NFL playoff picture: Bears seeding scenarios entering Week 18 schedule

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Ben Johnson had three goals for the 2025 regular season.

The first-year Bears’ head coach reached two of those check marks, winning 11 games and clinching the NFC North title, but after the 42-38 loss to the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium last Sunday night, Johnson’s team will not be able to obtain his third goal – the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

However, the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds are still in play, and Chicago (11-5) can earn that second seed with a win over the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field to close out the 2025 regular season.

“We’re playing to win this week,” Johnson said.

[READ: Ben Johnson clearly states Bears’ approach vs Lions in NFL Week 18 game]

Here are all the ways the Bears can secure the No. 2 seed in Week 18:

Bears defeat Lions OR
Bears tie vs. Lions and Eagles tie vs. Commanders

Commanders defeat Eagles

As the No. 2 seed, the Bears would host a playoff game at Soldier Field against the Green Bay Packers, who are locked in as the No. 7 seed. The Bears split the regular-season series and would face the Packers for the third time since Dec. 7.

Here are the ways the Bears would finish as the No. 3 seed, according to USA Today.

Bears lose to the Lions and Eagles win or tie against the Commanders
Bears tie vs. the Lions and Eagles defeat the Commanders

As the No. 3 seed, the Bears would face one of two NFC West playoff teams: the San Francisco 49ers or Los Angeles Rams.

To play the 49ers:

Seahawks defeat 49ers and Rams defeat Cardinals

The last time the Bears played the 49ers, they combined for 80 total points in a shootout on Sunday Night Football. Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers defeated the Bears in the primetime matchup, but a second meeting between the two teams would be at Soldier Field.

[READ: Bears report card: Team grades in NFL Week 17 loss to 49ers]

To play the Rams:

Seahawks beat 49ers and Cardinals defeat Rams

49ers defeat Seahawks and Falcons defeat Rams in Week 17, which already happened

49ers defeat Seahawks and Cardinals defeat Rams

The Bears played the Rams in Week 4 of the 2024 season. Chicago didn’t allow Matthew Stafford to throw a touchdown and intercepted him once in the 24-18 victory at Soldier Field.

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