Meaningful football returns to Chicago: Can the Bears keep it going?

The big picture: The team has been mired in a yearslong rebuild, which has lowered fans' expectations. This season, they've turned around their losing ways after just 11 games under rookie head coach Ben Johnson.

• For the first time in years, the Bears will play meaningful football in December and January.

Yes, but: Fans and analysts are not convinced the Bears are playoff-ready. The team has had a soft schedule and has yet to beat a league powerhouse.

Reality check: They'll have their chance at 2pm Friday as the NFL trots out a national game between the Bears and the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles in Philadelphia.

• December's schedule also features games versus perennial playoff teams like Green Bay, Detroit and San Francisco.

The intrigue: While analysts don't like the team's odds, the NFL is definitely taking advantage of their success.

• At least five of the remaining six games may be flexed to a national audience.

Between the lines: That's what makes this season special. While fans are mostly tempered in their Super Bowl enthusiasm, they are rooting for a win rather than hoping for a loss to help next year's draft position.

The bottom line: Even if the Bears can't pull out a victory against the heavily favored Eagles, a competitive game would send the message that this team is worth cheering for.