Why this week could shift the Bears' trajectory

RC Nazemi

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Why this week could shift the Bears' trajectory image

After dropping the first two games of this season against divisional opponents, the Vikings and the Lions, the Chicago Bears have gone 6-1 since. It's been an impressive run watching the team begin to buy into first-year head coach Ben Johnson's culture. 

In the NFL, you can't look back; you can only look ahead to your next opponent. As the Bears are about to embark on a journey through the last eight games of their season, they have some staunch opponents to look forward to.

Just as you can't get caught living in the past, it's equally as dangerous to look too far ahead, past the responsibility of the week you're in. With challenging games still ahead after Week 11, this is exactly what the Bears can not afford to do against this week's challengers. 

More: The Bears might have just found the boost they need for a playoff push

This week's game for Chicago will have massive playoff implications. 

Bears' playoff hopes could be fulfilled or broken this week

As previously mentioned, the remaining portion of the Bears' schedule is an absolute gauntlet. More specifically, a gauntlet riddled with conference and divisional opponents alike. 

Over the course of these next eight weeks, the Bears will face conference opponents, the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, as well as divisional opponents, the Green Bay Packers (2x), Detroit Lions, and this week's opponent, the Minnesota Vikings. 

It will be tough not to look ahead, but this week's matchup against Minnesota is of the utmost importance. 

According to PFF, the Bears' playoff hopes will massively hinge on this week's result. With a win, they have a 64% chance at clinching a spot. With a loss? That number drops down into very unlikely territory at 31%. 

The Bears have already lost to Minnesota in Week 1 of this season and must secure a season split against one of the division's weaker teams this Sunday. When tiebreakers come into effect towards the end of the season, the Bears will want to have at least one against these guys. 

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Editorial Team