Packers vs. Bears: NFC North Supremacy on the Line in December Showdown
There’s nothing quite like Packers-Bears in December - and this one’s got all the makings of a classic. Green Bay hosts Chicago this Sunday in what could be a defining moment in the NFC playoff race.
The Bears come in as the current No. 1 seed in the NFC and sit atop the North with a slim half-game lead over the Packers. A win for Green Bay flips the standings and sets the stage for a potential division takeover - but it won’t come easy.
This is the first of two meetings between these rivals over the next three weeks, and both games carry serious weight. For the first time in years, these two storied franchises are set to battle in a pair of high-stakes December matchups with playoff implications on the line. If either team manages a sweep, it could very well decide not just the division, but shake up the entire NFC playoff picture.
Let’s break down what the Packers need to do to come out on top - and what makes this Bears team so dangerous.
1. Protecting the Football Is Priority No. 1
Late-season divisional games are often decided by the smallest margins - and nothing swings momentum faster than a turnover. That’s especially true when you’re facing a defense like Chicago’s, which has been wreaking havoc all season long.
The Bears lead the NFL with 26 takeaways and boast a league-best +17 turnover differential. That’s not just good - that’s game-changing.
Matt LaFleur has long emphasized the importance of ball security, and this week, it’s more than just coach-speak. The Bears defense has been opportunistic, even while dealing with injuries and ranking 27th in total defense. They’re giving up a hefty 359 yards per game and have surrendered 37 touchdowns - fifth-most in the league - but their ability to flip the field with takeaways keeps them in games.
If the Packers can take care of the football, they’ll have opportunities to move it. But against a team that thrives on defensive chaos, every possession will matter.
2. Containing Caleb Williams: Easier Said Than Done
Caleb Williams isn’t just another young quarterback - he’s a playmaker who thrives when things break down. In his second season, Williams has shown that he’s most dangerous off-script. Whether it’s scrambling out of pressure or turning a broken play into a 20-yard gain, his improvisational skills are already among the best in the league.
He’s not just elusive - he’s fast, slippery, and hard to bring down. That puts pressure on Green Bay’s front seven to stay disciplined and finish plays. Missed tackles against Williams don’t just extend plays - they often turn into highlight-reel moments.
Now, Williams still has room to grow as a pure passer. His completion percentage sits at 58.1%, and while he’s done a solid job avoiding interceptions, he hasn’t yet become a consistent threat from the pocket.
That’s where the Packers have an edge. Forcing Chicago into third-and-long situations will put the ball in Williams’ hands and give Green Bay’s pass rush - led by impact players like Micah Parsons - a chance to disrupt.
If the Packers can force Williams to beat them with his arm rather than his legs, they’ll like their chances.
3. Slowing Down Chicago’s Ground Game
Chicago’s rushing attack is coming in hot - and it’s not just one guy doing the damage. In last week’s win over the Eagles, the Bears had not one but two 100-yard rushers.
DeAndre Swift racked up 125 yards, while Kyle Monangai added 130. That’s against a Philly front that’s known for being stout up the middle.
This is nothing new for Bears head coach Ben Johnson. Back in his Detroit days, Johnson built his offensive identity around the run game, and he’s carried that philosophy to Chicago. When the Bears run the ball well, everything else opens up - including those improvisational plays from Williams.
Green Bay’s run defense has been solid this season, ranking 8th in the league while allowing just 98.3 yards per game. They’ve held teams like the Lions (119 yards) and Vikings (93 yards) in check, but they’ll be without their top interior lineman, Devone Wyatt, which could leave them vulnerable.
And there’s already a blueprint out there. The Panthers gashed the Packers for 163 yards on 33 carries earlier this season and controlled the ball for nearly 30 minutes.
Expect the Bears to take a page out of that playbook. If they can dominate time of possession and keep the Packers offense on the sideline, they’ll put themselves in position to grind out a win.
The Bottom Line
This game has everything you want from a December rivalry clash: playoff implications, division bragging rights, and two teams that know each other well. For the Packers, it’s about protecting the football, keeping Caleb Williams contained, and not letting the Bears control the tempo with their run game. For the Bears, it’s a chance to prove they belong atop the NFC.
One thing’s for sure - Sunday’s matchup won’t just be about who plays better. It’ll be about who plays cleaner, tougher, and smarter when it matters most. And with another meeting still to come, this could be just the beginning of a fierce December battle for NFC North supremacy.