(Photo: WBAY)

NFC Wild Card 

(7) Green Bay Packers at (2) Chicago Bears 

Packers (9-7-1):

They ended the regular season very differently from how they started it. When they acquired Micah Parsons a little over a week before the season began, they instantly became favorites not just to win the NFC North, but to represent the conference in the Super Bowl. Let’s take a trip down memory lane: they dominated their first two games, then dropped the ball in Cleveland against the Browns. Honestly, they haven’t been the same since. There’s no in-between with this team — they’re either really good or really struggling, and you never know which version you’ll get. I was excited about Parsons because he was a difference-maker on defense. Historically, the Packers have gone out and acquired big-name defenders — think Reggie White in the 90s and Charles Woodson in 2006 — and the results speak for themselves. Unfortunately, Parsons is out for the season with a torn ACL, and the Packers’ defense hasn’t looked the same since. Just look at what the Ravens did to them in Week 17, when Derrick Henry rushed for 216 yards and four touchdowns. At one point, the Packers won four in a row, but they ended the season by losing their final four games. When everything clicks, though, they’re a tough matchup for anyone. With Jordan Love at quarterback, when he’s focused, he can be difficult to figure out. Consistency will be key on Saturday as they return to Soldier Field for the Wild Card playoff game.

Bears (11-6):

Week 18 summed up much of what I’ve been saying about them throughout the year. This isn’t me being negative — I’m just being honest. Their defense isn’t quite where it needs to be if they want to be taken seriously as NFC contenders. Historically, the Bears have had a stingy, physical defense that establishes itself early. Today, there are two main issues. First, the lack of a pass rush is glaring. They often have to blitz to reach the quarterback, and teams adjust accordingly. Second, they rely too heavily on forcing turnovers. Interceptions are great, but elite defenses succeed in multiple ways — not just by creating takeaways. The thriller against the 49ers was a prime example of how dependent they can be on turnovers. Another challenge has been slow starts. The Bears often find themselves in comeback situations, earning the nickname “Cardiac Bears.” While comebacks are exciting, there will be times a team won’t let them back into a game — as that happened against the Lions in Week 18. Saturday night, the Bears will host a Wild Card playoff game with these challenges in mind.

Packers X-Factor: Quay Walker

After losing Parsons, the Packers need next-man-up impact, and that’s where Quay Walker comes in. He is the most athletic defender on the roster, capable of dropping into coverage, rushing the passer, and tackling in open space. His unpredictability makes him a nightmare for the Bears’ offense. Quay can disrupt Caleb Williams’ rhythm, force hurried passes, and tilt the game in Green Bay’s favor simply by being a presence on the field.

Bears X-Factor: Kyle Monangai

The Bears have a strong running back duo under Ben Johnson, their offensive coordinator. D’Andre Swift is the fast, explosive option, while Kyle Monagai is the bruiser who can turn on the jets when necessary. He’s versatile, capable of running between the tackles, bouncing outside, or catching passes out of the backfield. Kyle rarely goes down on the first tackle and can turn short gains into momentum-shifting plays, which makes him a key factor in Saturday’s game.

Final Thoughts:

I was thrilled to preview this rivalry again — the first time since 2020. These teams met twice during the regular season, each winning at home. The Packers won 28–21 in Green Bay with a key interception of Caleb Williams, while two weeks later in Chicago, the Bears erased a ten-point deficit and won in overtime on a Caleb Williams-to-D.J. Moore touchdown. Now comes the rubber match in the playoffs. Jordan Love is expected to return after missing the final two regular-season games. Key questions include: Can the Packers get Josh Jacobs going to control the clock? Will the Packers limit turnovers and disrupt Caleb Williams early? For the Bears, the focus will be on attacking the Green Bay defensive front with the running game, sustaining long drives, and forcing the Packers to respect the ground attack. They’ll also need to get off to a strong start and not rely on comebacks. Big plays in the passing game will be essential to prevent the Packers from dictating momentum. This is shaping up to be another close, intense divisional playoff game.

Prediction:

Packers 24, Bears 21