Bears Week 18 playoff rooting guide: How to clinch No. 2 seed

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The Chicago Bears will make their first playoff appearance since 2020 after clinching their first NFC North title in seven years. But they still have an important matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 18.

There's plenty on the line for the Bears in Week 18, including locking down the No. 2 seed in the NFC, which would guarantee at least two home playoff games (assuming they win in the first round). Chicago could also get some help for the second seed. If the Philadelphia Eagles lose to the Washington Commanders, regardless of the outcome of Bears-Lions, they would land the No. 2 seed.

Let's take a look at the current NFC playoff picture entering Week 18, as well as our Bears playoff rooting guide and clinching scenarios.

NFC playoff standings

Seattle Seahawks (13-3)*
Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)*
Carolina Panthers (8-8)
San Francisco 49ers (12-4)*
Los Angeles Rams (11-5)*
Green Bay Packers (9-6-1)*

*clinched playoff spot

Bears beat Lions

Chicago controls their own destiny when it comes to the No. 2 pick as a win over Detroit would secure them that second spot in the NFC playoffs and a rematch against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round. While Green Bay has already beaten Chicago once this season, this is one of the more favorable matchups considering the Packers are injury riddled and missing their best player in Micah Parsons. Not to mention, the No. 2 seed would guarantee the Bears a minimum of two home playoff games (assuming they win in the first round).

Commanders beat Eagles

The Bears don't necessarily need to beat the Lions to secure the No. 2 seed, although Chicago would prefer to get the job done themselves. If the Washington Commanders defeat the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, the Bears would automatically lock down the second seed regardless of the outcome of their game against the Lions. And it sounds like that's a good possibility considering the Eagles are reportedly resting quarterback Jalen Hurts and other key starters. The NFL scheduled both Bears-Lions and Eagles-Commanders in the late afternoon window, so there's something still worth playing for.

Who would Bears play as No. 2 seed?

If the Bears secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC, they would welcome the Packers to Soldier Field for the second time in three weeks and the third time overall this season in the first round. Both games have been tight and come down to the final minute -- with Chicago and Green Bay splitting the regular-season series -- an indication that NFL fans could be in for another thriller should this be the wild-card matchup.

Who would Bears play as No. 3 seed?

If the Bears lose of the Lions and the Eagles beat the Commanders, Chicago will secure the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs. If that's the case, the Bears would host either the Los Angeles Rams or San Francisco 49ers in the wild-card round. Chicago just lost a close one in a thrilling 42-38 shootout against the 49ers and Los Angeles is one of the most complete teams in the NFC. With that said, the Bears would have a decided advantage welcoming a west coach team to what's sure to be a chilly Soldier Field.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears Week 18 playoff rooting guide: How to clinch No. 2 seed

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