The stage is set for one of football’s most storied rivalries to write its next chapter - and this one could have major playoff implications. On Sunday, the Green Bay Packers host the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field in a matchup that’s not just about history or bragging rights - it’s about control of the NFC North.
The Bears come in hot, sitting atop the NFC at 9-3, while the Packers are right on their heels at 8-3-1. The winner walks away not only with a rivalry win, but with sole possession of first place in the division. In December, that’s the kind of leverage that can shape the rest of the season.
For Packers wide receiver Christian Watson, the stakes couldn’t be clearer.
“It’s huge, it’s huge,” Watson said earlier this week. “It’s a chance for us to take the top spot in the NFC North, and that’s step one for us in terms of our goal for this season. So it’s big-time for us.”
That goal - winning the division - starts with handling business at home against a Bears team that’s already proven it can win at Lambeau. Chicago closed out last season with a statement win in Green Bay, a game that stung more than most for Watson. He tore his ACL in that contest, ending his season and setting off a long rehab process.
Now, nearly a year later, he’s back - and he’s making his presence felt. Through six games this season, Watson has hauled in 21 catches for 363 yards and three touchdowns.
He’s showing the burst, precision, and big-play ability that made him such a threat before the injury. Sunday’s game offers a full-circle moment - a chance to help his team reclaim the division lead against the very opponent and on the very field where his season ended last year.
But this isn’t the same Bears team the Packers have bullied for much of the past two decades. With head coach Ben Johnson and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams at the helm, Chicago has found new life.
They’re averaging 26.1 points per game - a clear sign that Williams is settling in as the face of the franchise. The rookie’s poise and creativity have brought a new edge to the Bears’ offense.
Defensively, though, the Bears are still trying to find consistency. They’re giving up 25.6 points per game, and that’s where the Packers may look to capitalize.
Green Bay, averaging 24.5 points per outing, has been efficient and opportunistic, especially when the defense gives them favorable field position. And speaking of defense, the Packers have been stout - allowing just 18.8 points per game.
That’s the kind of number that wins games in December.
So what we’ve got here is a rivalry game with playoff stakes, a returning star looking for redemption, and two teams with very different identities. Chicago brings firepower but remains vulnerable on the back end. Green Bay brings balance and experience - and a home crowd that knows just how much this one means.
Lambeau Field has seen its share of classics, but Sunday’s matchup might just add another to the list.