The Chicago Bears have a battle against the Detroit Lions in Week 18 to round out the regular season. Although they have clinched a playoff spot, they are fighting for seeding in the NFC. It's between them and the Philadelphia Eagles for the No. 2 seed, but they got a gift from Philadelphia.
According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Eagles are expected to rest most of their starters in Week 18, including quarterback Jalen Hurts. They are prioritizing rest over seeding in this tilt, which works in Chicago's favor in terms of locking down the No. 2 seed.
If the Bears win or the Eagles lose to the Washington Commanders, Chicago will be the No. 2 seed. And with Philadelphia trotting out their backups, it increases the chances they lose on Sunday. Considering that Chicago has the head-to-head over the Eagles since they beat them in Week 13, all they need to do is handle business to get that second seed.
Eagles Resting Starters Helps Bears in Week 18
Ben Johnson revealed that the Bears will be playing their starters in this contest, stating, "We’re playing to win this week," per ESPN's Courtney Cronin.
The Bears aren't looking to scale anything back and are playing to get the victory on Sunday with their starters. Getting the second seed is huge and likely means the Bears will have at least two home games in the postseason. They would also face the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card with a win, which is a team they likely prefer over the San Francisco 49ers or Los Angeles Rams.
The Packers are limping into the postseason, as they lost star pass rusher Micah Parsons for the year to a torn ACL. QB Jordan Love is still dealing with a concussion that he got in the Week 16 contest against Chicago. Cheesehead TV's Aaron Nagler also reported on Wednesday that safety Zayne Anderson and cornerback Nate Hobbs are out for the rest of the season.
Green Bay has seen multiple players go down for the year, which would work in Chicago's favor. The Bears beat the Packers once at home and believe they can again. But for that to be a reality, they need to defeat the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Even if they don't do that, an Eagles loss seems more likely with them resting starters.
There are two different approaches taking place in Chicago and Philadelphia. Fortunately, the choice the Eagles are making is beneficial for the Bears.