The Bears needed one win in their last two games to claim the NFC North title.

Turns out that wasn’t even necessary. A Packers loss also would do the trick.

The Bears got that Saturday night, before their Week 17 kickoff against the San Francisco 49ers on “Sunday Night Football,” as the Baltimore Ravens beat the Packers 41-24 at Lambeau Field.

The Packers were at a disadvantage, playing without quarterback Jordan Love, who had shoulder and concussion issues. Backup QB Malik Willis also wasn’t quite right, dealing with a shoulder injury.

Green Bay already had earned a playoff spot following the Detroit Lions’ loss Thursday, so it will end up an NFC wild-card team, cemented as the No. 7 seed.

[READ: Five Bears, 49ers players to watch in NFL Week 17 game in San Francisco]

It also gives the Bears their first NFC North title since 2018. While it’s still possible Chicago can earn the NFC’s top seed with two wins and some help, odds seem great it will be the No. 2 or No. 3. If the Bears are the No. 2 seed — which is possible before Sunday night’s kickoff, assuming the Buffalo Bills beat the Philadelphia Eagles — that would set up another installment of what, to this point, has been an epic season series with Green Bay.

We won’t have a clearer playoff picture until after Week 17 is complete Monday night, and we have several games left to play before that happens.

[READ: Bears injury report: Luther Burden III will play vs. 49ers; Rome Odunze remains out]

One thing we know for sure is that the Bears won a division title in head coach Ben Johnson’s first season. While that’s impressive in its own right, Chicago is looking for more. The Bears have proven competitive against the top teams on their schedule, with the 49ers representing another huge test in a game between teams that could later meet in the postseason.

The Bears can make a run — who would doubt them now? — especially if their health improves and their passing game gains consistency. They’ve also been a team of good fortune, with NFC North foes faltering down the stretch while the Bears have retained strength in the clutch.

You play the hand you’re dealt, and the Bears have done so well to this point, they’re now able to celebrate a division crown that has been elusive in recent seasons.