One of the NFL’s most storied rivalries takes center stage this weekend as the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears meet in the Wildcard round of the playoffs on Saturday in Chicago. The matchup renews a rivalry that dates back more than a century and remains one of the most heated in professional sports. Both teams are “backing into” the post-season. The Bears, while winning the division early, lost their final game of the season to San Francisco, while the Packers have dropped their last four games heading into Saturday’s matchup.
Green Bay enters the game with Quarterback Jordan Love confirmed to be returning from concussion protocol after a penalized hit from a Chicago Bears defender three weeks ago in a previous meeting, with back-up Quarterback Malik Willis possibly replacing him on the injured list. Right Tackle Zach Tom also returns on Saturday bolstering the offensive line. Love and Willis combined to guide Green Bay into the postseason, and this weekend’s clash with Chicago adds another chapter to their growing role in the rivalry.
The Bears, meanwhile, will not be short-handed. Chicago is expected to have its one of its top wide receivers, rookie Rome Odunze back in the lineup, along with two key defensive starters returning from injury, strengthening both sides of the ball as the team looks to play spoiler against its longtime rival.
Historically, the Packers hold the edge in the all-time series, leading the Bears 108-95-6. Green Bay has also enjoyed more championship success, with 13 NFL titles, including four Super Bowl victories, compared to Chicago’s nine championships and one Super Bowl ring.
Ahead of the game, fans will have a chance to show their support before the team even takes the field. Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport is inviting the public to send off the Packers as they depart for Chicago on Friday. Fans are encouraged to arrive before 12:30 p.m. to gather inside the terminal, create signs, and cheer the team on in a respectful, family-friendly atmosphere.
As always when the Packers and Bears meet, pride, history, and bragging rights are on the line, and this time, the stakes are even higher.
