How have the Bears performed in the playoffs since 1985? The Bears have reached the postseason 12 times since then, winning at least one game in five different seasons.
Since head coach Mike Ditka and the Bears won the Super Bowl in 1985, Chicago has made it to the postseason 12 times. Of those 12 appearances, seven were as administrative winners, including one in the Super Bowl. Following their Super Bowl victory, the Bears went on a successful playoff run, making it to the postseason five out of the next six years. In the 1986 Super Bowl, Chicago dominated the New England Patriots with a score of 46-10.
The Bears won’t be in the Big Game in 2022, so you can’t bet on them. However, you can bet on the Super Bowl at online sportsbooks in Illinois.
1994
Chicago ended their playoff drought in 1994 by securing a spot in the quarterfinals as a wild card team. The Bears finished the regular season with a 9-7 record, tying with both the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions. Despite finishing first in the division with a 10-6 record, the Minnesota Vikings were respected by all three teams.
The Bears held the lead in each competition with their defense allowing just over 19 points, while the Vikings closely followed behind. The other teams admired the Bears from below in the rankings.
In the first round of the National Football League, the Bears easily defeated the Vikings with a score of 35-17.
In the victory, Steve Walsh completed 15 of 23 passes for 221 yards. He also threw two touchdown passes and one interception.
Jeff Graham and Keith Jennings both scored runs from Walsh, while Kevin Miniefield contributed a muff return for a touchdown to the Chicago defense in the third quarter.
During the administrative round, Chicago had the opportunity to face off against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite their strong defense throughout the game, the 49ers proved to be unbeatable. The Bears ultimately suffered a 44-15 loss due to San Francisco’s impressive performance in the second quarter.
The Bears’ fate was sealed when they were shut out 24-0 in the second quarter, ultimately determining the outcome of the game.
2006
Since the 1994 plan was implemented, Chicago had been striving for their first semifinal victory. In the years between 1994 and 2006 (specifically 2001 and 2005), the Bears only managed to make two playoff appearances, both ending without a win.
The Bears clinched the NFC North title with a 13-3 record. In a semifinal showdown against the Seattle Seahawks, Chicago extended their regular-season dominance. Under the guidance of head coach Lovie Smith, the offense battled in a close game. Running back Thomas Jones notched two rushing touchdowns, while kicker Robbie Gould delivered a pivotal late-game score.
In the late stages of the game, Gould kicked a 41-yard field goal to tie the score in the third quarter, before ultimately securing the game-winning field goal.
Gould and his team are cleared to face off against the New Orleans Saints.
Three field goals in the Gould area gave Chicago a 9-0 lead. The Bears barely took the lead with a score of 18-14 as they entered the third quarter. The floodgates eventually opened as the Bears outscored the Saints 21-0 in the final quarter of the game.
Chicago will advance to face the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl.
The Bears had a strong start thanks to their special teams, with Devin Hester returning the opening kick for 92 yards. However, the Colts were responsible for five of the following six scoring drives. Despite their strong start, the Bears ultimately lost 29-17.
In addition to his 20 completions for 165 yards, Bears player Rex Grossman also contributed a touchdown and an interception to his stat line.
2010
The Bears emerged victorious over the Seahawks in the first round of the Playoffs, concluding their season with a strong 11-5 record.
Smith was thrilled with his player’s performance in the game. Jay Cutler scored two passing touchdowns and completed 15 of 28 passes for 274 yards. But that was just the beginning.
Cutler could add two rushing touchdowns to the Bears’ win. Chicago managed to secure a 35-24 victory.
In order to sponsor the Packers, the Bears had to make a decision to move forward. Unfortunately for the Bears, this decision marked the end of their journey as they suffered a 21-14 loss to Green Bay. The Packers’ defense prevented Chicago from scoring until the fourth quarter. Adding to the Bears’ woes, Cutler was forced to exit the game early due to a hip injury, causing a commotion among Chicago fans.
2018
In Matt Nagy’s first season as head coach, the Bears finished with a record of 12-4 after winning nine of their final ten games.
Chicago reached its peak during the Nagy era, with Mitchell Trubisky shining in the Pro Bowl and the defense striking fear into the rest of the NFL thanks to the addition of Khalil Mack.
Chicago had the potential to win the Super Bowl, but their distinctive teams hindered them throughout the season. Ultimately, it was their downfall in the playoffs when the Bears were unable to overcome this obstacle.
In a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, placekicker Cody Parkey attempted a potential game-winning field goal. However, the kick hit both uprights, leading to what is now known as the infamous Double Doink incident.
Looking forward
Currently, the Bears appear to be distant from the Big Game, but the presence of young quarterback Justin Fields could provide a solid base for future success.
Nevertheless, residents of Illinois are still able to place bets on the Super Bowl through online sports betting platforms within the state.
