In Chicago, the calendar might say it's the week before Christmas, but make no mistake-this city is locked in on one thing: Bears vs. Packers, Round 2.
It’s the kind of matchup that defines seasons-and potentially reshapes futures. With the Bears holding a one-game lead over Green Bay in the NFC North, Sunday’s showdown is more than just a rivalry game. It’s a shot at redemption, a chance to take control of the division, and maybe even a defining moment for a franchise trying to turn the corner.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: this is the biggest game the Bears have played in years. You’d probably have to go back to their playoff push in 2020 to find a game with this much weight. And for head coach Ben Johnson, the stakes couldn’t be clearer.
“Our sole focus this week is beating the next opponent,” Johnson told reporters. “We’ve got a good team coming to town.
There’s a lot at stake when you’re playing meaningful games in December. That’s all you could ever hope for.
We’re really looking forward to this opportunity.”
That opportunity? It’s personal.
It’s about more than just playoff positioning. It’s about bouncing back from a Week 14 loss where the Bears gave up three explosive touchdown passes to Jordan Love-each one going for 23 yards or more.
Chicago’s defense bent, broke, and never quite recovered. Offensively, the Bears were flat for most of the first half, putting up just three points before a second-half surge fell short in a 28-21 loss.
This time around, the Bears need to flip the script.
Both teams are banged up heading into this one. Green Bay will be without star edge rusher Micah Parsons, a major blow to their pass rush.
On the other side, Chicago’s receiving corps takes a hit with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III both sidelined. That puts pressure on depth players to rise to the moment-because this game is going to come down to who can make the key plays when it matters most.
And of course, all eyes will be on the quarterbacks. Jordan Love has already shown he can carve up this Bears secondary, and Caleb Williams will be tasked with matching that energy-this time with fewer weapons and more on the line.
For Johnson, this isn’t just about game planning. It’s about setting a tone.
This is the kind of game that can define a coach’s tenure. A win over the Packers, with the division lead on the line and the playoffs within reach?
That’s the type of victory that sticks. That’s the kind of game that turns belief into momentum.
Yes, the Bears still have their eyes on the NFC North crown. Yes, the No. 1 seed is technically still in play. But none of that matters if they can’t get past Green Bay.
Sunday isn’t just another game. It’s a statement opportunity. And if the Bears want to prove they’re for real, it starts by taking care of business against the team that’s haunted them for far too long.