Chicago Bears Clinch Playoff Berth After Overtime Win vs. Packers

The Chicago Bears clinched their first playoff berth since 2020 with a dramatic overtime victory against the Green Bay Packers, finishing the game 22 to 16 at Soldier Field. This win, combined with the Pittsburgh Steelers' 29-24 victory over the Detroit Lions, secured the Bears' spot in the postseason, as reported by the Daily Herald and Chicago Sun-Times.

Head coach Ben Johnson, in his first season, has successfully led the Bears to a remarkable turnaround, with the team improving from a 5-12 record the previous season to an 11-4 record. The Bears now lead the NFC North and control their destiny with two games remaining against the San Francisco 49ers and the Lions.

This is a significant achievement for Johnson, who is the first Bears coach to reach the playoffs in his first season since Matt Nagy in 2018. The Bears have only made the playoffs six times in the last 30 years, highlighting the importance of this moment for the franchise.

According to Windy City Gridiron, the Bears have a 97% chance to make the playoffs, and with one more win, they will clinch the NFC North title. The Bears' defense, which leads the league in takeaways, and quarterback Caleb Williams, who has led the team to an NFL-best six fourth-quarter comebacks, have been pivotal in this impressive season.

The Lions, once considered a threat, find themselves on the brink of playoff elimination after their loss, with their chances drastically reduced to six percent, as highlighted by Bear Goggles On.