Bears-Packers Rivalry Heats Up with Key Defensive Reinforcements Returning for Chicago
There’s nothing quite like Bears vs. Packers in December.
It’s one of those matchups that doesn’t need hype-just a date and a kickoff time. And this week, the stakes are as high as ever.
The Bears are rolling into Lambeau Field not just looking to beat their oldest rival, but to keep their grip on the NFC’s top seed with five games left in the regular season.
At 9-3, Chicago has been one of the league’s biggest surprises this year. This isn’t just a feel-good story-it’s a team that’s battled through adversity, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and still found ways to win.
Now, with three of their final five games coming against NFC North opponents, every snap matters. And just in time, the Bears are getting some much-needed help back on defense.
Bears Defense Getting Key Boost with Edwards, Sewell Set to Return
The Bears' injury report this week had a little more optimism than usual-and that’s saying something for a unit that’s been held together by duct tape and determination for most of the season. Linebackers T.J. Edwards and Noah Sewell are both expected to return Sunday against Green Bay, giving Chicago’s defense a much-needed lift.
Edwards has only suited up for five games this season, sidelined by a combination of hand and hamstring injuries. But when he’s on the field, there’s no questioning his impact.
He was a tackling machine last season, racking up 129 stops, four sacks, and a pick. He’s not just a stat-sheet stuffer-he’s a tone-setter.
Getting him back in the middle of the defense brings leadership, experience, and a physical edge that’s been missing.
Sewell’s return might not grab headlines, but it matters. He’s been a steady presence when available, and with the linebacker room so banged up in recent weeks, his return helps solidify the rotation.
That’s especially important considering the emergence of D’Marco Jackson, who’s made the most of his opportunities with some impressive performances. With Edwards, Sewell, and Jackson all available, the Bears suddenly have options-and that’s a luxury they haven’t had in a while.
Overcoming Injuries, Staying in the Hunt
Chicago’s defense has been in survival mode for much of the season. The secondary has missed key starters like Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon at various points.
The linebacker corps has been without Edwards, Sewell, and Tremaine Edmunds. And yet, here they are-still leading the NFC, still very much in the Super Bowl conversation.
Johnson and Gordon returned last week and immediately made their presence felt in a statement win over the Eagles. Now, with Edwards and Sewell back in the fold, the Bears are closer to full strength than they’ve been in weeks. That’s bad news for opposing offenses-and especially for a Packers team that’s trying to claw its way into playoff contention.
Offense Holding Steady Despite Odunze Injury
While the defense is getting healthier, the offense will be without standout receiver Rome Odunze this week. That’s a blow, no doubt.
Odunze has been a dynamic weapon and a reliable target all season long. But the Bears aren’t empty-handed.
Running back Kyle Monangai is good to go, and his presence in the backfield gives Chicago the ability to control tempo and keep the chains moving.
With a defense that’s finally getting some of its teeth back and an offense that’s shown it can win in a variety of ways, this Sunday’s clash at Lambeau has all the makings of a classic. Rivalry, playoff implications, and two teams with everything to play for-it doesn’t get much better than that.
If you’re looking for a game that captures everything we love about December football, circle this one. Bears-Packers always matters. But this time, it might just help shape the NFC playoff picture.