Magic counts down to clinching — drops as you win or bubble teams lose. A tie is half a game.
Tragic counts down to elimination — drops as you lose or the chaser wins.
This week's rooting guide — Week 4
Live rooting guide — it updates as games go final, so items may disappear.
Showing this week's remaining games that can still affect your numbers.
Your game
If Bears beat Jets this week, your Magic number -1.
Magic -1
If Bears lose to Jets this week, your Magic number -1 and your Tragic number -1.
Magic -1Tragic -1
Other games
Any 1 of these 4 results moves your numbers: Magic -1.
Root for Cardinals to beat Giants this week.
Root for Rams to beat Eagles this week.
Root for Chargers to beat Seahawks this week.
Root for Panthers to beat Lions this week.
What-if explorer
Drag the sliders — the numbers recalculate instantly using the site's real playoff math.
If Bears go 3-2 while Giants go 3-2:
Magic # 15→10Magic -5
Tragic # 15→13Tragic -2
Assumes these games come against teams outside your race; every other rival's record stays as-is.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Chicago Bears magic number right now?
The Chicago Bears magic number is currently 15. Any combination of Chicago Bears wins (a tie counts as half) and losses by the team chasing them that adds up to 15 clinches a playoff spot.
What is the Chicago Bears elimination number?
The Chicago Bears elimination number is 15. When it hits 0 the team is mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. It shrinks when the Chicago Bears lose or when the team chasing them gains ground.
What are the Chicago Bears playoff odds?
Based on 10,000 simulations of the remaining schedule, the Chicago Bears make the playoffs in about 63.9% of outcomes.
What is a magic number in football?
A magic number is the combined total of team wins and chasing-team losses that guarantees a playoff spot — a division title or one of the three wild cards in the conference. A tie counts as half a game. When it reaches 0, the spot is clinched no matter what happens in the remaining games.
When did the Chicago Bears last make the playoffs?
The Chicago Bears last made the NFL playoffs in 2025 — the most recently completed season.
When did the Chicago Bears last win the Super Bowl?
The Chicago Bears have won the Super Bowl once, in 1985.
How often are these numbers updated?
Standings and magic numbers on Sports Magic Numbers refresh throughout the day and after every NFL game, so the numbers here reflect the live playoff race.