The Chicago Bear are sitting in the bye week getting ready to take on the New Orleans Saints in a matchup that unquestionably favors Chicago. It is both sad and hilarious that one of these NFC South teams are going to be granted a first-round playoff spot and it seems Chicago is going to help determine this down the stretch. Already, the Bears have gone 3-0 against the division beating Tampa Bay, Atlanta, and Carolina.
It was clear to see why the division is having such a hard time finding a clear leader as holes remain in the games of each of these teams. Now, the Bears get a chance to go perfect against the dumpster fire that is the NFC South and gain momentum while pushing New Orleans further back in what has been a truly ugly divisional race.
With this in mind, fans should fully expect the Bears to come out of the bye week and put the Saints away early. This isn't a team that should be able to compete with Ben Johnson's unit even during a normal week. It cannot be understated the clear rest advantage and time to prepare should have New Orleans very quickly out of reach and the Bears playing a role giving the trio of teams they have already beaten an opening.
Looking at the schedule of the division, it is very much on the table that a 6-7 win team takes the South crown and is hosting a playoff game. Perhaps this is enough for fans and pundits to begin to question the playoff seeding and whether or not the division is truly deserving of hosting a first-round game.
Bears gifted a chance to continue to take advantage of weak NFC South coming out of bye week
No matter your feelings on how the playoff seeding is currently situated, there is no question that having the division on the schedule has been a much-needed break. While the South is clearly the weakest in the league, the Bears are fighting in a crowded North where every team has a legitimate argument as to why they have a path to the playoffs.
Being able to get an easy win ahead of a pivotal matchup with the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving is a much-needed respite. One that gives the franchise a chance to establish the run game and build momentum and confidence on the heels of the extra rest.
Even as Chicago has its attention firmly on its own divisional race there can't help but be a bit of morbid curiosity as to how the South is going to play out. A division it appears Chicago is poised to sweep and take full advantage of in a season where every win feels precious.
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