Chris Sweda / baiduhaiA Big Ten sign is secured before being driven away from Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis after the men's Big Ten basketball tournament was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns after the first night of action.
Chris Sweda/baiduhai/TNSBears wide receiver Allen Robinson is congratulated after catching a touchdown pass against the Packers on Nov. 29, 2020, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Antonio Perez / baiduhaiHannah Rosenfeld (left) and Hayley Harroun hold up signs as Chicago-area runners take part in the virtual Chicago marathon at 31st Street beach in Chicago. The official Chicago Marathon was canceled due to COVID-19, but many runners made alternative plans to get their 26.2 miles in.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiNorthwestern Wildcats coach Pat Fitzgerald celebrates a 43-3 win against the Maryland Terrapins at Ryan Field in Evanston. Northwestern went 6-1 during the shortened season — which was good enough for a spot in the Big Ten title game against Ohio State, which they lost game 22-10. The Wildcats next will face Auburn in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Day.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiNorthwestern Wildcats women's basketball players and coaches pose for photographs with the Big Ten Conference championship trophy after beating the Illinois Fighting Illini 75-58 to win at least a share of the Big Ten Conference Championship at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhai8-year-old Amari Fowler writes a memorial message in chalk outside the United Center after Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash.
Brian Cassella/baiduhaiChicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ can't catch a triple hit by the Milwaukee Brewers' Orlando Arcia in the seventh inning at Wrigley Field.
Chris Sweda/baiduhaiOrlando Magic player Aaron Gordon grabs the ball from Chance the Rapper before slamming it during the Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star weekend at the United Center in Chicago.
Jose M. Osorio/baiduhaiThe Wrigley Field scoreboard worker watches the ninth-inning action from his perch in center field during a Chicago Cubs-Pittsburgh Pirates game.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiChicago White Sox's Eloy Jimenez celebrates his RBI double to take a 4-3 lead on the Minnesota Twins in the seventh inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. The Sox held on for the win.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiCubs first baseman Kris Bryant watches Willson Contreras round the bases with a home run during a intrasquad scrimmage at summer camp at Wrigley Field.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiJournalists interview Chicago Bulls guard Coby White in the media lounge following a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center. The NBA had decided not to allow the usual access to the locker rooms before and after games due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Jose M. Osorio / baiduhaiChicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky takes the snap from the wildcat formation against the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field. Trubisky was injured on this play — the only action he saw in backup duties in the Week 8 OT loss.
Chris Sweda / baiduhai / baiduhaiA masked Chicago Dogs fans elbows the masked Ketchup mascot during the home opener for the Dogs at Impact Field in Rosemont on July 7, 2020. It was one of the first sporting events in the Chicagoland-area to have fans in the stands since the COVID-19 outbreak began.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiChicago White Sox infielder Tim Anderson falls on the field while trying to make a catch during spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz.
Jose M. Osorio / baiduhaiFans walk near a marquee of the Wrigley Field at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz. during a spring training game between the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics.
Stacey Wescott / baiduhaiChicago White Sox's Yoan Moncada (10) celebrates after hitting a home run off of St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Roel Ramirez in a game at Guaranteed Rate Field. Ramirez gave up four straight home runs to the White Sox lineup — Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, Jose Abreu and Eloy Jimenez for a total of six runs allowed.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiThe Wrigley Field marquee reads "Thank you, Theo," a day after Theo Epstein stepped down as president of baseball operations for the franchise. Epstein had been with the Cubs since 2011 and helped lead the team to their 2016 World Series championship.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiA railing at the United Center in Chicago is cleaned off before a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiChicago White Sox batter Jose Abreu tosses his helmet aside after striking out in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Guaranteed Rate Field. Abreu rebounded nicely from this strikeout, winning AL Most Valuable Player honors in November. The 33-year-old first baseman joined Frank Thomas (1993-94), Dick Allen (1972) and Nellie Fox (1959) as the only White Sox players to be named MVP.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiU.S. Team's Ja Morant goes up for — but misses — an uncontested dunk late in the second half of the NBA Rising Stars game during NBA All-Star weekend at the United Center.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiChicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo misses a throw from shortstop Javier Baez, which allows the Cincinnati Reds' Shogo Akiyama to advance to second during the first inning of a game at Wrigley Field.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiChicago Cubs fans sit on a rooftop before a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. Fans weren't allowed into the ballpark because of Chicago's COVID-19 restrictions, but several rooftops let smaller groups in for Cubs home games in 2020.
