The Chicago Bears are heading west for a Week 17 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, and the timing alone tells you everything. Late December on primetime is a spot the 2025 Bears were built for, and the whole football world will be watching. In a road environment against a team playing efficient, controlled football, the Bears must keep the playoff implications in mind.
Chicago enters this one off a divisional win that required late-game composure more than dominance. The Bears did not overwhelm Green Bay, but rather survived the efficiency battle, protected the football, and stayed balanced for long enough for the game to tilt their way.