some unlikely comebacks from the Bears already this season, but never like this. If there is anything we have learned about the Bears under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, it’s that they do not quit.
The Bears got their 11th win of the season, the most since 2018, putting them in the drivers seat in the division. The Bears have a game-and-a-half lead over the Packers and are in control of their own playoff destiny.
The Bears are at the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday night, and then finish the season at home against the Lions
The 49ers play the Indianapolis Colts Monday night on ABC7, and then they will be on a short week when they face the Bears.
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