2025-26 NFC Wild Card Weekend Green Bay vs. Chicago Preview: Can the Packers tame the Bears at Soldier Field? January 8, 2026 by Marc Jerbs

The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears will add another chapter to their legendary rivalry when they meet in an NFC Wild Card playoff showdown on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM EST at Soldier Field in Chicago, marking the 212th all-time meeting between the two franchises and just their third postseason clash.

This Wild Card matchup carries historic weight. The Packers and Bears have been battling since 1921, making this the most-played rivalry in NFL history. Green Bay holds a 108-96-6 edge in the regular season and owns the most total wins by any NFL team against a single opponent. In the playoffs, however, the series is deadlocked at 1-1, with the Packers’ most notable victory coming in the 2010 NFC Championship Game enroute to their Super Bowl XLV title.

Team Paths to the Postseason

Chicago enters the playoffs with momentum built over the course of a division-winning season. The Bears captured the NFC North for the first time since 2018, finishing 11-6 and earning the No. 2 seed. While they stumbled late with losses in three of their final five games, including two straight to close the regular season, they did manage a crucial overtime win over Green Bay at Soldier Field in Week 16. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has shown clear growth under head coach Ben Johnson, flashing big-play potential despite some late-season inconsistency.

Green Bay arrives as a familiar postseason presence, qualifying as a Wild Card team for the third straight year and the fifth time in six seasons. The Packers finished 9-8-1, though their regular season ended on a sour note with four consecutive losses. Jordan Love sat out the final two games as Matt LaFleur opted to rest key starters, effectively creating a "pseudo-bye" after the team locked up the No. 7 seed. That decision could loom large against a Bears team that played its starters deep into Week 18.

Injury Report

Chicago Bears:
The Bears have several key names to monitor. Wide receivers DJ Moore (knee) and Rome Odunze (foot) are questionable, along with left tackle Ozzy Trapilo (undisclosed). Defensively, C.J. Gardner-Johnson remains in concussion protocol, while Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (undisclosed), Kyler Gordon (groin), and Amen Ogbongbemiga (concussion) carry injury concerns. Left tackle Braxton Jones has been designated to return from injured reserve.

Green Bay Packers:
Green Bay lists Malik Willis (shoulder) and wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) as questionable. Zach Tom (undisclosed), Edgerrin Cooper (shoulder), Warren Brinson (foot), and Javon Bullard (knee) are also on the report. Bo Melton (knee) has been ruled out and placed on injured reserve.

Green Bay vs. Chicago Sports Bet Odds

The Packers are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Packers are favored by a point, with a money line of -117.
• The Bears are the underdogs by a point, with a money line of -103.
• The Total is set at 45.5 points, with the over at -112 and the under at -108.

Quarterbacks in Focus

Jordan Love and Caleb Williams headline a compelling quarterback matchup. Love’s season numbers reflect efficiency and ball security, while Williams’ rookie campaign showcased poise, mobility, and an ability to produce explosive moments. With the season on the line, both quarterbacks will be tested by familiar defenses in an environment fueled by rivalry and playoff intensity.

Key Storylines to Watch

This Wild Card game serves as a high-stakes rubber match, the third meeting between these NFC North rivals in just 35 days. The regular-season series was split, with each team winning on the other’s home field. Green Bay leans on experience and rest, while Chicago banks on youth, urgency, and home-field advantage at Soldier Field.

Final Thought

When the Packers and Bears meet in January, history is never far behind. This isn’t just another playoff game - it is a collision of legacy, momentum, and pride. Whether experience prevails or a new era announces itself, this rivalry is once again set to deliver a moment that will be remembered long after the final whistle.

2025-26 Green Bay vs. Chicago Team Stats

GREEN BAY PACKERS	VS	CHICAGO BEARS
2nd NFC North (9-7) Away (4-4-1) | STRK L4	Standings	1st NFC North (11-6) Home (6-2) | STRK L2
212.8	Passing Yards Per Game	225.1
119.8	Rushing Yards Per Game	144.5
23.0	Points Per Game	28.3
194.1	Passing Yards Allowed Per Game	227.2
117.7	Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game	134.5