{"id":664188,"date":"2026-01-08T16:31:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T16:31:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/664188\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T16:31:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T16:31:11","slug":"wild-card-playoff-preview-green-bay-packers-vs-chicago-bears-again","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/664188\/","title":{"rendered":"Wild Card playoff preview: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears (again)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">When I took over writing the game previews several years ago from Steven Schweickert, I changed his naming convention.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">This was mostly due to changing SEO standards and boring ol\u2019 search stuff that the powers at be are rightly concerned with. But the old preview naming convention works so well for this week. When it was a division rival or a team the Chicago Bears were facing again, it was \u201cOh you again: team name.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Oh, you again, Green Bay.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Saturday\u2019s game is going to be fun. Hopefully. Fun in the sense that Chicago is back in the playoffs, with a good head coach and a good quarterback. For once in this rivalry, it actually feels like the Bears have a QB they can win because of, not in spite of.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">But truly, this game is a bit of a coin toss. Three of the last four meetings between these teams was decided on the final snap of the game (blocked field goal last season, made field goal and the OT touchdown). The one that wasn\u2019t, the first meeting this season, had just one kneel down following Caleb Williams\u2019 interception.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">It will likely be another close game. Be prepared to bite your nails, have a knot in your stomach and be stressed out. It\u2019s the playoffs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Remember, this Bears team wasn\u2019t really supposed to be here this year. Just enjoy the ride.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">SB Nation site: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acmepackingcompany.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Acme Packing Company<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Last week: 16-3 loss to the Vikings<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Game day, time, TV: Saturday, 7 p.m. CT, Prime Video<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Bears all-time record against: 97-109-6, including 1-1 in the postseason<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Historical meetings: 1941 Divisional Playoffs. The 10-1 Bears met 10-1 Packers at Wrigley Field in the first-ever postseason meeting between these teams.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The Bears answered an early Packers touchdown with an 81-yard punt return touchdown by Hugh Gallarneau.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Chicago blew the game open in the second quarter with a field goal and three rushing touchdowns\u2014two by Norm Standlee (3 yards and 2 yards) and one by Bob Swisher.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The Bears rolled on to the championship game 33-14.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Last meeting: In week 16, the Bears were down 16-6 with less than 2:15 to play.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">The Bears kicked a field goal, recovered an onside kick, scored a touchdown and went to overtime.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">They stopped the Packers on fourth down and scored a walk-off touchdown to DJ Moore.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/youtube.com\/watch?v=tcOR-oZjAak&amp;feature=emb_err_woyt\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ROLL THE TAPE<\/a> (No embed allowed, sorry!)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Injury report: The Packers list six players as limited on their Wednesday report.<\/p>\n<p>DL Warren Brinson (foot)WR Dontayvion Wicks (concussion)LB Nick Niemann (pectoral)OL Zach Tom (back\/knee)QB Malik Willis (shoulder\/hamstring)<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Offense: The Packers come into the game ranked 16th in points and 15th in yards.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Their passing offense ranks 17th and their rushing offense ranks 15th.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Jordan Love (66.3 pct. cmp.\/3,381 yds.\/23 TD\/6 INT) returns from the concussion he suffered in these teams\u2019 second game. He hasn\u2019t played since then.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">His weapons include Romeo Doubs (55 rec.\/724 yds.\/6 TD), WR Dontayvion Wicks (30\/332\/2), and Christian Watson (35\/611\/6). First-round pick Matthew Golden (29\/361\/0) is off to a slow start. And now that all-world TE Tucker Kraft is out, they\u2019re leaning on TEs Luke Musgrave (24\/252\/0) and John FitzPatrick (12\/72\/1).<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">On the ground, Josh Jacobs (234 att.\/929 yds.\/13 TD) leads the way and is a good two-way back, as he actually is second on the team in receptions (36 rec.\/282 yds.\/1 TD). Emanuel Wilson (125\/496\/3) is the backup.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Defense: The Packers defense ranks 11th in points and 12th in yards.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Their passing defense ranks 11th and their rushing defense ranks 18th.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Rashan Gary (7.5 sk\/1 FF\/7 TFL\/20 QB hits\/1 PD) and Lukas Van Ness (1.5 sk\/3 TFL\/7 QB hits) are the main passe rushers now, but their linebackers are also good.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Leading tacklers are Quay Walker (128 tkl\/2.5 sk\/8 TFL\/7 QB hits\/5 PD) and Edgerrin Cooper (118 tkl\/0.5 sk\/4 TFL\/4 PD\/2 FF\/3 QB hits) and S Evan Williams (100 tkl\/4 TFL\/3 INT\/5 PD).<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">In the secondary, Xavier McKinney (2 INT\/10 PD\/1 sk\/107 tkl) and Keisean Nixon (72 tkl\/17 PD\/1 INT\/1 FR\/3 TFL) are making plays in the passing game. And LB Isaiah McDuffie (1.0 sk\/92 tkl\/3 TFL\/3 QB hits\/1 INT\/1PD) is also playing well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Key match-ups: Cover inside breaking routes. Disrupt the timing and don\u2019t let their dangerous playmakers get inside and cross the field. The Packers killed the Bears in their first matchup with that. And don\u2019t let Josh Jacobs get going.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">For the offense, they need to start fast and chew up the clock. They have to come out and establish the run and win in the trenches. That will set up the pass and play action.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Really, just win in the trenches on both sides of the ball.<\/p>\n<p>Jordan Love is 1-2 in the postseasonMatt LeFleur is 3-5 in the postseasonDuring their four-game skid, the Packers are allowing 170.7 rushing yards per gameThe Packers have lost the turnover battle in three of their four losses, the exception being last week, when they played all of their backups.Green Bay has just three sacks since losing Micah Parsons. Two of those came against Max Brosmer.Chicago is seeking their first playoff win since the 2010 season. Their last playoff win was on Jan. 16, 2011. <\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">Can the Bears break through and win a playoff game against their division rival? What\u2019s it going to take?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"When I took over writing the game previews several years ago from Steven Schweickert, I changed his naming&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":656082,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2070],"tags":[374,692,391,7766,741,2493,7,6],"class_list":{"0":"post-664188","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-chicago-bears","8":"tag-bears","9":"tag-chicago","10":"tag-chicago-bears","11":"tag-chicago-bears-game-information","12":"tag-chicago-bears-news","13":"tag-chicagobears","14":"tag-football","15":"tag-nfl"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/115860437980491702","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/664188","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=664188"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/664188\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/656082"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=664188"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=664188"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=664188"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}