Bears Playoff Chances: Tracking the Bears Playoff Picture for 2025

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Fact Checked by Cody Kutzer


Hiring Ben Johnson and revamping the roster have turned this team around. The Bears officially clinched a playoff spot and the NFC North. Then, they beat the Green Bay Packers on Wildcard Weekend. Next week, they will host the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round. 

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What are the Bears Playoff Chances?

Here's a quick look at several futures markets as they relate to the Bears' chances to make the playoffs. I used bet365 Illinois for each set of odds and converted those into a percent chance using implied probability. They have officially clinched a playoff spot, and will now attempt to win the division title.

🏈 Bears Make PlayoffsOTB
❌ Bears Miss PlayoffsOTB
⭐ Bears Win NFC NorthOTB
🧸Bears Lose NFC Championship26.7% (+275)
🏅 Bears Win NFC Championship8.33% chance (+700)
🐻Bears Lose Super Bowl7.69% (+1200)
🏆 Bears Win Super Bowl5.88% chance (+1600)
✅ Odds Last Verified:January 13, 2026

It's worth noting these odds may vary across different Illinois sportsbooks and I would suggest checking at least two different operators before placing a wager. 

Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY or Washington, DC. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First wager after registration must qualify. Min. Odds: -500. Max. Bonus Bet: $250. Awarded as non-withdrawable Bonus Bet that expires 14 days after receipt. Bonus Bet amount not returned for winning bets. Void where prohibited. See http://Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, MO, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino), ME (Licensed through the Mi’kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, federally recognized tribes located in the State of Maine), NC (Licensed through Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise), PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit http://mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit http://1800gambler.net ; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF; LA (Licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City and Caesars New Orleans), Washington, DC (OLG Class A licensed Operator): Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2025, Caesars Entertainment Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER DC, LA: Call 1-800-522-4700 MA: Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit http://gamblinghelplinema.org NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)

How Bears Can Win The No. 1 Seed

No. They lost their chance at the No. 1 seed after losing to the San Francisco 49ers. 

 

 

Can the Bears Make the Playoffs?

Yes. And the Bears have officially made the playoffs. They defeated the Packers on Wildcard Weekend and will now host the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round. 

Are the Bears Out of the Playoff Picture?

No, not after they defeated the Packers in the Wildcard Round. Instead, they move on to the Divisional Round, where they will host the Los Angeles Rams. 

Chicago Bears Playoff Chances Week-by-Week

The season is underway, and we will update this section with the latest Bears' playoff chances each week from top Illinois betting apps. Ahead of Week 17, the Bears officially clinched a playoff spot. 

WeekBears Playoff Chances
Preseason38.5%
Week 135%
Week 235%
Week 313.3%
Week 414.3%
Week 518.2%
Week 618.2%
Week 728.6%
Week 828.6%
Week 927%
Week 1031.2%
Week 1138.4%
Week 1253.5%
Week 1359.2%
Week 1473%
Week 1566.7%
Week 1677.8%
Week 17100%
Week 18100%

Latest Updates Impacting the Bears Chances to Make the Playoffs

Stay up to date with the latest Bears news and how it impacts their postseason chances:

  • 📅 January 4: Chicago officially clinches the No. 2 seed and will face the Packers on Wildcard Weekend. 
  • 📅 December 27: Chicago officially clinches the NFC North with a loss by the Packers. 
  • 📅 May 21: Chicago signs OL Joe Thuney to a two-year contract extension.
  • 📅 April 24: The Bears draft Michigan TE Colston Loveland in the first round of the 2025 draft.
  • 📅 April 16: Chicago signs DB Kyler Gordon to a three-year contract extension and LB T.J. Edwards to a two-year contract extension.
  • 📅 April 7: The Bears sign DL Jonathan Ford, DL Daniel Hardy, OL Bill Murray, DB Ameer Speed, and DL Chris Williams.
  • 📅 April 4: Chicago signs DB Shaun Wade, WR Miles Boykin, and QB Case Keenum.
  • 📅 March 24: The Bears sign DB Nick McCloud.
  • 📅 March 19: Chicago signs RB Travis Homer, WR Devin Duvernay, and OL Doug Kramer Jr.
  • 📅 March 17: WR Olamide Zaccheaus signs with Chicago.
  • 📅 March 13: Chicago signs DL Grady Jarrett, TE Durham Smythe, OL Drew Dalman, and DE Dayo Odeyingbo.
  • 📅 March 12: The Bears trade a 2026 fourth-round draft pick to the Chiefs for OL Joe Thuney and trade a 2025 sixth-round draft pick to the Rams for OL Jonah Jackson.
  • 📅 January 21: Chicago hires Ben Johnson as the new head coach. 