Abel Uribe / baiduhaiSister Stephanie Baliga jogs on her treadmill — with a statue of Mary and another of St. Francis on the floor beside her — in the basement of a West Humboldt Park convent. The former cross-country runner at Illinois is training for the virtual Chicago Marathon, which was to be livestreamed on YouTube and Zoom. Her run helped spur donations to help meet a $150,000 fundraising goal to assist the Mission of Our Lady of Angels' community outreach, particularly its food pantry that has seen a threefold demand increase because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiKim Kardashian West and Kanye West watch the first quarter of the NBA All-Star Game at the United Center.
Antonio Perez / baiduhaiA Black Lives Matter mural was painted on the Chicago Bulls' training facility on West Madison Ave. The artwork includes a few pieces of Bulls history, including a 1996 championship shirt and '97 championship ring. The mural was created by artist Langston Allston, who currently is based in New Orleans but still has connections and family in Chicago that bring him back frequently.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiCameron Champ wears "Black Lives Matter" on his white and black shoes as the tees off in the first round of the BMW Championship at Olympia Fields Country Club.
Erin Hooley / baiduhaiChicago White Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito celebrates after a no-hitter in a 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Guaranteed Rate Field. It was the 19th no-hitter in White Sox history — and the first since 2012.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiChicago Blackhawks left wing Alex DeBrincat, center, celebrates with teammates Duncan Keith (2) and Brandon Saad (20) after DeBrincat scored the winning goal in overtime against the Nashville Predators at the United Center.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiThe Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and fans observe a tribute and moment of silence for Kobe Bryant before the start of the game at the United Center. Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash.
Antonio Perez / baiduhai"We are all one home team" reads a face mask on the Michael Jordan statue inside the United Center which, for the first time ever, was made an Election Day super site polling place. Chicago voters came out to cast their ballot — and get a selfie with MJ.
Erin Hooley / baiduhaiAfter throwing a no-hitter, Chicago White Sox starter Lucas Giolito said had an early idea that it might be a special night: "I knew it was working after the first inning, a nice 1-2-3 inning. And then it kept building and building. After the seventh, it was like, 'I've got six outs left, we're going to make this happen.'"
Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhaiFans walk by photos of Kobe Bryant in the United Center after Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiThe Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings kick off at an empty Soldier Field in Week 15 action. Yes, there's still fireworks and music and that Bear Raid siren — even though the only way for fans to see the action this season is on their TV at home.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiChicago Cubs starting pitcher Yu Darvish looks through a fence while other pitchers throw during spring training at Sloan Park, in Mesa, Ariz.
Jose M. Osorio / baiduhaiWhite Sox pitcher Michael Kopech gets his long hair cut off by Angie Williams with Great Clips in front of the children and families staying at Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children's Hospital. Kopech and White Sox front office staff also presented a check to benefit RMHC.
Terrence Antonio James/baiduhaiMatthew Wilson plays defense in the Kids Off the Block basketball tournament on South Michigan Ave. While some summer programs have been canceled due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic, the KOB tournament is taking place with precautions like screening for people with high temperatures, and using hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment like face masks.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiChicago Bears players prepare to take the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. The Bears won the Week 5 game for the first-ever win over quarterback Tom Brady.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiVolunteers with Lakeview Pantry unload donated food for distribution at Wrigley Field. The Cubs' ballpark because a satellite site for the Lakeview Pantry during the pandemic.
