In partnership with

Patrick Flowers, Matt Rooney, and Luis Medina react to the Bears’ 19-17 win over the Vikings, the team’s first-place standing, game ball picks, updated playoff odds, and a look ahead to a tricky matchup against the Steelers.

The Bears are officially in first place after a gritty 19-17 win over the Vikings in Minnesota, and the crew is ready to celebrate on the Bleacher Nation Bears Podcast, presented by Obvious Shirts.

Hosts Patrick Flowers, Matt Rooney, and Luis Medina open with their reactions to waking up to a first-place Bears team and share their biggest takeaways from the Week 11 victory. They hand out game balls and highlight the defensive effort that sealed the win, keeping Chicago’s hot streak rolling into the second half of the season.

Then it’s on to the playoff picture, where The Athletic’s simulator now gives Chicago a 49% chance to make the postseason and a 15% shot to win the NFC North. The guys debate how many wins it’ll take to finish the job and whether Chicago’s formula is sustainable down the stretch.

Finally, they preview Steelers week, asking whether Aaron Rodgers is ducking the Bears with his lingering wrist injury and trying to make sense of a Pittsburgh team that always finds ways to win under Mike Tomlin — even without an elite quarterback.

You can listen to Episode 9 anywhere you get your podcasts, including Apple and Spotify, but we’ve also embedded the YouTube recording here for your convenience!

The podcast is presented by Obvious Shirts. Support Obvious Shirts and grab some sweet gear to wear this week while we celebrate another victory.

More Chicago Bears from Bleacher Nation

• The Bears Defense Did Something This Team Hasn’t Done Since 1985

• Bears 24-Hour Rule: This Is What Growth Looks Like

• Bears Nightcap: Chicago Escapes Minnesota, But When Does the Magic Run Out?

• Look Who’s Alone in First Place in the NFC North

• Caleb Williams Continues to Rewrite the Bears Record Books

• Devin Duvernay Credits Richard Hightower For Game-Changing Kick Return

• The Bears Just Caught an Injury Break For Their Black Friday Showdown in Philly

• Around the NFL: Jets Bench Justin Fields, Falcons Lose Penix, Sanders’ Debut, More

• 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Bears Add Much-Needed EDGE Help In First Round

• A Good Quote From Caleb, Watch Cairo’s Kick From a Different Angle, Ben Johnson Fun Fact, and Other Bears Bullets

Feldco: The Home Renewal Experts

Bleacher Nation is proud to partner with Feldco. For almost 50 years, Feldco has been transforming Chicagoland homes with their windows, siding, doors and roofing. Feldco is family owned and prides themselves on delighting their customers. With products made in the U.S and designed specifically for the Midwest, Feldco offers the perfect balance of beauty and energy efficiency.

More Chicago Sports from Bleacher Nation

Chicago Cubs

• Baseball America’s Post-2025 Top-Ten Cubs Prospects List and Discussion

• The 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot is Out

• Kyle Hendricks’ Retirement Officially Official, Cubs Release Statement and Some Sweet Emotion

• Kyle Schwarber, Munetaka Murakami, the Phillies and … the Cubs?

• Lukewarm Stove: Cubs’ Competition for Fairbanks, Tradable Starters, Bregman, Alonso, More

• The Naylor Deals and First Base Contracts, Minor Trade, Deadlines, and Other Cubs Bullets

Finally, longevity science that's digestible.

Join 74,000 readers who wake up with Livelong, the fastest growing Longevity newsletter that empowers you with information to feel better, and live longer. Get actionable information based on the latest health studies from leading research institutions, medical professionals, and longevity scientists. Join the medical professionals, early adopters, and health enthusiasts who already read Livelong.

100% Free. Join now.

Chicago Blackhawks

• Could/Should the Blackhawks Swing Big This Year?

• Busy Road Ahead, Moore-Nazar, Hot Levshunov, Lardis? Kempe Signs, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

Chicago Bulls

• NBA Injury News: Victor Wembanyama Out Multiple Weeks, LeBron James’ Return, More

• Hey, At Least Coby White Looked Awesome in His Debut

• The Losing Streak Continues, Massive Defensive Concerns, Denver’s Depth, and Other Bulls Bullets