The final week of the NFL regular season is here, and Sunday, January 5, will see the Chicago Bears travel to Lambeau Field to face their rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
Currently, the Packers (11-5) are clinging to the No. 7 seed for the playoffs and are aiming to finish strong against the Bears (4-12), who have been eliminated from playoff contention. Though this matchup may not hold the same significance of years past, it is far from meaningless, particularly for Green Bay, which has aspirations of improving its playoff slot.
"I think for us the mindset really is it doesn’t matter," Packers quarterback Jordan Love stated, indicating the team’s focus on momentum rather than seed position going forward. He emphasized the excitement surrounding the playoffs starting after this game.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed he plans to treat this game like any other, ensuring his starters will play. Tight end Tucker Kraft stressed the importance of seizing the moment: "I want to see juice...and just execute," he said, expressing the need for the team to establish rhythm early.
While the Packers are competitive against NFC playoff teams, holding their own at 1-5, they have shown dominance over weaker teams, remaining undefeated against all others this season. Their previous victory over the Bears, on November 17, exemplified this, as they recorded their 11th consecutive win over Chicago, marking the longest current streak between any two franchises.
For the Bears, the season has been riddled with turmoil. After starting 4-2, they have suffered through ten consecutive losses, culminating with the firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus during the season—the first time the Bears have ever dismissed their head coach mid-campaign.
Interim head coach Thomas Brown has not found success either, leaving fans increasingly restless. Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson noted the need for personal accountability among teammates to reverse the team's fortunes. He commented, "There has to be more accountability..." as the team grapples with the fallout of its struggles.
Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams asserts he is taking notes on aspects of his game needing improvement. Williams, who has faced constant pressure this season, defended his offensive line against criticism, saying, "The connotation behind my offensive line has been annoying and frustrating..." highlighting the challenges contributing to his high sack total.
Despite the Bears’ trials and tribulations, this game holds historical significance, as they attempt to snap their record 11-game losing streak against the Packers, the longest such streak between these storied franchises. The Packers, meanwhile, have everything to play for: should they win the game against the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys win against the Washington Commanders, they can secure the No. 6 seed.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET (12 p.m. CT) on FOX, with Kevin Kugler and Daryl Johnston calling the game. Fans can also catch the stream on NFL+ or Game Pass International. If you need to listen, ESPN 1000 will air the game with Jeff Joniak on play-by-play, alongside Spanish coverage on LATINO MIX 93.5 FM.
Whether you’re watching from home or joining friends at local sports bars—like Emil's Tavern for viewings—this matchup promises the fierce rivalry both teams are known for, albeit with contrasting aspirations for the future. Indeed, the lore of the Bears-Packers rivalry continues, wrapped within the narrative of the current season's highs and lows.
Fans hope to witness what may be the end of one chapter and the potential beginning of another as both teams look toward the offseason. For the Packers, all eyes will be on securing their playoff future, and for the Bears, it’s about regaining some semblance of pride.