The Chicago Bears did what they had to do on Sunday-and they did it with authority. With the NFC North still up for grabs, Chicago handled business in dominant fashion, steamrolling the Cleveland Browns 31-3 to improve to 10-4.
This win sets the stage for a massive rematch next weekend against the Green Bay Packers, a game that could decide the division. But while the Bears were cruising, things were unraveling fast for their rivals up north.
Green Bay came into their showdown with the AFC-leading Denver Broncos riding high. They jumped out to a 23-14 lead and looked poised to keep their momentum rolling. But then, the wheels came off.
It started with a turnover-Jordan Love, who’s been playing some of his best football in recent weeks, made a costly mistake, throwing a pick to Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain. That would’ve been bad enough, but the play also saw wide receiver Christian Watson go down hard with what appeared to be a serious shoulder injury.
And for Green Bay, Watson isn't just another piece-he’s the piece in that receiving corps. His speed stretches defenses, his presence changes coverages, and his chemistry with Love has been a difference-maker.
If he’s sidelined long-term, it’s a major blow to Green Bay’s offensive identity.
But unfortunately for the Packers, that wasn’t the worst of it.
Micah Parsons, the high-profile midseason addition from Dallas, has been a game-wrecker since arriving in Green Bay. He’s been everything the Packers hoped for and more-a relentless edge presence who’s elevated the entire defense.
But late in the game, Parsons planted awkwardly while trying to change direction and went down without contact. The early fear?
A torn ACL.
If that’s confirmed, it’s a devastating loss. Parsons isn’t just a star-he’s the engine of that defense.
And with defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt already out for the season, the Packers could be staring at a playoff push without their top interior and edge defenders. That’s not just a setback-it’s a structural collapse.
And the hits kept coming. Right tackle Zach Tom, arguably Green Bay’s most consistent offensive lineman, exited with an ankle injury.
That’s three critical pieces-Watson, Parsons, and Tom-potentially out or limited heading into a must-win stretch. Depth matters in December, and Green Bay’s is being tested in the worst way.
For the Bears, this changes everything.
The team they faced just a week ago won’t be the same one that shows up at Soldier Field next Saturday night. And while Chicago knows better than to take any Packers team lightly-especially in a rivalry game with playoff stakes-this is a golden opportunity.
Without Parsons on the edge, the Bears’ offensive line can shift focus and protection schemes elsewhere. And they’ve already shown they can move the ball on this Green Bay defense.
They dropped 21 points on them last week and were one red-zone interception away from making it 28.
Now, with the division lead within reach and the Packers limping into a hostile environment, the Bears control their own destiny. A win next weekend wouldn’t just be a statement-it could be the turning point in a season that’s been building toward this moment.
The NFC North is still up for grabs. But after Sunday, it’s clear: the balance of power is shifting. And the Bears are ready to seize it.