The Chicago Bears have stormed their way to the top of the NFC with an 11–4 record and first place in the NFC North heading into Week 17. After years of middling finishes and rebuild noise, this Bears team is not just winning games they’re commanding one of the best runs of football in the league right now.
This isn’t smoke and mirrors. Chicago’s offense is clicking in a dozen ways with nearly 26 points per game, placing them among the league’s top offenses. The defense has been opportunistic all season, consistently forcing turnovers and swinging momentum when it matters most. Those takeaways have been the difference in tight games and have helped this team close out wins instead of letting them slip away.
Quarterback Caleb Williams has continued to prove why he was the cornerstone of this rebuild. In Year 2, he’s thrown for over 3,400 yards, showing improved pocket presence, confidence, and an ability to deliver in late-game situations. Williams hasn’t just been productive he’s been poised, and that calm leadership has spread across the entire offense.
Right now, Chicago sits at the top of the NFC picture with their eyes on something bigger than just a division crown. Home-field advantage is very much in play, and the Bears control their own destiny as the regular season winds down.
Head coach Ben Johnson has set the tone all season, preaching consistency and unfinished business. After clinching the NFC North, Johnson made it clear that the job is far from done.
“Our step No. 1 was to get to 11 wins. There’s never been an 11-win team to not make it, and so we felt pretty good about that being the number going into the season. Step two is we want to win this division. We want to have at least one home playoff game. And then step three would be clinch a No. 1 seed. There are a lot of things still out there to play for. Our guys know that.” said Ben Johnson Via Chicago Bears Web
That mindset will be tested tonight as the Bears take on the San Francisco 49ers, one of the NFC’s toughest and most battle tested teams. A win would not only push Chicago to 12–4, but it would also send a loud message to the rest of the conference that this team is for real and ready for playoff football.
The 49ers bring physicality, playoff experience, and star power, but the Bears have momentum, confidence, and Soldier Field energy on their side. Games like this define seasons and tonight is a chance for Chicago to prove that their rise to the top of the NFC wasn’t a fluke.
From a losing record just a year ago to conference leaders now, the Bears have flipped the script. This team plays with swagger, grit, and that unmistakable Chicago edge fans have been waiting for.
Let’s see if they can make it 12–4 tonight.
Because right now, the Bears aren’t just leading the NFC.
-Picture Via Chicago Bears
They’re coming for more. 🐻🔥