GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers will conclude their 2024 NFL regular season with a home game against their fiercest rivals, the Chicago Bears, at Lambeau Field on Sunday. This matchup, long viewed as one of the most storied rivalries in professional sports, sets the stage for the Packers (11-5), who are battling for playoff positioning, against the struggling Bears (4-12), who are desperate to end their ten-game losing streak.
The Packers have already clinched their playoff berth but aim to secure the sixth seed with a victory and help from other games around the league. They need to win against the Bears and hope for the Washington Commanders to lose against the Dallas Cowboys to leapfrog to the sixth seed from the seventh. Given their recent form, the Packers come to this game with high expectations.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, and fans can catch all the action on FOX. The broadcast team will consist of Kevin Kugler and Daryl Johnston, with Laura Okmin reporting from the sidelines.
The Packers enter this game sitting third in the competitive NFC North division behind the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings, both of whom have already secured playoff spots. Green Bay’s recent performances have been up and down, but they hope to build some momentum heading toward the postseason.
From the offensive side, the Packers are formidable, ranking seventh overall with 371.1 yards per game and eighth in scoring at 27.4 points per game. Quarterback Jordan Love has been pivotal this season, throwing for 3,320 yards, with 25 touchdowns, and appears poised for another strong performance against the Bears.
Meanwhile, the Bears have had a season to forget, having lost their last ten games after starting the season 4-2. The team will look to rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who has shown flashes of talent but has struggled behind a consistently collapsing offensive line. Williams currently leads with 3,393 passing yards and 19 touchdowns but is also the most sacked quarterback this season. The Bears’ lack of offensive production has been stark, ranking last overall, generating just 288.4 yards per game and 17.9 points per contest.
Interim head coach Thomas Brown, who took over after the dismissal of Matt Eberflus, is searching for answers as the team looks to avoid ending the season without a win. The Bears have not beaten the Packers since 2018 and have lost their last eleven encounters dating back to late 2021. Green Bay’s win streak against Chicago showcases their dominance, most recently edging out the Bears by just one point, 20-19, earlier this season.
Historically, the rivalry has seen its share of drama; from game-winning drives to coaching controversies, this matchup is seldom lacking excitement.
For the game, the weather at Lambeau Field will be cold, typical for January football. With game-time temperatures hovering around 17 degrees Fahrenheit, fans will experience the famed 'Frozen Tundra' atmosphere.
The underdog Bears will be eager to find any glimmer of hope against their rival Packers. Despite their dismal performance, victory over Green Bay would still provide some solace after what has been one of their worst seasons. From missed opportunities to blown leads, Chicago has faced criticism from fans and analysts alike and is now poised to conclude the season on many bitter notes if they cannot pull off the upset.
On the injury front, the Bears are without several key players as they’ve suffered various setbacks throughout the season. They will be without defensive back Elijah Hicks, until recently, who remains sidelined with ankle issues as well as others with injuries, whereas the Packers are missing several key defensive players, including cornerback Jaire Alexander, who has been placed on injured reserve.
The Packers, known for their depth and star players, will be focused on keeping their key positions healthy as they head toward the playoff rounds, emphasizing the need for caution on how Coach Matt LaFleur handles game time for starters. The aim will be to avoid injuries but still strive to maintain rhythm entering the postseason.
The lead-up to this game has been filled with analysis about the potential outcomes, team strategies, and player performances. Experts and sports analysts have weighed in, with many predicting another victory for the Packers. According to recent betting odds, the Packers are ten-point favorites, with the total points expected to be around 41.
Overall, this meeting between the Packers and Bears is set to be more than just another regular-season game; it is steeped in tradition and rivalry. Whether the Packers will continue their winning streak over the Bears or whether Chicago can finally turn the tide will be the headline story as fans across the nation tune in to witness the action.