GREEN BAY, Wis. – The 2024 NFL regular season came to a riveting close this past Sunday with two decisive matchups highlighting the final week of action. The Chicago Bears pulled off a stunning 24-22 victory over their bitter rivals, the Green Bay Packers, at Lambeau Field, thanks to Cairo Santos' last-second 51-yard field goal. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rallied from behind to defeat the New Orleans Saints 27-19 at Raymond James Stadium, securing their playoff berth.
The Bears initiated the drama with Santos' game-winning kick, which came just after quarterback Caleb Williams connected with DJ Moore for a 19-yard pass, bringing the ball to the Packers' 32-yard line. The clock was ticking down, and with no timeouts left, Williams spiked the ball with just two seconds remaining. "It was good to get it done," commented Bears tight end Cole Kmet, referring to the team's remarkable comeback effort.
Earlier, the game seemed to swing the Packers' way as they clawed back from being down 21-13, narrowing the gap with Emanuel Wilson's 21-yard touchdown run. Brandon McManus then put Green Bay ahead with his impressive 55-yard field goal with only 54 seconds left on the clock, turning the tide after recovering Moore's fumble on the Bears' 43-yard line.
After briefly losing the lead, the Bears charged down the field, executing a swift 47-yard drive in just 54 seconds. Santos, who had experienced the bitterness of having his previous potential game-winning kick blocked by the Packers just seven weeks prior, expressed his emotions after the game: "Ever since... I had this game circled in my heart. It’s just surreal to have this happen."
Coach Thomas Brown, who was leading the Bears as interim head coach for the last time, reflected on the team's season. He inspired the players to embrace the moments of difficulty and strived to capitalize on their last opportunity. "I wanted our last game together to be about firsts," he said, pointing out the significance of ending the season on such a high note.
Not to be overlooked, the Bears demonstrated remarkable complementary football throughout the game. They enthralled fans early on with Josh Blackwell's sensational 94-yard punt return touchdown, reminiscent of successful trick plays from their past encounters with the Packers.
Conversely, the Buccaneers had to dig deep to secure their win against the Saints. Down 16-6 at halftime, Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield orchestrated the comeback, throwing two touchdown passes to help bring his team to victory and finish the season at 10-7, capturing the NFC South title.
Fourth-round draft pick Spencer Rattler started for the Saints, but his efforts, amounting to 240 passing yards and one touchdown, were not enough to pull off the upset. Rattler, who connected with 10 different players throughout the match, faced challenges against a formidable Buccaneers defense.
Despite the defeat, Saints kicker Blake Grupe had a bright spot, successfully making four field goals. The Saints were plagued throughout the season by injuries, particularly the absence of Derek Carr, and concluded their campaign with only five victories.
Overall, Week 18 not only marked the end of the regular season but painted a vivid picture of how 2025 could shape up based on the playoff teams established this season. The Bears, with newfound momentum, went out on top against their rivals, and the Buccaneers, through their tenacity, advanced to the playoffs. This concluding week not only set the stage for the upcoming playoff excitement but also made fans reflect on the drama seen throughout the entire season.
With emotions high among fans and players alike, the concluding games of this NFL season remind us all why we love the game. Year after year, it captivates us with its unpredictability, triumphs, and the thrill of victory when it matters the most.