### Chicago Bears Return to Playoffs After Five-Year Absence, Thanks to Rivals The Chicago Bears have clinched their first playoff berth since 2020, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise. This achievement was made possible by the Pittsburgh Steelers' victory over the Detroit Lions, which sealed the Bears' postseason fate. The Bears' resurgence comes after a challenging period, and their recent performances have reignited hope among fans. The team is now focused on securing a favorable playoff position and potentially winning the NFC North title. ### Breakdown of the Bears' Path to the Playoffs 1. **Key Victories**: - The Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers 24-21 in a dramatic comeback, overcoming a ten-point deficit in the fourth quarter [https://diz.news/bears-comeback-victory-over-packers-complicates-lions-playoff-path]. - This victory not only snapped the Packers' unbeaten streak but also positioned the Bears as serious contenders in the NFC North [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bears-defy-odds-beat-packers-044349460.html]. 2. **Crucial Outcomes**: - The Bears needed the Lions to lose to the Steelers to secure their playoff spot, which happened on December 22, 2025 [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/theyre-chicago-bears-clinch-nfl-005107815.html]. - The Lions' loss was pivotal, as it allowed the Bears to clinch their playoff berth officially [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/chicago-bears-clinch-1st-playoff-005300403.html]. 3. **Future Goals**: - With the playoff spot secured, the Bears are now aiming for the NFC North title, which would grant them a home game in the playoffs [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bears-clinch-nfl-playoff-spot-005636472.html]. - The focus will shift to seeding and potential first-round byes as they prepare for the postseason [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/chicago-bears-clinch-nfc-playoff-005204040.html]. ### Supporting Evidence of the Bears' Success - **Recent Performance**: - The Bears have shown resilience, particularly in their recent games, with a notable comeback against the Packers [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/packers-bears-final-score-green-044003508.html]. - Their ability to capitalize on turnovers and execute in critical moments has been a hallmark of their recent success [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lions-playoff-chances-bears-stunner-104540467.html]. - **Playoff Implications**: - The Bears' playoff berth is a significant milestone, as it marks their return to the postseason after a five-year hiatus [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bears-officially-clinch-playoff-berth-005740895.html]. - The implications of their recent victories extend beyond just playoff qualification; they have also complicated the playoff paths of their rivals, particularly the Lions [https://diz.news/bears-comeback-victory-over-packers-complicates-lions-playoff-path]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for the Chicago Bears **The Chicago Bears have successfully clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2020, thanks to a combination of key victories and favorable outcomes in rival games.** 1. **Resilient Comeback**: The Bears demonstrated their tenacity with a thrilling win over the Packers, which was crucial for their playoff aspirations. 2. **Rivalry Impact**: The Steelers' victory over the Lions was instrumental in securing the Bears' playoff berth. 3. **Looking Ahead**: With the playoffs on the horizon, the Bears are now focused on winning the NFC North and improving their seeding for the postseason. This resurgence not only revitalizes the Bears' fanbase but also sets the stage for an exciting playoff run [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/chicago-bears-clinch-playoff-berth-005937586.html].