Still, the fact remains that you are inevitably what your record says you are. And the Bears, while flawed and striving to improve, are a good team that currently sits at 6th in the NFC playoff standings and remains firmly in the running to win their division.

Whether it’s fighting through injuries or lining up at running back, DJ Moore is willing to do whatever it takes for the Chicago Bears. Is the banged-up receiver playing Sunday?

A big part of their success has come on the shoulders of second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, who leads the NFL in fourth quarter comebacks this season with four. Head coach Ben Johnson said he doesn't notice a change in his quarterback's demeanor in the late game situations, but believes Williams has confidence and comfort in them.

After totaling six drops -- four of which belonged to Olamide Zaccheaus -- there's an expectation that a bigger role will emerge for rookie second-round pick Luther Burden III, who's been one of Chicago's best playmakers whenever his number has been called.

Caleb Williams, the second overall pick in the 2024 draft, has not only overcome an 0-2 start to put the Bears in playoff position, but through nine games is on pace to throw for 4,035 yards. This would shatter the current franchise high of 3,838 yards thrown by Erik Kramer in 1995.

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson returned to practice Friday when the team opened a 21-day evaluation window to activate him from injured reserve or lose him for the remainder of the season.

Based on the eight games since they last played Minnesota, the Bears can find matchup advantages they didn't have in the season opener.