There is nothing quite like January football, and when playoff football features one of the greatest rivalries in NFL history, fireworks are inevitable.
In what will be their third meeting of the season, the Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers in what is undoubtedly the biggest NFL game played in Chicago this decade. Here’s a full breakdown of how this one could play out.
Bears vs Packers: Breakdown, Where to Watch, and Prediction
Game Breakdown:
The two regular-season meetings between these rivals were as close as a series can be, with both games effectively coming down to a single throw by Caleb Williams. He threw a late interception in one matchup and a game-winning touchdown in the other. For Chicago, the formula must change. The Bears need their franchise quarterback, along with his “whisperer” Ben Johnson, to deliver a complete A-to-Z passing performance, not just show up in the fourth quarter.
Yes, Chicago’s rushing attack has been elite all season and represents a clear strength-versus-weakness matchup against Green Bay’s inconsistent run defense. But playoff football is ultimately decided by one or two throws, and Williams cannot afford to take entire halves off, as he did in this very matchup during the regular season. With Micah Parsons out, there’s a sizeable hole in the Packers’ defense. That should allow Williams to operate without constant pressure, giving him the time and weaponry needed to slice through a depleted Green Bay unit.
For the Packers, this season could have been so much more if not for injuries across the roster. Jordan Love will need a near-superhero effort without many of his usual weapons, though he does face a Bears defense that is very gettable. As long as Love avoids turnovers, the one area where Chicago’s defense truly excels, Green Bay will remain competitive deep into the game.
What the Regular-Season Game Tells Us
Earlier in the season, this matchup in Chicago was expected to be a barn burner, but instead turned into a 38-point chess match. With playoff stakes, aggressive quarterback play, and two teams that feel a step away from true Super Bowl contention, whether due to injuries or youth, this one has the makings of a classic.
Where and When to Watch
This is the second Saturday playoff matchup, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM ET.
The game will be broadcast exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Prediction
This is a true 50–50 game. Under normal circumstances, Green Bay would have been the pick, even with the Parsons injury. However, Love’s extended time away from football shifts the balance.
In the most unlikely of ways, Ben Johnson keeps his promise of beating Matt LaFleur twice in a season, delivering Chicago an era-defining playoff win.
Prediction Score: Bears 31-28 Packers