Stacey Wescott/baiduhaiNorthwestern basketball player Sydney Wood is hugged by Northwestern football player Earnest Brown IV after a win over Cornhuskers at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston. Northwestern won 60-56 after trailing most of the game.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiChicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane, center, stands with his family as he is honored for scoring his 1,000th point at a ceremony that preceded a game against the Florida Panthers at the United Center.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiJennifer Hudson sings a tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna before the NBA All-Star Game at the United Center, in Chicago.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiThe sun rises over Camelback Ranch during White Sox spring training in Glendale, Ariz.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiShaquille O'Neal takes a video with his phone as a performer leaps over him and others during a break in the action during the Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star weekend at the United Center in Chicago.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiChicago White Sox's Eloy Jimenez looks behind while warming up for a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Jimenez hit a home run in the 10-1 win for the White Sox.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaibaiduhai sports columnist Paul Sullivan works outside the press box while the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers play at Wrigley Field. Sully was temporarily seated in the media quarantine section after new COVID-19 guidelines around travel in and out of Chicago.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiChicago White Sox player Tim Anderson, flanked by manager Rick Renteria and Yoan Moncada, takes a knee during the national anthem before the season opener at Guaranteed Rate Field against the Minnesota Twins.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiChicago Blackhawks center Ryan Carpenter tries to make a shot past St. Louis Blues goaltender Jake Allen during the first period at the United Center.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiGiannis Antetokounmpo of Team Giannis dunks in the first quarter of the NBA All-Star Game at the United Center, in Chicago.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiChicago Bulls center Wendell Carter Jr. adjusts his mask while sitting on the bench with teammates during the first half of the season opener against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center. The Bulls returned to the court after a 9-month layoff. They lost the opener 124-104.
Stacey Wescott / baiduhaiA young Ohio State football fan lies face down on the ground during a press conference at Big Ten headquarters in Rosemont. Parents from Ohio State, Iowa and Wisconsin showed up for a protest, asking for more transparency and communication about the postponement of the football season. The conference later changed course, and Big Ten football play began on Oct. 23.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiChicago Cubs President Theo Epstein watches a wild-card playoff game from the empty stands of Wrigley Field. The Cubs lost Game 1 to the Miami Marlins 5-1, and went on to lose the best-of-three series, thus ending their season.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiChicago Cubs loyalist Joe Cesaretti shows off his tattoos while Cubs players practice during spring training at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiAnthony Rizzo laughs at the plate with catcher Victor Caratini during a Chicago Cubs workout on July 6, 2020 at Wrigley Field.
Jose M. Osorio / baiduhaiNew Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles (left) with old Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky during training camp at Halas Hall. The Bears traded for Foles in the offseason, and the 2 quarterbacks battled during camp for the starting role, which eventually went to Trubisky.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiChicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, right, hugs third base coach Will Venable before the Cubs first full squad workout of spring training at Sloan Park, in Mesa, Ariz.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiChicago Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton talks his players on the ice as practice resumes at Fifth Third Arena ahead of the revamped and reschedule NHL playoffs. After a few weeks of practice in Chicago, the Blackhawks moved to the NHL's Stanley Cup bubble in Canada, where they beat the Edmonton Oilers in the opening series before losing to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiIndianapolis Colts defensive end Justin Houston tackles Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Darnell Mooney in the second quarter of a game at Soldier Field. The Bears lost the Week 4 game at home, 19-11.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiChicago Cubs third baseman David Bote can't make the catch on a foul pop hit by Chicago White Sox's Yoan Moncada in front of his teammates in the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won 2-1.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiJose Abreu and Eloy Jimenez wave to a television camera during White Sox spring training at Camelback Ranch, in Glendale, Ariz.
Jose M. Osorio/baiduhaiChicago Cubs Willson Contreras slides safely under the tag of Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jacob Stallings in the fifth inning on a double by Kyle Schwarber at Wrigley Field.
Jose M. Osorio/baiduhaiNew Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles in overtime at Soldier Field. Foles was sacked twice in the Week 8 loss.
