The Green Bay Packers are limping into the playoffs. After losing their last four games of the regular season, they couldn’t have asked for a better opponent to face in the Wild Card round.
Regular Season Matchups
The Chicago Bears finished the regular season with a record of 11-6, winning the NFC North and securing the 2-seed in the NFC.
With a record of 9-7-1 the Green Bay Packers are the 7-seed and will travel to Chicago to take on the Bears for a third time this season.
Green Bay and Chicago split their regular season matchups. Both teams won their home games, but both games came down until the end.
The first matchup, in Green Bay, ended with Keisean Nixon intercepting a pass from Caleb Williams in the end zone with 27 seconds left as Chicago tried to tie the game or take the lead.
The Bears won the second matchup at home after a comedy of errors by the Packers forced the game into overtime. Chicago was able to capitalize on Green Bay’s mistakes.
Chicago ended up winning the NFC North despite a record of 2-4 in the division.
Outlook in the Playoffs
This was likely the preferred matchup for both of these teams.
In order for the Green Bay Packers to make a run in the playoffs they will have to score a lot of points. The defense carried the team through much of the season, but the offense will have to carry the load in the playoffs.
Luckily for the Packers, Chicago’s defense ranks 29th in yards allowed per game. They are 23rd in points allowed per game.
Green Bay moved the ball with ease against Chicago’s defense in both regular season matchups. Failing to convert red zone trips into touchdowns were a big reason for their loss in the second game.
The Bears defense has relied on turnovers to have success. They led the league in takeaways with 33.
The Bears offense has excelled at running the football, something the Packers defense has struggled with in recent weeks.
Possessions may be at a premium in this game. Both offenses have shown they are capable of moving the ball. Defensive stops may be hard to come by, so long drives should be expected. This limits the amount of times each offense gets the ball.
Converting long drives into touchdowns will be key for both teams. The Packers failed to do so in the second matchup.
Historical Matchup
The rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears dates back to 1921. The Packers lead the overall series with a record of 109-97-6.
Despite the rivalry being over 100 years old, the two teams have only met in the playoffs twice. Each team has won one game against the other in the postseason.
The most recent playoff battle was in the 2010 NFC Championship. The Packers won the game and went on to win the Super Bowl.
Final Thoughts
It is Super Bowl or bust every year for the Green Bay Packers. Making the playoffs is the first step to get there.
Despite the injuries to key players throughout the season, a postseason run starts with one win.
The Packers have a great chance to win in the Wild Card round against an overachieving Bears team.
Beating their rivals of over 100 years would just be icing on the cake.
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