Packers Face Crucial Rematch with Bears: Division Hopes Hang in the Balance
Three weeks after their last meeting, the Green Bay Packers are gearing up for another clash with the Chicago Bears-this time with even more at stake. Saturday night’s matchup isn’t just another chapter in the NFL’s oldest rivalry; it’s a potential turning point in the Packers’ season.
Win, and Green Bay moves into the driver’s seat in the NFC North, a position that could set them up for a deep postseason run. Lose, and they’re staring down a familiar path-scrapping for a wild card spot and preparing to play every playoff game on the road, just like the last two seasons under Jordan Love.
The Wild Card History: A Familiar Road
Since the early '90s, the Packers have made the wild card round their second home. They've played in 16 wild card games during that span, winning 10 of them.
At Lambeau Field, they’ve gone 6-3 in those contests, starting with a 1994 win over the Lions and most recently dominating the Giants in 2016. That 38-13 victory was the last time Green Bay hosted a wild card game.
Under coaches like Mike Holmgren, Mike Sherman, and Mike McCarthy, the Packers often found themselves in this position-division champs, but still playing in the opening round. The 2016 team was the last to do it, riding a hot streak all the way to the NFC Championship before falling to Atlanta.
But more recently, the story’s been different. The Packers have been road warriors in the playoffs, including a thrilling 48-32 win over Dallas two years ago and a disappointing 22-10 loss in Philadelphia last season. In total, they’re 4-3 in road wild card games since 1993.
What’s at Stake Now
At 9-4-1, Green Bay still controls its destiny. Win out, and they’ll finish 12-4-1-good enough to potentially lock up the NFC’s No. 2 seed.
That would mean at least one home playoff game and a much smoother path through January. With the Eagles maxing out at 12-5, the Packers have a real shot at leapfrogging them.
But that path just got steeper.
Sunday’s loss to Denver didn’t just sting-it left the Packers bruised. Injuries are piling up, and they’ll be without star edge rusher Micah Parsons, a major blow to a defense already missing key contributors.
Offense Must Control the Clock
If the Packers are going to make a run, it starts with keeping their offense on the field. They currently lead the league in third-down conversion rate at 50.3% and rank seventh on fourth down. That kind of efficiency is the backbone of a playoff-caliber team.
The potential absence of Christian Watson means Jordan Love will need help from his supporting cast. Dontayvion Wicks, Matthew Golden, and Jayden Reed have all shown flashes this season-and now the spotlight shifts to them. Each has the ability to step up in big moments, and they’ll need to do exactly that if Green Bay wants to extend drives and control the tempo.
Filling the Parsons Void
Replacing Micah Parsons is no small task. The pass rush now leans heavily on Rashan Gary, Kingsley Enagbare, and Lukas Van Ness. But here’s the concern-Gary hasn’t registered a sack since October, and the Enagbare/Van Ness duo has just 3.5 combined on the season.
With Devonte Wyatt also sidelined, Green Bay may have to get creative. One option?
Dial up more pressure from the inside linebacker group. Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper combined for six sacks last season, but have just two between them this year.
If defensive coordinator Joe Barry wants to keep quarterbacks uncomfortable, he may need to unleash those linebackers more often.
Turnovers Could Swing It
In rivalry games, the margin for error is razor-thin-and turnovers tend to be the difference. That was evident last week when the Packers got an early takeaway against the Broncos, only to give it back with two Jordan Love interceptions in the second half.
Against a Bears team that thrives off takeaways (they lead the league with 30), protecting the football is non-negotiable. Even a +1 turnover differential could be the edge Green Bay needs. Win that battle 1-0 or 2-0, and you’re putting yourself in a strong position to win the game.
Final Word
Saturday’s game isn’t just another regular-season tilt-it’s a playoff-caliber test with postseason implications. The Packers have the tools, the history, and the motivation. But with injuries mounting and the Bears hungry for revenge, nothing will come easy.
If Jordan Love and the offense can stay on the field, and the defense finds a way to generate pressure without its star pass rusher, Green Bay could be looking at more than just a win-they could be looking at a statement. One that says: this team is ready to make a run.
Rivalry. Playoff stakes.
Lambeau in December. This is what football’s all about.