(10) Patterson makes history

With one more kickoff return touchdown, Pro Bowl specialist Cordarrelle Patterson would set an all-time NFL record with his ninth kickoff return TD, breaking a tie with Joshua Cribbs and Leon Washington.

(9) Santos remains red hot

Cairo Santos has been among the Bears' most pleasant surprises this season, connecting on 25-of-27 field-goal attempts (92.6 percent) in the first 14 games, including his last 22 straight.

(8) Trubisky keeps slinging it

In four games since being reinstalled as the Bears' starting quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky has completed 67.9 percent of his passes for 978 yards with eight touchdowns, three interceptions and a 99.7 passer rating.

(7) Montgomery stays on a roll

David Montgomery has fueled the offense's revival by running like a man possessed. In four games since returning from a concussion, he has rushed for 434 yards and five TDs on 71 carries, a 6.1-yard average.

(6) Fans return to Soldier Field

After Bears fans were prohibited from attending home games in 2020 due to the pandemic, here's hoping they can return in 2021 and help provide a home-field advantage for their favorite team.

(5) The defense reverts to form

Here's hoping that Santa Claus sprinkles some magic dust on a Bears defense that looks to revert to the form it displayed earlier in the season when it allowed either one or two TDs in nine of the first 10 games.

(4) The offense continues to shine

The once-dormant Bears offense has experienced a recent resurgence that hopefully will continue. In its last four games, the unit has generated 14 touchdowns and averaged 31.0 points and 386.5 yards per contest.

(3) Beating the Packers

The only more satisfying thing than earning a playoff spot on the final day of the season would be doing so with a win over the Green Bay Packers, who've dominated the NFL's longest rivalry for far too long.

(2) A playoff berth

During the Bears' six-game losing streak, qualifying for the postseason seemed inconceivable. But after two straight wins, the Bears are very much in the hunt for a wild card berth with two games remaining.

(1) A much better 2021

After a life-altering pandemic changed the world as we knew it in 2020, here's hoping that 2021 is filled with health and happiness for all humankind, especially Bears fans, players, coaches and staff members.