Breaking down the Bears’ playoff paths — and why Week 18 could mean backups for Detroit
The Bears could have their playoff positioning locked up sooner than expected.

If Green Bay falls to Baltimore on Saturday night — with Jordan Love sidelined due to a concussion — and Philadelphia loses to Buffalo on Sunday afternoon, Chicago would be locked into the NFC’s No. 2 seed before even taking the field Sunday night against San Francisco.

In that case, the Bears’ results over the final two games wouldn’t change their standing, and they would likely host the Packers in the opening round.
Winning their final two games would also guarantee the No. 2 seed, but outside help could make that unnecessary.

Chicago still has a path to the conference’s top seed as well. Ignoring more complicated tie scenarios, the simplest route would require the Bears to win out and the Seahawks to drop one of their remaining games.

That race could get interesting depending on how this weekend unfolds. If the Bears beat the 49ers and Seattle handles Carolina, the Seahawks could enter Week 18 facing a San Francisco team with little incentive to play starters. On the other hand, if Chicago wins and Seattle loses Sunday, the Bears would need just one more victory to secure the top spot — potentially against a Lions team with nothing left to play for.

Detroit was eliminated from postseason contention after its loss to Minnesota on Thursday. Coach Dan Campbell didn’t say whether he’d rest starters in the finale at Soldier Field, but he emphasized that his team still needs to be prepared for the trip to Chicago.

Bears head coach Ben Johnson, meanwhile, said he hasn’t given any thought to playoff-related rest scenarios.
“That wouldn’t be fair to our guys,” Johnson said. “We’ve got a really tough opponent this week. Our only focus is finding a way to win this game.”

Injury updates
Wide receiver Luther Burden III is set to play against San Francisco. He missed last week’s game versus Green Bay after spraining his ankle against Cleveland but returned to practice and was a full participant Friday.
“Watching from the sideline isn’t enjoyable,” Burden said.

Rome Odunze, however, has been ruled out as he continues to deal with a lingering foot problem.
Illness has also affected several Bears this week. Cornerbacks Josh Blackwell and Nick McCloud, wide receiver Devin Duvernay, and linebacker D’Marco Jackson all missed time due to sickness.

McCloud was officially ruled out Friday.
Nahshon Wright, who is battling both illness and a hamstring issue, did not practice and is listed as questionable.

The same designation applies to cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who injured his knee last weekend but returned to full practice Friday. Linebacker T.J. Edwards (glute) and reserve offensive lineman Luke Newman (foot) were limited.
Johnson said the team has taken precautions to prevent further spread.

“We’re staying on top of it — washing hands, wearing masks, doing what we can,” he said. “Whoever is available on game day, that’s who we’ll roll with.”

Opponent notes
49ers tight end George Kittle is a game-time decision due to an ankle sprain, according to general manager John Lynch. Kittle has not practiced this week but is trying to be ready.

“That one will go right up to Sunday night,” Lynch said.
Additional notes
Defensive end Austin Booker revealed he was fined $5,000 for each of his roughing-the-passer penalties against Love. He said he is appealing both fines.