The Chicago Bears continue to find ways to secure victories, but concerns linger as the postseason draws closer. Whether labeled as fortunate, fraudulent, or simply beneficiaries of a favorable schedule, one fact remains: the Bears currently stand as the top team in the NFC North.
With their latest triumph over the aggressive Minnesota Vikings, head coach Ben Johnson is gaining momentum in the race for the 2025 NFL Coach of the Year award. This recognition is well-deserved, as Johnson has demonstrated an impressive ability to connect with quarterback Caleb Williams and optimize the talents of the former first-overall pick. Despite initial doubts surrounding their compatibility, the duo has successfully collaborated on the field.
However, the Bears must enhance their performance across all three phases of the game to avoid being merely a feel-good story in November. Johnson has made it clear that the objective is to win now. Following their recent success, the Bears have climbed in the 2025 NFL Week 12 power rankings.
In the rankings, the Los Angeles Rams maintain their top position after edging out the Seattle Seahawks 21-19, solidifying their chances of returning to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2021. The Philadelphia Eagles, who rose to second place, faced struggles on offense but managed to secure a critical win against the Detroit Lions thanks to an outstanding performance from their defense, which halted all five of the Lions” fourth-down attempts.
The Detroit Lions dropped to the third spot after failing to convert on several crucial fourth-down opportunities, while the Indianapolis Colts remained steady at fourth following their bye week. The Kansas City Chiefs fell to fifth after a disappointing loss to the Broncos, putting their streak of nine consecutive AFC West titles in jeopardy.
The Seattle Seahawks held steady at sixth, despite a challenging game, while the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens remained unchanged in their rankings. The Buffalo Bills moved up to ninth after a stellar performance from quarterback Josh Allen, who showcased his dual-threat capabilities against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In the midst of these developments, the Chicago Bears now sit at twelfth place, a significant rise following their thrilling victory. This marks the first time since week six of the 2020 season that the Bears find themselves at the top of the NFC North standings. They now face a crucial matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, led by veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The question remains whether the Bears can maintain their division lead beyond this week.
As the season progresses, the challenges intensify, and the Bears must prove that their success is not just a fleeting moment. With the playoffs on the horizon, every game counts more than ever.
