Bears Outlast Packers in OT Thriller as Caleb Williams, DJ Moore Deliver the Final Blow
In a game that had all the makings of a late-season classic, the Chicago Bears clawed their way back from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit and stunned the Green Bay Packers in overtime, 22-16. It was a night that nearly belonged to Malik Willis, who stepped in for an injured Jordan Love and gave the Packers a real shot at seizing control of the NFC North. But when the dust settled, it was Caleb Williams and DJ Moore connecting for a 46-yard walk-off touchdown that stole the show and the win.
Let’s break down how it all unfolded-and how a handful of key moments flipped this game on its head.
Malik Willis Steps In, Nearly Steals the Show
When Jordan Love exited with just over eight minutes left in the first half, the Packers turned to Malik Willis, making just his third appearance of the season. What followed was a performance that was equal parts gutsy and poised.
Willis didn’t just manage the game-he made plays. He kept drives alive with his legs, extended plays with his mobility, and delivered a few big-time throws, including a 33-yard touchdown strike to Romeo Doubs late in the third quarter that gave Green Bay a 13-3 lead.
Head coach Matt LaFleur was quick to praise the backup quarterback postgame.
“I thought Malik went in there and did a hell of a job,” LaFleur said. “He was poised. Made some plays with his legs, made some plays with his arm… the operation was pretty smooth.”
Willis finished 9-of-11 for 121 yards and a touchdown, adding 44 rushing yards on 10 carries. It was the kind of performance that showed why Green Bay brought him in after his stint in Tennessee. But as encouraging as his play was, football is a game of moments-and the final ones didn’t fall Green Bay’s way.
The Fourth Quarter Collapse
Green Bay looked to be in full control after Brandon McManus knocked through a 28-yard field goal to push the lead to 16-6 with just over five minutes left in regulation. But the Bears, to their credit, didn’t blink.
Caleb Williams, the rookie quarterback who’s been steadily finding his rhythm, led a 3-minute drive that resulted in a field goal to cut the lead to seven. Then came the onside kick-and the moment everything changed.
Chicago recovered it cleanly, giving them 1:56 and 57 yards to go. Williams methodically moved the Bears down the field, converting a crucial fourth down with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jahdae Walker. Instead of going for two, the Bears kicked the extra point, tying the game at 16 and sending it into overtime.
Overtime Misfire
Green Bay got the ball first in the extra period and looked like they might be ready to answer. Willis hit Jayden Reed for a 31-yard gain, putting the Packers within striking distance. But on a 4th-and-1 from the Chicago 36, disaster struck.
A miscommunication between Willis and center Sean Rhyan led to a botched snap. The ball hit the turf, and with it, Green Bay’s hopes of a division-clinching win began to slip away.
“Just a miscommunication,” Willis said. “He wasn’t expecting me to change up the cadence… that’s on me.”
Chicago didn’t waste the opportunity. Four plays later, Williams uncorked a 46-yard bomb to DJ Moore, who broke free down the sideline and walked it in for the game-winner.
What It Means for the NFC North
This one stings for Green Bay-not just because of how it ended, but because of what was at stake. A win would’ve vaulted the Packers into first place in the NFC North.
Now, the path to a division title is steeper. Green Bay needs to win out and hope Chicago drops both of its remaining games.
LaFleur acknowledged the magnitude of the missed opportunity.
“Just too many errors in critical moments that got us beat,” he said. “We had a fumble in the red area, didn’t field the onside kick, and then the fourth down in overtime. Give Chicago credit-they fought to the end.”
A Glimpse of Growth for Willis
Despite the loss, there’s no question Willis showed something. For a quarterback who’s bounced from Auburn to Liberty to Tennessee and now Green Bay, this was a performance that reminded everyone of the raw talent that made him a third-round pick in 2022.
“I know I left some plays out there,” Willis said. “But we’ve got two more games. This season’s not over.”
He’s not wrong. Green Bay hosts the Baltimore Ravens next, and whether or not Willis starts will depend on Love’s health. But if Saturday night was any indication, the Packers have a backup who can keep them competitive-and maybe more.
For now, though, it’s a night of what-ifs in Green Bay. What if they recover the onside kick?
What if the snap in overtime is clean? What if Willis gets one more shot?
Instead, it’s the Bears celebrating, and the Packers regrouping. December football doesn’t get much more dramatic than this.