The oldest rivalry in the NFL is renewed with first place in the NFC North on the line when the 9-3 Chicago Bears take on the 8-3-1 Green Bay Packers. Both squads had statement wins last week. The Bears bowled over the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles on the road, 24-15, while the Packers completed their season sweep of the Detroit Lions with a 31-24 Thanksgiving Day victory.
As things currently stand, the Chicago Bears are not just the first-place team in their division, but they are the top-seeded squad in the NFC. Despite the positive sentiments in Chicago, Bears head coach Ben Johnson is not satisfied with being the best team in the conference with five weeks left in the regular season.
“It doesn't mean anything,” Johnson said on Monday. “There's five games left. We’ve got a long ways to go. We have not been guaranteed a spot in the tournament yet. We have to earn that right, and the only way you can earn that right is by finding a way to win the next game. So, that's where our sole focus is.”
Though this is Ben Johnson's first time going up against the Green Bay Packers as a head coach, he knows how meaningful this 104-year-old rivalry is.
“It's a big week. It's a big week. We know how important this rivalry is,” he said. “It's one of those [rivalries] that I think lives in NFL history. I think it goes back for a long time. Two of the most winning franchises in the NFL, and I think that continues to be the case. So, it's a big one.”
Though he has only been a part of the Bears-Packers rivalry for one year, Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams made his mark last season by leading the Bears to a 24-22 win over Green Bay, snapping a streak of 11 straight losses to the Packers.
“It was awesome. Obviously, you go through such a tough time and weird time. Everybody knows what happened last year. And you go and face a rival. You know, this rival that's been going on for 100 years or so,” Williams told reporters on December 2nd. “So, being able to go out there and defeat them, it was important for us as players and the guys that are still here, and then for the future. We want to keep that going. Obviously, you want to win every single game that you play, but this week, since this is the only week that we’ve got, you definitely want to go out there and keep proving ourselves.”
If Chicago wants to pull off the win in Green Bay, they're going to have to make quarterback Jordan Love uncomfortable. The Detroit Lions failed to do that on Thanksgiving, which might be why he threw a season-high four touchdowns in the game.
“I see a quarterback that does a really good job of processing. He gets through his reads. He knows where he wants to go with the football. He delivers the ball accurately. I see a guy that's playing really at a high level,” said Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen of Jordan Love. “And, he's got a lot of good, skilled players to get the ball to. So, I think it's certainly a challenge for us. That's for sure.”
On the other side, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has seen a big difference between last year's Chicago Bears and this year's squad.
“The first thing that jumps out is, offensively, they're doing a great job taking care of the football. Defensively, they're doing a great job of getting the takeaways. I think they've always done a nice job,” LaFleur said on Wednesday. “I think (Ryan) Poles has done a hell of a job of collecting a bunch of talent. I think the quarterback's playing a lot better. Obviously, their run game is humming right now. And then defensively, they're a problem. They do such a good job of presenting similar looks and having different concepts off those looks. Just in terms of the offense and defense, I think they've just made a lot of progress.”
The Packers will have to focus on limiting the effectiveness of the Bears' rushing attack after they ran all over the Philadelphia Eagles for 281 yards. Currently, Chicago is the second-best running team in the NFL (153.8 rushing yards per game).
“It will be a challenge. One, I think it starts with their offensive line. I think they're playing really well. I think their offensive line coach has done a really good job. They've gotten better each week. They've kind of mixed and matched some people, and I think they have a good understanding of who they are and where they're at right now,” said Green Bay defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. “And then, they have two really good backs who are really good complements to one another. You combine that with a good scheme, and I think Ben (Johnson) does a good job. He's constantly looking for ways to motion you and shift you and create angles, and create leverage. You have to be really sound, and you have to be really disciplined to play this run game.”
When going against the 2025-26 Chicago Bears, teams need to make sure they limit their turnovers since Chicago leads the league in takeaways with 26 on the season. However, Jordan Love knows that they can neutralize the Bears' defense if they take care of the football.
“Something that we've harped on all season is we’ve got to go out there and do a great job just protecting the ball,” Love said on December 3rd. “They're number one in the league at creating turnovers and getting interceptions. I think it’s just they do a good job. Their DBs, they’re aware of the ball, and they're making plays when it is in the air. Obviously, a great group of DBs over there, but it just comes down to us being smart with the decisions and just taking care of it at all times.”
Prediction for Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers (-6.5)
Regardless of who wins, this game will not be decided by a touchdown. This is a coin flip game. The winner will only come out on top by a field goal at most. Jordan Love has done an excellent job of taking care of the football this season, but he also relies heavily on high-risk throws. That feeds perfectly into an opportunistic Bears defense that leads the league in interceptions (17). The Packers have a good run defense, but the Bears utilize so much motion in their offense that it'll be hard to hold them to under 100 yards as a team, which Green Bay has done most of the season. By forcing turnovers and controlling the clock with the rushing attack, it feels like the Bears will pull off the upset in Lambeau.
Prediction: Bears 24 - 21 Packers
How to watch Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers (-6.5)
Bears @ Packers starts at 4:25 p.m. EDT at Lambeau Field. You can watch it on Fox or stream it via the Fox Sports app or YouTube TV.
What To Do If You Have A Gambling Problem
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call or visit the Council on Compulsive Gambling:
Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-Call GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org
CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, or WY – Call 1-800-GAMBLER
AZ- Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP
IA – Call 1-800-BETS-OFF
KS, NV – Call 1-800-522-4700
KY – Call 1-800 GAMBLER, 18+
MI – Call 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help
MA – Call 1-800-327-5050
NC – Call – 1-800-662-4357
NY- Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling comes with its fair share of risks, and it is important to recognize that when using online gambling sites.
While we review different gambling sites, you should check with local laws in your area before gambling online. Also, all gambling sites and guides are rated 21+ only.
The following free gambling addiction resources can be of help:
21+ Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
