Why the Bears-Packers rivalry has never meant more than it does now
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Green Bay Packers fans and one lone Chicago Bears fan during the national anthem before the game at Lambeau Field two weeks ago. Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
The Chicago Bears' playoff hopes are shining bright, but a rematch with the Green Bay Packers stands in their way.
Why it matters: The Bears' resurgence has brought life back to one of the most heated rivalries in all of sports.
- After a tough loss at Lambeau Field two weeks ago, the Bears (10-4) and the Packers (9-4-1) square off again for first place in the NFC North.
- A Bears win and a Lions loss to the Steelers would clinch a playoff spot.
Context: The two franchises have a storied history of battling for divisional supremacy, dating back to the league's inception.
- But with all the games played, it's remarkably rare to find games where both teams had winning records this late in the season.
By the numbers: The teams have met 211 times, including two postseason matchups. The Packers lead with a 109-96-6 record.
Between the lines: The recent rivalry hasn't been much of one, since the Packers have dominated with quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers at the helm.
- You have to go back to the Ditka-led Bears in the 1980s for the Bears to have the upper hand.
State of play: The new Bears under Ben Johnson are taking this rivalry seriously.
Reality check: The players and coaches don't have much love for each other, but this rivalry is more about the fans. Wisconsin and Illinois residents have always been at odds over sports, while the urban and rural divide also fuels bitter feelings.
Here are a few recent rivalry games:
- 1985 regular season win: The Bears embarrassed the Packers on Monday Night Football, introducing the world to rookie William "The Refrigerator" Perry, who ran for a touchdown.
- Soldier Field renovation game: The new renovations were revealed to a national audience for Monday Night Football on Sept. 29, 2003. The Packers put a sour taste in fans' mouths by routing the Bears 38-23.
- 2011 NFC Championship: The Packers came to Soldier Field and beat the Bears, who lost quarterback Jay Cutler early in the game and never recovered.
- 2019 NFL season opener: The expectations were high for the Bears, who came off a winning season and a playoff appearance. Once again, Aaron Rodgers beat the Bears at Soldier Field and doused cold water on the Matt Nagy and Mitch Trubisky era.
- 2024 season finale: Caleb Williams led a last-minute comeback to get a win at Lambeau Field, although the Packers were resting starters for the playoffs.
What's next: As the season winds down, it's possible Saturday's game will not only determine the winner of the NFC North, but the loser could be left to fight for a remaining wild card spot with no guarantee they'll make the playoffs.
The bottom line: This rivalry is back.