The Chicago Bears are hitting their stride at exactly the right time. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Ben Johnson, the team has rattled off five wins in their last six games, firmly planting themselves in the NFC playoff conversation. What makes their surge remarkable is the transformation in approach and attitude on both sides of the ball. Johnson has instilled a sense of belief and discipline that was missing from recent Bears squads, and it’s paying dividends as they march toward a possible postseason appearance.

This week’s matchup against the reeling New York Giants might seem like an easy checkbox win on paper, but it’s exactly these kinds of games that can derail a playoff campaign. The Giants have struggled mightily this season, hampered by injuries and inconsistency, and they’ve become a team others expect to beat. But in the NFL, underdogs have a peculiar habit of springing upsets when overlooked — especially late in the season when playoff pressure intensifies.

For the Bears, the mental game is as important as the physical. Complacency could be their biggest adversary right now. With the team’s identity increasingly shaped by a tough defense and an opportunistic offense, the challenge will be maintaining that high level of performance even against perceived weaker opponents. Overconfidence or lapses in execution can quickly spiral into disaster, especially with playoff stakes on the line.

Coach Johnson’s task this week isn’t just putting together the right game plan — it’s about making sure his players understand the value of every down, regardless of the opponent’s record. Chicago’s recent success has been built on resilience and focus. Repeating that formula requires emotional maturity from a team still learning how to win consistently. They can’t afford to take a step back now, not with the race tightening across the conference.

In the end, this game against the Giants may not be the most glamorous contest of the season, but it could prove to be a defining moment in the Bears’ playoff quest. Good teams find ways to win games they’re expected to, and great teams do it while improving. If the Bears can stay sharp, execute, and keep their eyes on the bigger picture, this winnable game might just be the momentum-builder they need to make a serious postseason run.