Eagles Clinch NFC East, Bears Stun Packers in OT to Take Control of NFC North
Saturday was a statement day in the NFC. The Philadelphia Eagles locked up the NFC East with a second-half surge against Washington, while the Chicago Bears pulled off a dramatic overtime win over Green Bay to tighten their grip on the NFC North.
Let’s start in Philly, where the Eagles didn’t just beat the Commanders-they owned the second half. Down 10-7 at halftime, the Eagles ripped off 22 unanswered points to close it out 29-18, clinching back-to-back NFC East titles for the first time since their early-2000s dominance. That kind of sustained divisional success is rare in today’s NFL, and it speaks volumes about the core this team has built.
Hurts, Smith, and Bigsby Power Eagles’ Offense
Jalen Hurts was in full command of the offense, going 22-of-30 for 185 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers. He added 40 yards on the ground and kept the chains moving with timely scrambles. Both of his touchdown passes came in key moments-one to DeVonta Smith in the first quarter to give Philly its first lead, and another to Dallas Goedert in the third to swing momentum back after falling behind.
Smith had six catches for 42 yards and that early score, but his biggest play might’ve come on special teams. With just over a minute left, he recovered an onside kick that helped seal the win. It’s the kind of heads-up, high-effort play that defines winning teams.
And how about Tank Bigsby? The rookie running back made the most of his limited touches, racking up 37 yards and a 22-yard touchdown run that put the game on ice. It was his first score of the season, and it came at the perfect time-just as the Eagles were closing the door on Washington.
Defense Steps Up, Young Players Shine
Philly’s defense turned it up after halftime, and a few young names stood out. Jihaad Campbell, getting extended snaps after Nakobe Dean exited with a hamstring injury, made five tackles, including one for loss, and added a special teams tackle. That’s the kind of depth championship teams lean on in December.
Reed Blankenship added three tackles from the safety spot, and Byron Young continued his late-season surge with three tackles and his third sack in as many games. Up front, Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen held their own in the trenches-though Steen’s day ended early after he and two Washington defenders were ejected following a post-conversion scuffle.
Washington Shows Fight, But Falls Short
Give the Commanders credit-they didn’t roll over. Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt punched in a 1-yard touchdown to give Washington a 10-7 lead late in the second quarter. On defense, Jonathan Jones led the way with eight tackles, while Daron Payne added five more from the interior.
Noah Igbinoghene made two tackles, including one for loss, and Jeremy Reaves chipped in on both defense and special teams. But ultimately, Washington couldn’t keep pace once Philadelphia found its rhythm.
Next Up:
The Eagles (10-5) head to Buffalo next for a marquee matchup with the Bills. Washington (4-11) will try to regroup on a short week before facing the Cowboys.
Chicago Rallies Late, Stuns Packers in Overtime Thriller
If you’re looking for a turning point in the NFC North, Saturday night in Green Bay might be it. The Bears, trailing late and seemingly out of options, pulled off a wild comeback to beat the Packers 22-16 in overtime-and now need just one more win to clinch their first division title since 2018.
Let’s break it down.
Green Bay had a chance to take control of the division. A win would’ve vaulted them into first place. Instead, Chicago flipped the script with a furious final two minutes in regulation and a walk-off touchdown in OT.
The Bears kicked a field goal with 1:59 left to cut the deficit to six, then recovered an onside kick. With just 24 seconds remaining, they found the end zone to tie it up. And in overtime, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams connected with DJ Moore for a 46-yard touchdown to end it.
That’s not just a win-it’s a statement. The Bears are growing up fast, and they’re doing it in the most dramatic way possible.
Packers’ Missed Opportunities, Injuries Prove Costly
Green Bay had its chances. Josh Jacobs started at running back but struggled to find space, managing just 36 yards on 12 carries.
He also lost a critical fumble at the Chicago 4-yard line midway through the third quarter. That turnover stung-especially since it turned out to be his final touch of the game.
Jacobs had been dealing with a knee injury and didn’t practice during the week, and it looked like it caught up with him.
Xavier McKinney had a solid night in the secondary, finishing with six tackles and a pass breakup. Defensive tackle Colby Wooden added two tackles and a quarterback hit, helping to keep the Bears’ offense in check for most of the night.
Then came the quarterback change. Jordan Love exited after a roughing-the-passer hit in the second quarter, and Malik Willis stepped in.
Willis played admirably-completing 9-of-11 passes for 121 yards and a 33-yard touchdown to Romeo Doubs just before the end of the third quarter. He also added 44 yards on the ground.
But in overtime, with the game on the line, Willis fumbled a fourth-and-1 snap at the Bears’ 36. That turnover set the stage for Chicago’s game-winner.
What’s Next:
The Packers (9-5-1) now face a tough challenge against the AFC-leading Ravens next Saturday night at Lambeau. The Bears (11-4) will try to seal the division when they visit the 49ers on Dec. 28 in what could be a heavyweight showdown.
Takeaway: December Football Is Here
Both Philadelphia and Chicago showed why December football is different. It’s about grit, execution, and seizing the moment.
The Eagles did it with a dominant second half and a balanced roster firing on all cylinders. The Bears did it with resilience, making the most of every second and delivering a signature win on the road.
With just two weeks left in the regular season, the playoff picture is starting to crystallize-and if Saturday was any indication, we’re in for one wild finish.