Where Bears stand in playoff picture after Cardinals' loss originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Bears' quest to make the playoffs received a big boost on Saturday.
The Cardinals entered Saturday's game against the 49ers holding the No. 7 and final seed in the NFC playoff picture. But San Francisco played spoiler, beating Arizona 20-12 to drop the Cardinals to 8-7.
With Arizona's loss, the Bears control their own destiny over the final two weeks of the regular season.
If the Bears (7-7) win their final two games (Sunday against the Jaguars and next week against the Packers) they will earn the last NFC playoff spot — no matter if the Cardinals win or lose next week.
The Bears hold the tiebreaker over the Cardinals, which is record against common opponents. They're 3-2 this season against the Lions, Giants, Panthers and Rams, while the Cardinals are just 1-3 against those same teams. (Arizona plays the Rams for a second time next week.)
If the Bears and Cardinals both finish 8-8, Chicago would secure the No. 7 seed — again, by virtue of tiebreaker.
Win and you're in. Buckle up.