Chicago Bears: Ranking potential playoff scenarios

Most-Favorable matchup: Chicago Bears vs. Dallas Cowboys

How many teams have more playoff wins than the Dallas Cowboys in the last 20 years? 30.

Yes, thirty. The Dallas Cowboys should be the dream opponent for any team in the playoffs.

Sure, the Dallas Cowboys are in first place in the NFC East. But believe me, you’re gonna like how this matches up for the Bears.

Lets start with the offense. The Cowboys weakness comes with their secondary. Perfect for Mitch Trubisky to spread the field, something that has worked out great against other opponents with lackluster secondaries (cough cough Tampa Bay).

The Cowboys’ front-seven is pretty scary. However, let’s not act like the Bears were planning on running the ball much anyways. Worried about sacks? Kyle Long should be back by then, fortifying an already above-average Bears pass protection.

Now the defense. Dak Prescott is arguably the most inconsistent quarterback in the NFL. The Cowboys have also had problems winning on the road this season, and with the Bears looking like prime candidates to finish with that no. 3 seed, this game will be played in Chicago.

The Cowboys’ offensive line hasn’t been nearly as good this year as in years past, leaving Khalil Mack and the Bears front-seven licking their lips ahead of a matchup.

Finally, the Bears have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this year. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is the center of the Cowboys offense, but hasn’t been amazing in the second half of games. The Cowboys and Bears are two of the league’s worst teams in second half production, but if Zeke can be kept quiet, the Bears’ struggles shouldn’t be enough to weigh them down.

The Cowboys’ poor playoff track record, inconsistent offense, and unbalanced defense make them the most ideal matchup for the Bears in the first round.

A lot of games still need to be won, but let’s just be happy that we’re thinking about the playoffs instead of the draft this December.