In the 105 years of the National Football League, the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers have met just twice in the postseason.
The Bears won an NFC Divisional Game in 1941, 33-14. The Packers won the NFC Championship Game in Chicago in 2011, 21-14.
Including those two games, the Packers own the series lead, 109-97-6.
It wasn’t always that way.
Before Brett Favre’s first start against the Bears in 1992, Chicago held a 23-game edge (80-57-6) in the series. That’s a 17-52 record since Favre.
Since Caleb Williams arrived in Chicago in 2024, the Bears are 2-2 against their rival. In those four games, the point differential is zero. And each game has come down to the Bears’ final possession.
In Week 11 last year, kicker Cairo Santos’ 46-yard game-winning field goal attempt was blocked. In Week 18, Santos got his revenge with a 51-yard walk-off to end the Bears’ eight-game losing streak at Lambeau Field.
In Week 14 this season, Caleb Williams’ fourth-down end zone pop for tight end Cole Kmet ended the Bears’ comeback bid with 22 seconds left in the fourth quarter. In Week 16, Williams got his revenge, leading a miraculous 10-point comeback in the fourth quarter before sealing the victory with a 46-yard touchdown strike to DJ Moore in overtime.
The rivalry is officially renewed. And Williams and Co. have a chance to leave an indelible mark on it in an unforgettable season.
“I kinda enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” Ben Johnson said in his introductory press conference back on Jan. 22, 2025.
Well, here’s his chance.
Onto our predictions for the NFC Wild Card matchup:
Adam Hoge
2025 record: 12-5
I’m going to be honest. I’ve been leaning Packers all week. I just don’t see how the Bears are going to run with Green Bay’s receivers. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a path to victory though. If the Bears can get off to a good start, dominate in the run game and control the clock, they will win. I think the Packers being favored by a point is spot on. It feels like a coin flip, so I’m going to go with the Bears winning 24-21 because that’s what my 11-year-old son, James, told me to do.
Bears 24, Packers 21
Mark Carman
2025 record: 12-5
The second the Bears’ regular season ended, Ben Johnson set the tone for the playoffs. “Don’t come to work tomorrow if you’re not prepared to go to work for five nights.” I believe. Despite my concerns about the defense.
Bears 31, Packers 30
Adam Jahns
2025 record: 11-6
This game plays out like most of the season has for the Bears. We should know better, right? Dennis Allen’s defense holds its ground on third downs and in the red zone and forces two takeaways. The Bears’ offensive line opens holes for running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai for an efficient, productive night. Quarterback Caleb Williams makes the clutch plays when needed. And in the locker room after the game, Ben Johnson delivers the loudest “Good, better, best” yet.
Bears 27, Packers 20
[READ | Why the Bears locker room believes in what’s ahead for QB Caleb Williams]
Greg Braggs Jr.
2025 record: 11-6
Print it.
Bears 27, Packers 23
Jerry Azumah
2025 record: 11-6
TBD
Patrick Norton
2025 record: 10-7
Hand up: I thought the Bears were going to smoke the Packers in Week 16. Instead, they delivered one of the most magical comeback victories in league history. In fact, it was on NFL Network as I was writing this on Wednesday night.
Before watching it (for the eighth time), I was planning to pick the Packers. Jordan Love, making his return from a concussion dealt by Austin Booker, admittedly reminds me of when Aaron Rodgers returned in Week 17 of the 2013 season to end the Bears’ playoff hopes after LB Shea McClellin had broken Rodgers’ clavicle earlier in the year.
But the rewatch reminded me of what’s made this Bears season special: the 10,579 cardiac events each game has caused the fan base.
It’ll take a little bit of luck, a little bit of heartbreak and a little prayer, but I think a third matchup sets up well for Ben Johnson and his ultra-focused team.
Bears 27, Packers 26
Corey Wootton
2025 record: 10-7
TBD
Lance Briggs
2025 record: 9-8
TBD
Stephen Nicholas
2025 record: 8-9
TBD
1 Comment
Jay Carr
Bears 22 Packers 21