Packers Outlast Bears in NFC North Showdown: Key Takeaways from a Statement Win at Lambeau
The NFC North crown is still very much up for grabs, but after a gritty 28-21 win over the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers just made a strong case for why it should stay in Wisconsin. Now sitting at 9-3-1 and holding the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff picture, the Packers took care of business in a classic rivalry game at Lambeau Field. Let’s break down who stepped up, who struggled, and what this win says about Green Bay as the postseason draws closer.
Winner: Jayden Reed - Back and Immediately in the Mix
Welcome back, Jayden Reed. After missing significant time with a broken collarbone and a foot fracture, the second-year wideout made his return - and wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s such a trusted target for Jordan Love.
Reed was on the field for just 23 offensive snaps, but he made them count. He caught all four of his targets for 31 yards and added 22 more on the ground. The Packers eased him back into the mix, but the impact was immediate.
This game also marked the first time all season that Green Bay had its top five receivers - Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Malik Golden - all healthy and active. That’s a big deal.
With a full arsenal at his disposal, Jordan Love has the tools to keep this offense humming down the stretch. And hey, if Bo Melton wants to crash the party, the more the merrier.
Winner: Christian Watson - Playing the Best Ball of His Career
Christian Watson has found his groove - and it couldn’t be coming at a better time. Since returning in October, Watson has emerged as Jordan Love’s go-to guy, leading all Packers receivers in targets and catches over that span. On Sunday, he was nearly flawless: four catches on four targets, 89 yards, and two touchdowns.
His first score came on a crisp route that created just enough separation to make it look easy. The second? A reminder of the speed and explosiveness that made him such a tantalizing prospect - he turned on the jets and strolled into the end zone when Green Bay needed points the most.
Watson’s one-year, $11 million extension is looking more like a bargain by the week. He’s not just producing - he’s becoming a consistent difference-maker.
Loser: Brandon McManus - Kickoffs Continue to Be a Problem
Brandon McManus has been trending in the right direction when it comes to field goals and extra points, but the kickoff unit remains a concern. In a game that turned into a bit of a shootout, field position was critical - and McManus gave the Bears a gift in the third quarter with a kickoff that sailed out of bounds.
That mistake handed Chicago the ball at their own 40, and one play later, they were already in Packers territory. The drive ended in a field goal - a three-point swing that kept the Bears within striking distance.
In close games, those hidden yardage battles matter. Green Bay needs more consistency from its veteran kicker in this phase of the game.
Winner: Micah Parsons - Still a Game-Wrecker
Even when he doesn’t fill up the stat sheet, Micah Parsons changes the game. The Packers edge rusher was a constant thorn in Caleb Williams’ side, collapsing the pocket and forcing rushed throws all afternoon.
Despite what felt like a handful of missed holding calls, Parsons still found ways to impact the game. His pressure helped create opportunities for others - including Kingsley Enagbare, who notched the team’s only sack.
Parsons has said he makes the guys around him better. On Sunday, he backed that up.
Winner: Kingsley Enagbare - Quietly Making Noise
Speaking of Enagbare, the fourth-year linebacker is quietly stacking strong performances. He recorded the Packers’ lone sack of the day just before halftime, ending a Bears drive that had some momentum.
Enagbare finished with four solo tackles and continues to show growth as a rotational pass rusher. With Rashan Gary having a quieter stretch in recent weeks, Enagbare’s emergence is timely. He’s proving he can be more than just a depth piece - he’s becoming a playmaker in his own right.
Loser: Keisean Nixon - Costly Mistakes in Coverage
Keisean Nixon had a rollercoaster of a game - and for most of it, the ride was bumpy. He was flagged twice on a single Bears drive: first for illegal use of hands, then for unnecessary roughness after a heated exchange with wide receiver Luther Burden. Both penalties extended the drive, which ended in a Chicago field goal.
The lowlight? A would-be interception that slipped right through his hands and turned into a Bears touchdown.
Nixon has struggled at the catch point all season, and this one stung. It was a play he had in his grasp - literally - and it changed the scoreboard.
Winner: Keisean Nixon - Redemption at the Buzzer
But just when you thought Nixon’s day was a total loss, he delivered in crunch time. On his final defensive snap of the game, he came up with a key play that helped seal the win. It was a full-circle moment in a game that showcased the highs and lows of his skill set.
If anything, Nixon’s performance summed up the Packers’ afternoon: not perfect, but resilient.
What’s Next: A Mile-High Test
With the win, the Packers now sit alone atop the NFC North and have rattled off four straight victories - three of them coming against division rivals. But the road ahead doesn’t get any easier.
Next up: a trip to Denver to face the 11-2 Broncos, who are tied with the Patriots for the best record in the league. The last time these two teams met in 2023, it ended in a 19-17 loss for Green Bay - one that many pointed to as a low point in that season.
This time, the stakes are higher. With the Bears set to face the struggling 3-10 Browns, the Packers may need to take care of business in Denver to stay in control of the division. A win at Mile High would be a statement - not just to the rest of the NFC, but to themselves.
The stretch run is here. And the Packers look ready.