Make sure to bookmark this page to get all of the news you need as we follow the Bears' path to the playoffs.

Chicago Bears 2025 Schedule

The Bears have a challenging season ahead, with the second-toughest schedule in the NFL. How will they do?

Bears ScheduleLineResult
Week 1 vs. Minnesota VikingsCHI +1.5, ML +102Lost 27-24
Week 2 at Detroit LionsCHI +4.5, ML +180Lost 52-21
Week 3 vs. Dallas CowboysCHI +.5, ML -105Won 31-14
Week 4 at Las Vegas RaidersCHI -1.5, ML -112TBD
Week 5 BYE--
Week 6 at Washington CommandersCHI +4.5, ML +180Won 25-24
Week 7 vs. New Orleans SaintsCHI -5.5, ML -245Won 26-14
Week 8 at Baltimore RavensCHI +7, ML +260Lost 30-16
Week 9 at Cincinnati BengalsCHI -2.5, ML -148Won 47-42
Week 10 vs. New York GiantsCHI -4.5, ML -218Won 24-20
Week 11 at Minnesota VikingsCHI +3, ML +130Won 19-17
Week 12 vs. Pittsburgh SteelersCHI -3, ML -155Won 31-28
Week 13 at Philadelphia EaglesCHI +7, ML +260Won 21-15
Week 14 at Green Bay PackersCHI +6.5, ML +260Lost 28-21
Week 15 vs. Cleveland BrownsCHI -7.5, ML -395Won 31-3
Week 16 vs. Green Bay PackersCHI +1.5, ML +110Won 22-16 (OT)
Week 17 at San Francisco 49ersCHI +3, ML +136Lost 42-38
Week 18 vs. Detroit LionsCHI -3, ML -148Lost 19-16
Wildcard Weekend vs. Green Bay PackersCHI +1.5, ML +100Won 31-27
Divisional Round vs. Los Angeles RamsCHI +3.5, ML +164 
Will Ben Johnson help the Bears make the playoffs?

Key Contributors Toward Bears Playoff Chances

The success of the Bears' season will ultimately come down to quarterback Caleb Williams and new head coach Ben Johnson. For Williams to have a chance at succeeding, the Bears need to have a significantly improved offensive line. After the Bears used free agency and the draft to revamp their O-Line, Chicago's offense has a chance for a strong pass game. Chicago also invested in offensive weapons for Williams, drafting a tight end in the first round of the draft. 

👉More: Check out the best Bears Fantasy Football Team Names

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Where Can I Bet on the Chicago Bears to Make the Playoffs?

Fortunately for sports fans, there is no shortage of options for betting on the Bears' playoff odds. You can place Bears bets both online and in person at retail sportsbooks. Legal betting apps such as Caesars Illinois and BetRivers provide convenience, while the experience of placing a bet in person is hard to beat.

Retail locations with sportsbooks that allow Chicago Bears betting include:

  • 📍 Rivers Casino in Des Plaines (BetRivers)
  • 📍 Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin (Caesars)
  • 📍 Harrah's Metropolis Hotel & Casino in Metropolis (Caesars)
  • 📍 Harrah's Joliet Hotel & Casino in Joliet (Caesars)
  • 📍 Hollywood Casino Joliet in Joliet (ESPN BET)
  • 📍 Hollywood Casino Aurora in Aurora (ESPN BET)
  • 📍 DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis (DraftKings)
  • 📍 Fairmount Park in Collinsville (FanDuel)
  • 📍 Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria (FanDuel)
  • 📍 Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney (Fanatics Sportsbook)
  • 📍 Argosy Casino Alton in Alton (ESPN BET)
  • 📍 The Temporary by American Place Casino in Waukegan (Circa)
  • 📍 Bally’s Chicago Casino at Medinah Temple in Chicago (Bally Bet)
  • 📍 Rockford Casino in Rockford (Hard Rock Bet)

If you're signing up for an online sportsbook for the first time, be sure to see what Illinois betting promo is available. While there won't be a bonus specifically for Chicago's chances to make the postseason, you'll be able to use it on any Bears game or any other sport/event of your choosing.

