1. New England Patriots (10-2), AFC East leaders: Week 12's narrow defeat of the Bengals gave the Pats the league's best record, moving them past Denver and into the conference's top spot. Good chance they hold onto it when they hit their off week. Remaining schedule: vs. Giants, BYE, vs. Bills, at Ravens, at Jets, vs. Dolphins

The 9-2 Los Angeles Rams entered Sunday as the Super Bowl favorites, and the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Las Vegas favored Matthew Stafford and company by double digits over the 6-6 Carolina Panthers, but the "Cardiac Cats" shocked the NFL world by registering one of the biggest upsets of the year.

1. Chicago Bears (9-3): Up next — At Green Bay Packers in Week 14 Notable odds: The Bears jumped into first in the NFC standings Sunday afternoon as a result of the Panthers' upset of the Rams. Friday's Bears win over the Eagles bumped Chicago's odds to win the NFC North to 30% in The Athletic's playoff simulator.

Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears have received great news about their playoff race ahead of Week 14's game against the Green Bay Packers.

The "FOX NFL Sunday" crew broke down the current state of the NFC North race, with the Bears surging and the Lions slipping.

This article was originally published on www.fansided.com as NFC Playoff picture: Bears believers have to face their real competition.

The Bears took care of business on Black Friday when they wore down the Philadelphia Eagles, winning 24-15 to improve to 9-3. The victory kept them atop the NFC North division for the second week in a row and boosted their postseason chances with five games to go in the regular season. But they could climb even higher with the Panthers' help.

The Green Bay Packers control their destiny in the NFC North, but winning the division for the first time since 2021 won’t be easy. “It was hu