Packers vs. Bears: Old Rivals, New Stakes as December Football Heats Up
It’s December in the NFL, and that means two things in Green Bay: frozen tundra and high-stakes football. This week, both are on full display as the Packers and Bears finally square off for the first time this season - and the timing couldn’t be more dramatic.
The Bears come in red hot at 9-3, just a half-game ahead of the 8-3-1 Packers in the NFC North. After not meeting until Week 14, these two will face off twice in the next three weeks, with the division crown - and potentially a home playoff game - hanging in the balance.
The Bears’ Surge: Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams Fuel a Turnaround
Chicago’s decision to bring in Ben Johnson as head coach has been one of the season’s biggest success stories. The former Lions offensive coordinator has unlocked something special with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, who’s looking every bit the franchise cornerstone Chicago hoped he’d be.
The Bears have ripped off nine wins in their last 10 games, including five straight. They’re not just winning - they’re imposing their will.
In their most recent outing, a 24-15 win over the defending champion Eagles, Chicago racked up a staggering 281 yards on the ground. That kind of dominance in the trenches doesn’t just happen - it’s a sign of a team that knows who it is and how it wants to play.
Green Bay’s Response: A Resurgent Run and Familiar Rivalry
Don’t sleep on the Packers, though. They’ve quietly put together a three-game win streak of their own, including a second win this season over the Lions - a team many pegged as the NFC North favorite. After a rough patch that included back-to-back home losses to the Panthers and Eagles, Green Bay has steadied the ship.
Even more impressive? The Packers are 3-0 in division play this year after going just 1-5 against NFC North opponents last season. That’s a major turnaround, and it’s coming at just the right time.
Jordan Love has shown growth under center, and the Packers’ offense is starting to hum. With a defense that’s rounding into form and a coaching staff that knows how to win in December, Green Bay is very much in the thick of the playoff race.
Playoff Implications: More Than Just Bragging Rights
This isn’t just a rivalry game - it’s a potential playoff decider. Both teams still have tough matchups ahead.
The Packers face the AFC West-leading Broncos next week, while the Bears also have a challenging road to the postseason. That makes these next two head-to-head matchups absolutely critical.
A sweep by either team could swing the division. A split keeps things tight. Either way, expect playoff-level intensity from the opening snap.
Injury Updates: Key Players in Flux
Green Bay may be getting some reinforcements soon. Running back MarShawn Lloyd, defensive end Brenton Cox Jr., and linebacker Collin Oliver have all returned to practice, opening the door for a potential return within the next three weeks. Lloyd, in particular, has been sidelined since training camp with a groin injury, and his return could add another dimension to the Packers’ backfield.
However, the Packers did suffer a blow with defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt ruled out for the season due to ligament damage in his ankle.
Chicago, meanwhile, got a boost last week when cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon returned from injured reserve. But the Bears were still without corner Tyrique Stevenson (hip), linebackers T.J.
Edwards (hand/hamstring), Noah Sewell (elbow), Ruben Hyppolite II (shoulder), and defensive end Dominique Robinson (concussion). That’s a lot of defensive talent on the shelf, and it could be a factor against a Packers offense that’s trending upward.
Last Time They Met: Bears Finally Break Through
The last meeting between these two came on January 5, when the Bears edged out the Packers 24-22 - their first win over Green Bay since Matt LaFleur took over as head coach. Jordan Love exited that game early with an elbow injury, and the Bears capitalized. You can bet that game is still fresh in the minds of the Packers’ locker room.
How to Watch: Game Details
- Kickoff: Sunday, 3:25 p.m. CT
- TV: FOX (Channel 6 in Milwaukee, Channel 11 in Green Bay)
- Announcers: Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play), Tom Brady (analyst), Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi (sideline reporters)
- Streaming: FOX Sports app, FOX One app, or via Fubo (free trial available)
Betting Lines and Odds (via BetMGM as of Dec. 2):
- Point Spread: Packers -6.5
- Over/Under: 44.5
- Moneyline: Packers -285, Bears +230
- ESPN Win Probability: Packers 68.3%
What’s Next: Packers’ Remaining Schedule
- Dec. 7: vs. Chicago Bears
- Dec. 14: at Denver Broncos
- Dec. 20: at Chicago Bears
- Dec. 28: vs. Baltimore Ravens
- Jan. 3-4: at Minnesota Vikings
The Bottom Line
This is what December football is all about. Two longtime rivals, both in the playoff hunt, both with something to prove.
The Bears are trying to show they’ve arrived. The Packers are trying to remind everyone they never left.
Sunday’s matchup at Lambeau isn’t just another chapter in the NFL’s oldest rivalry - it’s a statement game. And with both teams playing some of their best football of the season, it’s shaping up to be one of the most meaningful Packers-Bears showdowns in years.