  • Must be 21+ to participate (18+ in KY). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, IA, KY, KS, LA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). CALL 1-877-770-STOP (LA). Must be present in LA (select parishes). Licensee partner Amelia Belle Casino. Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
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  • Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY or Washington, DC. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First wager after registration must qualify. Min. Odds: -500. Max. Bonus Bet: $250. Awarded as non-withdrawable Bonus Bet that expires 14 days after receipt. Bonus Bet amount not returned for winning bets. Void where prohibited. See http://Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, MO, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino), ME (Licensed through the Mi’kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, federally recognized tribes located in the State of Maine), NC (Licensed through Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise), PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit http://mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit http://1800gambler.net ; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF; LA (Licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City and Caesars New Orleans), Washington, DC (OLG Class A licensed Operator): Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2025, Caesars Entertainment Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER DC, LA: Call 1-800-522-4700 MA: Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit http://gamblinghelplinema.org NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)
  • GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), or visit http://www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 2/1/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: http://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos . Ends 1/25/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
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Looking Ahead: Chicago Bears Playoff Picture

The Bears have officially made the playoffs and the division. The Bears' playoff picture took a dramatic turn after Chicago rallied from a 21–3 deficit to stun the Packers 31–27, sealing both a playoff berth and the division crown. Down 27–16 entering the fourth quarter, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams delivered his signature moment, throwing a game-winning touchdown to DJ Moore to cap an emotional comeback at Soldier Field. The victory not only showcased Williams’ poise under pressure, but also reignited national conversation around the Bears’ Super Bowl odds, which have surged following their late-season momentum and fearless offensive identity.

Now, the Bears face a far tougher test at home against the Rams, despite entering as underdogs in the current Bears playoff picture. Williams must neutralize Los Angeles’ relentless pass rush by using his legs and quick, precise throws, spreading the ball to Moore, Rome Odunze, and tight end Colton Loveland. Defensively, Chicago’s priorities are clear: contain Kyren Williams in the run game and prevent Puka Nacua from carving up the middle of the field. The Bears must also limit Davante Adams in the red zone after his dominant 10-catch, 111-yard, one-touchdown performance against Carolina, as his league-leading red-zone efficiency could heavily impact both the outcome—and the Bears’ Super Bowl odds moving forward.

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Where Do the Bears Rank in the NFC North?

The Bears finished last in the NFC North last season, being the only team in the division to not make the playoffs. But that changed this year, as they have won the NFC North. According to BetMGM Sportsbook Illinois, the Bears odds to win the division are off the board but their Super Bowl and NFC odds are still in play. 

Where Do the Bears Rank in the NFC Playoff Standings?

The Bears currently hold the fourth-best odds at DraftKings to win the NFC at +700 odds. Oddsmakers want to see what the Bears do in the playoffs first. 

Where Do the Bears Rank in the NFC Wild Card Race?

The Bears have officially won the NFC North. They defeated the Green Bay Packers on Wildcard Weekend and will now host the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round. 

How the Bears Can Make the Super Bowl: Wild Card to Lombardi

After stunning Green Bay, the Bears’ path from Wild Card to Lombardi Trophy begins with a crucial home matchup against the Rams. Chicago knows the moment can’t get too big—nothing else matters until they clear this first hurdle. The Bears will also have the benefit of clarity, as the result of the 49ers–Seahawks game will be decided before kickoff, giving them a clear picture of what awaits if they advance.

If the Bears beat the Rams, the road ahead is clear but daunting. A Seahawks win would send Chicago to the Pacific Northwest for a hostile road test, while a 49ers victory would set up another home game and a highly anticipated rematch of the thrilling shootout from three weeks ago. But before dreaming about the next step, the Bears must handle business against the Rams and prove they’re ready for a deeper playoff run.

Chicago Bears Regular Season Win Total 2025

The Chicago Bears' projected win total is 11.5 games. They finished 11-6, and fell short of the 11.5 goal. Odds below are from DraftKings.

Over 11.5 winsOTB
Under 11.5 winsOTB

Bears Postseason Outlook & Predictions

The Bears fell short of hopeful expectations last season. However, considering the Bears have already hired a new coach and greatly improved their offensive line, I expect the team to look much different in the 2025 season. Chicago was active in free agency, signing new talent to improve its offensive and defensive lines. The Bears were also able to retain key players such as D.J. Moore, D'Andre Swift, and Rome Odunze. 

As for the draft, Chicago used their eight picks to add more offensive weapons and depth to its defense. The Bears could shock some people and make the playoffs in the upcoming season. However, the Bears Super Bowl Odds are very doubtful.

Chicago Bears Playoffs FAQs

Author

Calli Varner

Calli has been an avid sports fan since she can remember. After earning her Bachelor’s degrees from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, she combined her passion for journalism and sports. Calli has covered the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF, college sports, and sports betting for several media outlets.

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