The Chicago Bears are enjoying a remarkable and rapid turnaround, emerging as one of the NFL’s most exciting teams as the 2025–26 season winds down. Heading into the final stretch, Chicago sits atop both the NFC North and the NFC overall, a position few expected so quickly.
Their next challenge comes on the road against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, December 28, in what promises to be a must-watch matchup. Regardless of the outcome, the Bears have already secured their place in the postseason.
At the top of the division, the Bears have found that their competition has dwindled. The Green Bay Packers remain the only other NFC North team posing any real threat, but Chicago recently defeated Green Bay, removing much of the intimidation factor.
As Christmas Day concluded, another former contender in the division officially dropped out of playoff contention, leaving just the Bears and Packers still standing.
Chicago will face another division rival, the Detroit Lions, on January 4, though the matchup appears far less daunting now.
On Christmas Day, Detroit suffered a 23–10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings — a team playing without franchise quarterback J.J. McCarthy. That defeat eliminated the Lions from playoff contention altogether, further cementing the Bears’ favorable position within the division.
While Detroit’s loss doesn’t directly affect Chicago’s postseason path, it does highlight how vulnerable the Lions are heading into their meeting with the Bears. A Chicago loss would come as a surprise given Detroit’s recent struggles. Still, head coach Ben Johnson is unlikely to overlook the matchup and will have his team fully prepared.
What’s at Stake Against the 49ers
Before turning their attention to Detroit, the Bears must handle a major test against the San Francisco 49ers in a Sunday Night Football showdown on December 28. The primetime spotlight is fitting, as both teams are among the NFL’s elite this season.
Chicago and San Francisco enter the game tied with identical 11–4 records, and both are competing for the NFC’s top seed. While playoff spots are already locked up, a victory on Sunday could be crucial in securing a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Bears remain in strong position to claim the NFC North but must continue winning to finish the job. Meanwhile, the 49ers are battling the Seattle Seahawks for control of the NFC West, making every game count.
Regardless of the outcome, Chicago’s presence in this high-stakes scenario late in the season marks a refreshing and historic shift for the franchise — one that reflects the impressive impact Ben Johnson has had on the team.
