In a thrilling showdown at Lambeau Field, the Chicago Bears snapped an 11-game losing streak against the Green Bay Packers with a last-second 51-yard field goal by Cairo Santos. The Packers, despite clinching a playoff spot as the NFC’s 7th seed, face uncertainty with critical injuries to quarterback Jordan Love and wide receiver Christian Watson.
A victory years in the making: Bears end multiple losing streaks.
The Chicago Bears entered Sunday’s game with a decade of frustration against their NFC North rival but managed to pull off a dramatic 24-22 victory in Green Bay. The win marked the Bears’ first against the Packers since 2018 and their first at Lambeau Field since 2015. For Chicago, it was a season-ending triumph that broke a 10-game overall losing streak and brought a glimmer of hope after a turbulent year that included the mid-season firing of head coach Matt Eberflus.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, played a pivotal role in the victory. Williams completed 21 of 29 passes for 148 yards, including a touchdown to DJ Moore, and orchestrated the game-winning drive in the final seconds. “To be able to have that moment was great,” Williams said postgame. “It’s the first of a lot, and I’m really excited about this offseason.”
The Bears also relied on creative play-calling, notably a trick punt return in the first quarter. While DJ Moore acted as though he would receive the punt near Green Bay’s sideline, Josh Blackwell fielded the ball on the opposite side and raced 94 yards for a touchdown. This clever maneuver gave Chicago an early 7-3 lead, despite being outgained in total yards during the first quarter.
Packers stumble into playoffs with key injuries.
While the Packers secured their playoff berth as the NFC’s 7th seed, the loss raised significant concerns for Green Bay. Quarterback Jordan Love left the game in the second quarter after losing feeling in his throwing hand following a hard landing. Despite assurances from head coach Matt LaFleur that Love could have returned if necessary, his condition will be closely monitored ahead of next week’s Wild Card matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Adding to Green Bay’s woes, wide receiver Christian Watson suffered a knee injury in the same quarter and was carted off the field. Watson, one of the Packers’ key offensive weapons, appeared visibly frustrated as he exited the game. Coach LaFleur expressed uncertainty about Watson’s availability for the playoffs, stating, “It doesn’t look great, but we’re waiting for further evaluation.”
Backup quarterback Malik Willis stepped in for Love and performed admirably, completing 10 of 13 passes for 136 yards while leading the Packers back from an early 14-3 deficit. However, his late-game fumble set up the Bears’ game-winning drive, adding to a frustrating night for Green Bay. Brandon McManus briefly gave the Packers the lead with a 55-yard field goal in the final minute, but the defense could not hold on as a horse-collar penalty and quick completions from Williams set up Santos’ game-winning kick.
What’s next for the Bears and Packers?
For the Bears, Sunday’s victory provides a much-needed boost heading into the offseason. Interim coach Thomas Brown praised his team’s resilience, saying, “Even after falling behind, our belief never wavered. This win is a testament to the character of these players.” The organization must now focus on finding a long-term head coach to guide Williams and the rest of the roster into what they hope will be a brighter future.
Meanwhile, the Packers face a daunting road ahead. Their Wild Card matchup against the top-seeded Eagles looms large, and injuries to Love and Watson leave significant question marks about their offensive capabilities. Green Bay will look to regroup quickly and avoid a repeat of Sunday’s late-game missteps. “We have to find a way to improve this week, get better, and prepare for Philadelphia,” Love said.
The stakes will be high for both teams, albeit in different ways. For Chicago, the win marks the start of what they hope will be a turning point. For Green Bay, their playoff aspirations may hinge on the health of their stars and their ability to bounce back from a disappointing end to the regular season.