Terrence Antonio James / baiduhaiOne of the IncrediBulls entertains the crowd before the start of a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Indiana Pacers at the United Center in Chicago.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiChicago Bears great Gale Sayers is honored on the big screen during a break in the action against the Indianapolis Colts at Soldier Field. The dazzling running back and kick returner was the youngest player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He died on Sept. 23 after a yearslong decline in health that included dementia. He was 77.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiWorkers check lighting and sound before the NBA Rising Stars game during NBA All-Star weekend at the United Center.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiTerrance Wills, owner of Razor Red Grooming Solutions barbershop that sits a little more than a mile from the United Center, was forced to shut down after Chicago's stay-at-home order went into effect. Current Bulls often stopped by to get haircuts, including Zach LaVine, Chandler Hutchison and Wendell Carter Jr.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiChicago native Patrick Beverley of the Los Angeles Clippers poses with students during a workshop for an Adidas career day event at Venue Six10.
Jose M. Osorio / baiduhaiChicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ walks out to the field for a spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiChicago White Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito waves to the cardboard cutouts at Guaranteed Rate Field as he heads to the bullpen to warm up for the season opener against the Minnesota Twins. The Sox lost 10-5.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiNBA players Chris Paul, from left, Kevin Love, Giannis Antetokounmpo, former President Barack Obama, and sports commentator Michael Wilbon have a conversation about basketball and life outside of it, at the Marriott Magnificent Mile in Chicago.
Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhaiChicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester pitches during the fifth inning of an exhibition game against the Minnesota Twins at Wrigley Field before the shortened MLB season began.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiA social distancing sign is posted in the 100 section at Wrigley Field as the Chicago Cubs return to the field for practice after months off because of COVID-19.
José M. Osorio/baiduhaiChicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson can't catch the pass, as the Detroit Lions defense reacts to an almost interception in the second quarter at Ford Field. The Bears won the Week 1 game 27-23.
Abel Uribe / baiduhaiThe coronavirus pandemic led to a pivot for Tania Hernandez and the seven workers at Novias Davila, a bridal shop in Little Village. Instead of dresses, everyone making face masks. White Sox left fielder Eloy Jimenez heard of the effort and wanted to show appreciation and contribute to the cause. He surprised each worker with a $500 gift card to Jewel-Osco and $500 for their service to create face masks. The Sox also donated jerseys that could be turned into face masks, which will be donated to first responders in the neighborhood.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiA fan wears custom-made sneakers while watching the NBA All-Star Game at the United Center, in Chicago.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiThe socially-distanced grounds crew watches the Cubs' Jason Heyward bat during a practice at a mostly empty Wrigley Field.
Erin Hooley / baiduhaiDePaul Blue Demons coach Doug Bruno gets doused in confetti as the basketball team celebrates their 88-74 win of the Big East women's tournament championship game over the Marquette Golden Eagles at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiChicago White Sox's Jose Abreu crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Abreu hit three home runs in the 7-4 win for the Sox — a day after he hit two home runs against the other Chicago baseball team.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiChicago Bulls head coach Jim Boylen reacts in the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at the United Center. The Bulls fired Boylen a few months later after two seasons.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiChicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo's shoe lies on a practice field during spring training at Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiEmpty seats as far as the eye can see at Wrigley Field during the first game of a Chicago Cubs-St. Louis Cardinals doubleheader.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhai7-year-old Colton Beccarelli reaches for a baseball near a fence during White Sox spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz.
E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhaiIllinois center Kofi Cockburn celebrates with fans after the Illini's 59-51 victory over Minnesota at State Farm Center in Champaign.
Jose M. Osorio / baiduhaiChicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson walks to the dugout before a spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz.
Erin Hooley / baiduhaiChicago White Sox's Tim Anderson rounds third base — and the cardboard cutout fans — after hitting a home run during the first inning of a game vs. the Detroit Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiGymnast Katelyn Ohashi, center, talks with WNBA player A'ja Wilson and former NBA player Darius Miles during the All-Star Celebrity Game at Wintrust Arena.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiThe press box and broadcasters booths are illuminated at a mostly empty Wrigley Field in the fifth inning of a game between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals.
