Bears' playoff chances following Week 12 win vs. Steelers

The Chicago Bears continue to find ways to win close games, as evidenced by their 31-28 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, where they won their fourth straight game (including eighth in the last nine) to improve to 8-3.

Despite being down their entire starting linebacker trio, amid a variety of other injury struggles on defense and some offense, the Bears were still able to find a way to win. The offense put up 31 points, behind quarterback Caleb Williams' three touchdowns, and the defense held the Steelers to just seven points in the second half, while totaling two more takeaways. Head coach Ben Johnson has his team rolling heading into late November, and they're very much in playoff contention.

While it's still early, the NFC playoff picture is starting to take shape, and the Bears are in control of their playoff destiny. They remain atop the NFC North for the second straight week on a day where the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions both won.

What are the Bears' playoff chances after Week 12 win?

According to NFL.com, the Bears have a 62 percent chance of making the playoffs. Chicago is currently the No. 3 seed in the NFC, tied with the Philadelphia Eagles at 8-3. And yet, the Bears have the smallest percentage of making the postseason among teams currently in the playoff picture. Even the Detroit Lions, who are currently on the outside looking in, have a 78 percent probability.

NFC playoff standings after Week 12

1. Los Angeles Rams (9-2)

2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-3)

3. Chicago Bears (8-3)

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5)

5. Seattle Seahawks (8-3)

6. Green Bay Packers (7-3-1)

7. San Francisco 49ers (7-4)

What's next for the Bears?

The Bears will hit the road to battle the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday in a battle between the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds in the NFC. Chicago also has games left against the Green Bay Packers (x2), Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears' playoff chances following Week 12 win vs. Steelers