Packers vs. Bears: Playoff Rubber Match at Soldier Field
It doesn’t get much bigger than this. The Packers and Bears meet for the third time this season, and this one comes with everything on the line. First round of the playoffs. Bragging rights. And a frozen Soldier Field setting that feels tailor-made for old-school NFC North football.
This is the rubber match between two bitter rivals who know each other inside and out.
Love vs. Williams in Brutal Conditions
Jordan Love versus Caleb Williams headlines the matchup, but don’t expect a quarterback-heavy game plan. Forecasts call for snow and strong winds, pushing both teams toward a ground-first approach. Ball security, field position, and execution will decide this game. Josh Jacobs is still battling a knee injury, which means D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai give the Bears the rushing advantage.
Love has shown growth and poise, but he’ll be tested. Green Bay’s defense has taken a noticeable step back since Micah Parsons went down, putting more pressure on Love to be nearly perfect in hostile conditions.
On the other side, Caleb Williams doesn’t need to be spectacular — just smart. If he protects the football and lets the Bears’ run game and defense do their jobs, Chicago will like its chances.
Can the Bears Keep Forcing Turnovers?
That’s the key question. Chicago has built its defensive reputation on forcing mistakes, creating short fields, and feeding off the energy of the home crowd. Soldier Field will be loud, cold, and unforgiving — exactly how Bears fans want it.
The Bears enter this matchup healthier, more balanced, and with momentum on their side. Their defense has consistently put opposing quarterbacks in tough spots, and that trend could continue against a Packers offense forced to do more than it wants in the elements.
Final Prediction
This game will be physical, ugly, and tight all the way through — exactly what you’d expect from Packers vs. Bears in January. Jordan Love will make plays, but the combination of weather, defensive pressure, and crowd noise tilts the edge to Chicago.
Prediction: Bears 24, Packers 20