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Can the Bears Claw Into the Playoffs? Chicago's Playoff Chances Resurge After Vikings' Stunning Defeat

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Tony Marchese | Last updated Dec 17, 2023 1:30 AM ET

In the unpredictable theater of the NFL, the Chicago Bears have found an unexpected lifeline in their playoff chase thanks to a series of events not many saw coming. As backup quarterbacks around the league heroically upset rivals, the Bears’ dwindling postseason hopes suddenly received a boost.

Last week’s Monday Night Football game offered the Bears a glint of hope when the Green Bay Packers were surprised by a spirited New York Giants squad, led by an impressive showing from Tommy DeVito, their backup QB. Everyone watched in disbelief as the Giants squeaked out a 24-22 victory, revitalizing what little playoff chances the Bears had in the process.

Equally helpful was the clash between the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. With the Vikings looking to put away the game with just minutes remaining, the Bengals, with backup QB Jake Browning at the helm, put together a 75-yard drive, concluding with an unreal catch by Tee Higgins that sent the game to overtime.

The rest was a narrative of what-ifs. After a remarkable double stand on tush push QB sneaks, Browning found Tyler Boyd for a major gain, setting up the game-winning field goal.

The Bears are 'In the Hunt'

These twists of fate have left Chicago fans glued to their screens and calculators alike, as the NFC Wild Card race intensifies. A playoff slot that seemed a distant dream just weeks ago now looks within reach, albeit still requiring a lot of good fortune and a remarkable finish from the Bears we are still talking about the playoffs...

The complexities of the playoff picture are wild, with the Bears' playoff chances currently pegged at 8%, according to The New York Times Playoff Odds Calculator following the Vikings defeat. Those odds would increase to 12% with a Bears victory on Sunday.

As the Bears eye their final four matchups, beginning with a critical showdown at Cleveland, the stakes couldn't be higher in Week 15.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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