Bears assert Super Bowl candidacy: After Jeffery Simmons trade and 'MNF' win, NFC runs through Chicago

The Chicago Bears are now serious contenders for the Super Bowl following their strong performance and key additions. After their convincing win over the Seattle Seahawks on 'Monday Night Football,' it looks less like a dream and more like a possible reality that they could hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy in February. The 34-17 victory in primetime was a statement. It announced to the rest of the NFL that this Bears team has entered its contention window.

The Bears own more wins by double digits than any team in the NFL. If Williams maintains his pace and Simmons continues to shine as the All-Pro defensive tackle he is, the blowouts will keep rolling in, potentially all the way to the Super Bowl.

The sports betting market already viewed Chicago as a playoff-caliber team. It held the eighth-shortest odds to win the Super Bowl heading into Week 8. That victory over the reigning champions showed how one game can change the conversation, because the Bears are now tied for the third-best title odds. Among NFC teams, only the San Francisco 49ers have a brighter outlook.

The Bears entered Week 8 averaging 6.3 yards per play allowed and cut that metric in half in the first game with Simmons in the lineup. Seattle managed just 3.0 yards per play and posted a 25.0% success rate when Simmons was on the field, while it produced most of its output when he was on the sideline. The numbers inflated to 13.3 yards per play and a 62.5% success rate with Simmons off the field.

Ben Johnson's offense could be NFL's best. Johnson said before the season that he wants his offense to be the highest-scoring unit in NFL history. The Bears are well short of record pace, but they might still boast the league's most high-octane attack for the rest of the season.