Abbie Parr/AP
With seven games left, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is in a dramatically different position than he was in at this point in his rookie season.
The team is 7-3 and now has a chance to prove its playoff worthiness in a rigorous schedule down the stretch. The Bears host the Steelers on Sunday and follow with a game at the defending champion Eagles on Nov. 28, and their remaining strength of schedule is the hardest in the NFL at a .592 opponent winning percentage.
Staying in the race and making the playoffs hinges largely on Williams’ development, which is a lot of pressure, but it’s better than watching the season slide away as it did last November.