The 2025 NFL season is reaching its breaking point, and Mike Marcangelo and Dave Clarke break it all down after a massive Week 16 that reshaped the playoff race. In this episode of Missing the Point, the focus is on two statement comeback wins that changed how the league looks at the New England Patriots and the Chicago Bears as both teams enter Week 17 as No. 2 seeds with real postseason momentum.
The show opens with a full breakdown of the Bears’ comeback win over the Packers, including Caleb Williams’ late-game poise and the clutch connection with DJ Moore. Mike and Dave explain why this game felt different from past Chicago wins, how Ben Johnson’s offense is accelerating Williams’ development, and why the Bears are no longer just a feel-good story but a legitimate playoff threat. They also discuss the psychological impact of winning these games and what it signals about Chicago’s long-term direction.
The conversation then shifts to New England’s comeback victory over the Ravens. Drake Maye’s performance is analyzed in depth, from early struggles to late-game control. The guys highlight Stefon Diggs’ continued impact, the Patriots’ evolving offensive identity, and why this team is winning games in multiple ways. They also address areas that still need refinement as the postseason nears, including ball security, protection issues, and situational execution.
From there, the episode widens to the full NFL playoff picture. Mike and Dave break down AFC and NFC seeding scenarios, potential matchups, and which teams are peaking at the right time. They debate who should fear the Patriots or Bears in January, which contenders feel fragile, and how quarterback play ultimately separates real threats from pretenders.
If you are tracking NFL playoff races, quarterback development, power shifts across the league, or the Patriots and Bears as emerging forces in 2025, this episode delivers sharp analysis, real conversation, and no-nonsense football takes as Week 17 approaches.
00:00 Patriots and Bears Surge as Playoff Contenders
03:51 Chicago Bears’ Dramatic Comeback Against Packers
16:17 Stefon Diggs Dominates in Patriots’ Ravens Upset
25:13 Analyzing Drake Maye’s Poise and Patriots’ Road Dominance
39:35 Patriots’ Road to Super Bowl. AFC Playoff Path
51:07 Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl Hopes in the NFC Playoff Race
01:06:01 Reflecting on Mirrored Seasons and Playoff Outlook
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