NFC Playoff Picture: Bears up to the 5th spot with win over Patriots

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 22: Cairo Santos #8 of the Chicago Bears celebrates during a game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on October 22, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images Playoffs? Are we talking playoffs in October?Yes! NFL fans are already clamoring for the current seedings, so as long as the Chicago Bears are in the mix, we’ll be bringing you the updated standings after each game.With their 30 to 24 win over the New England Patriots, the Bears have moved into the fifth spot in the conference and into second place in the ultra-competitive NFC North.The Packers are in Detroit on Sunday, while the Vikings host the free-falling Indianapolis Colts. NFC playoff standings following the Bears win on Thursday night1. San Francisco 49ers (6-0)2. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)3. Carolina Panthers (3-2)4. New York Giants (3-2-1)5. Chicago Bears (5-2)6. Green Bay Packers (4-2)7. Detroit Lions (3-2)8. Seattle Seahawks (3-3)9. Atlanta Falcons (2-4, win over NO)10. New Orleans Saints (2-4, loss to ATL)11. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)12. Dallas Cowboys (2-4)13. Arizona Cardinals (2-4, win over LAR)14. Los Angeles Rams (2-4, loss to AZ)15. Washington Commanders (1-4-1)16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-5)A reminder: the top four seeds are reserved for the division leaders.