Antonio Perez / baiduhaiChicago-area runners from Team World Vision get ready to take part in the virtual Chicago Marathon near Columbus and Roosevelt. World Vision is a charity organization that raises money for water projects in Africa and Covid relief projects in U.S.
Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhaiChicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos celebrates his game-winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. The Bears won 20-19.
Abel Uribe / baiduhaiMembers of the Chicago White Sox pitching staff warm up for the first practice of the restarted season at Guaranteed Rate Field. It was the first time the team was back together since COVID-19 halted spring training in March.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiLeBron James of Team LeBron hugs Joel Embiid of Team Giannis after a 157-155 win in the NBA All-Star Game at the United Center. James and Giannis Antetokounmpo handpicked Chicago Scholars and After School Matters as their All-Star Game charities. As part of the game's new format, each group will enter All-Star Weekend with a chance to win up to $500,000 to put toward the futures of local children.
Chris Sweda/baiduhaiChicago Cubs center fielder Albert Almora Jr. makes a leaping catch against the ivy of a long fly ball hit by the Milwaukee Brewers' Logan Morrison in the ninth inning at Wrigley Field.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiMembers of the South Shore Drill Team perform before the NBA Rising Stars game during NBA All-Star weekend at the United Center in Chicago.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiChicago Fire players walk out onto the pitch for their long-awaited return to Soldier Field. The Fire's first game at their new home came five months later than planned, thanks to COVID-19 scheduling shifts. But a 3-0 win over FC Cincinnati made the wait worth it. A red carpet was rolled out for players, and family members submitted videos that played over the large video boards at both ends of the stadium.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiA cardboard cutout of a shirtless Chicago White Sox fan is placed with fellow cutouts at Guaranteed Rate Field. It's ... a look.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiFormer Chicago high-school great and Los Angeles Laker Anthony Davis controls the tip-off for of Team LeBron during the NBA All-Star Game at the United Center in Chicago.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiWrestler Robby Smith's athletic future in doubt after the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo were officially postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
José M. Osorio/baiduhaiChicago Bears tight end Jimmy Graham (80) raises his fist during the national anthem before the season opener against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Several Bears also took a knee on the sidelines.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiChicago Cubs' Jason Heyward carries the Chicago flag out to right field before the home opener against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won 3-0.
Antonio Perez / baiduhaiKayla Isom, a senior at UIC on the track and cross team team, stretches before a training with team members in Chicago. The COVID-19 fall postponements affected more than just football — but without the accompanying fanfare. "I felt like I was in the best shape of my life," said Isom, who won the Horizon League indoor and outdoor 800-meter championships. "I shed some tears but realized I had to get over that. I felt like everyone was disappointed, but we realize it was for the safety of us and the safety of our family and everyone in the world. I don't mean my team didn't feel anger. … We just understood it."
Erin Hooley / baiduhaiJohn Doran competes in the White Sox Speed Pitch Challenge at chilly Guaranteed Rate Field with hope of winning a trip for two to spring training games in Arizona.
Chris Sweda / baiduhai
1 of 101
A Big Ten sign is secured before being driven away from Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis after the men's Big Ten basketball tournament was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns after the first night of action.
Expand
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
The Chicago Bears’ path to the playoffs is clear: If they beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Soldier Field (3:25 p.m., FOX-32), they’ll qualify for the postseason for the second time in three seasons under coach Matt Nagy.
If they lose, they need the Arizona Cardinals to fall to the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, Calif. (3:25 p.m., CBS-2).
If the Bears win and the Rams win, the Bears would be the No. 7 seed and the Rams the No. 6 seed in the NFC. If the Bears win and the Cardinals win, the Bears would be the No. 6 seed and the Cardinals the No. 7 seed next weekend.
If the Bears lose and the Cardinals win, the Bears would be eliminated from postseason contention, and the Cardinals would be the No. 6 seed and the Rams the No. 7 seed.
Playoff chances
The New York Times gives the Bears a 72% chance of making the postseason.
FiveThirtyEight.com gives the Bears a 62% chance of a postseason berth.
ESPN.com gives the Bears a 75.3% chance of making the postseason.