Black Friday Football Shakes Up Playoff Races With Major Upsets in NFL and College Action

Key Points

• The Chicago Bears stunned the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles with a 24–15 victory.
• Utah mounted a fourth‑quarter comeback to defeat Kansas 31–21 on the road.
• Chicago’s win tightens the NFC playoff race, while Utah stays alive in the Big 12 title hunt.
• The Bears rushed for 281 yards, while Utah sealed its win with a 97‑yard pick‑six.
• Both results significantly reshaped postseason projections across the NFL and college football.

Black Friday Delivers High‑Stakes Football Drama

Black Friday brought more than holiday shopping chaos—it delivered two of the most impactful football results of the season. In the NFL, the Chicago Bears shocked the league by overpowering the Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile, in college football, No. 14 Utah staged a late surge to keep its Big 12 championship hopes alive.

Both games, covered widely by AP Sports, dramatically altered the playoff outlook in their respective leagues.

Bears Dominate Defending Champs With Relentless Ground Attack

The Chicago Bears made a national statement with a commanding 24–15 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Their rushing attack was nearly unstoppable, piling up 281 yards against one of the NFL’s toughest defensive fronts.

Running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai each surpassed 125 yards, controlling possession and dictating the pace from start to finish.

Chicago’s defense matched the offense’s intensity, holding Philadelphia to just 45 rushing yards and limiting the Eagles’ high‑powered offense to 15 points. The victory marks the Bears’ fifth straight win, pushing them to 9–3 and atop the NFC North.

The Eagles, now 8–4, remain leaders in the NFC East but face renewed pressure as the playoff race tightens.

Utah’s Late Surge Lifts Utes Over Kansas

In Lawrence, the Utah Utes delivered one of their most resilient performances of the season. Trailing for much of the game, Utah erupted in the fourth quarter, outscoring Kansas 21–7 to secure a 31–21 comeback win.

Quarterback Devon Dampier threw for 253 yards and three touchdowns, while the game’s turning point came from the defense: a 97‑yard interception return for a touchdown by Elijah Davis.

The win moves Utah to 10–2 overall and 7–2 in Big 12 play, keeping them in contention for a spot in the conference championship game. Kansas, falling to 5–7, is officially eliminated from bowl eligibility.

Playoff Picture Gets a Holiday Shake‑Up

Chicago’s rise adds a new wrinkle to the NFC playoff race. Their physical, run‑heavy identity and surging defense make them one of the conference’s most dangerous teams heading into December.

For Utah, the path to the Big 12 title game remains narrow but achievable. They will need help from other conference results, but their ability to win tight, high‑pressure games keeps them firmly in the conversation.

Black Friday football delivered both clarity and chaos—reminding fans that every game carries weight as the postseason draws near.

What Happens Next?

The Bears look to extend their winning streak and solidify their playoff position as the NFL season enters its final stretch. Utah, meanwhile, awaits key conference outcomes that will determine whether their comeback win keeps their championship dreams alive.

With both leagues approaching their climactic final weeks, the ripple effects of these Black Friday upsets will continue to shape the postseason landscape.