Bears’ playoff chances are on the rise

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Remember when the Bears were a lock for the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft?

Well, that’s all changed faster than you can say, “Kyle Long.”

After a 26-0 loss to the Seahawks in Week 2, the Bears had less than a one percent chance of making the playoffs, according to some statistical predictors.

With consecutive wins to improve their record to 4-5, the Bears’ playoff probability has risen to 14 percent, according to fivethirtyeight.com.

As it stands today, the Bears would have to catch the Packers (6-3) or the Falcons (6-3) for a wild-card spot. Also in contention are the Giants (47% chance at playoffs) at 5-5; Redskins (16%), Eagles (43%), Bucs (4%), Rams (6%) and Seahawks (37%) all at 4-5; and Saints (6%) at 4-6.

Before Sunday’s 37-13 blowout of the Rams, Long said: “We’re going to make a run at the playoffs, and if anybody doesn’t think that, then get the (expletive) outta here.”

Maybe he’s on to something. The Bears had only a 29 percent chance of beating the Rams.

Bears’ remaining schedule

Nov. 22: vs. Broncos, 7-2

Nov. 26: at Packers, 6-3

Dec. 6: vs. 49ers, 3-6

Dec. 13: vs. Redskins, 4-5

Dec. 20: at Vikings, 7-2

Dec. 27: at Buccaneers, 4-5

Jan. 3: vs Lions, 2-7