bears playoff appearances since 2000
Chicago Bears have made 10 playoff appearances since 2000 , with a record of 4 wins and 6 losses as of their most recent postseason game on January 10, 2026. These outings highlight a mix of deep Super Bowl runs in the mid-2000s and sporadic wild card berths in recent years, often marked by strong defenses but offensive struggles.
Playoff Timeline
The Bears' postseason journey since 2000 reflects highs like their 2006 Super Bowl trip and recent breakthroughs amid NFC North battles.
| Date | Round | Opp | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 19, 2002 | NFC Divisional | Eagles | L 19-33 |
| Jan 15, 2006 | NFC Divisional | Panthers | L 21-29 |
| Jan 14, 2007 | NFC Divisional | Seahawks | W 27-24 |
| Jan 21, 2007 | NFC Championship | Packers | W 39-14 |
| Feb 4, 2007 | Super Bowl XLI | Colts | L 17-29 |
| Jan 16, 2011 | NFC Divisional | Seahawks | W 35-24 |
| Jan 23, 2011 | NFC Championship | Packers | L 14-21 |
| Jan 6, 2019 | NFC Wild Card | Eagles | L 15-16 |
| Jan 10, 2021 | NFC Wild Card | Saints | L 9-21 |
| Jan 10, 2026 | NFC Wild Card | (Opponent) | W 31-27 |
Key Eras
- Early 2000s (2001 season) : 13-3 regular season led to a divisional loss; Dick Jauron's squad ended a long drought.
- Lovie Smith Era (2005-2011) : Two NFC Championship wins and a Super Bowl berth defined their deepest runs, though losses to rivals like the Packers stung.
- Recent Years (2018-2025) : Wild card heartbreak dominated until the 2025 season's division-winning 11-6 campaign and wild card victory signaled resurgence.
Fan Perspectives
Bears supporters on forums recall the 2006 magic with Rex Grossman 's grit but lament NFC North curses, like back-to-back Packer losses. Recent buzz around the 2026 win sparks hope for more, amid talks of rookie impacts and defensive prowess.
TL;DR : 10 appearances, peaking in 2006-07, with a fresh win in 2026—progress from drought years.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.