In a heart-pounding NFC Wild Card clash at Chicago’s Soldier Field on January 11, 2026, the Bears erased an 18-point deficit against arch-rivals Green Bay Packers, clinching a 31-27 victory. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led the charge, turning a dismal halftime into playoff glory and ending Chicago’s 15-year postseason drought.
Dramatic Fourth-Quarter Surge
The Bears exploded for 25 points in the final quarter, becoming only the fourth NFL team to win a playoff game after trailing by 15 or more points entering the period.
Packers dominated early, building a 21-3 halftime lead with efficient drives.
Chicago’s response included a 5-yard rushing touchdown by D’Andre Swift and field goals from Cairo Santos.
The game-winner: Williams’ 25-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore with under two minutes left.
Key Player Performances
- Caleb Williams: Completed 24 of 48 passes for 361 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions in his playoff debut.
- Jordan Love: Threw for 323 yards and four touchdowns on 24 of 46 attempts for Green Bay.
- DJ Moore: Caught the decisive score, praising Williams as the “brightest light” under pressure.
- Romeo Doubs: Led Packers receivers with eight catches for 124 yards and one touchdown.
Background on the Rivalry and Seasons
This marked Chicago’s third win over Green Bay in their last five meetings, highlighting a shifting dynamic in the storied NFC North feud.
Bears, NFC North champions with an 11-6 record, continued a season of resilience under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, notching their seventh fourth-quarter comeback.
Packers, finishing 9-7-1, entered with Super Bowl aspirations but stumbled, losing their final five games.
Injuries and Post-Game Reactions
Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards suffered a fibula fracture in the second quarter, ruling him out for the season—a significant blow to Chicago’s defense.
Johnson’s fiery locker room speech, including expletives aimed at the Packers, underscored the emotional stakes.
Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur faced questions about his future, appearing deflated after the collapse.
Impact on Teams and League
The loss updates the 2026 NFL Draft order, with Green Bay now eyeing top prospects amid uncertainty.
Chicago’s comeback adds to playoff lore, emphasizing mental toughness in high-stakes games.
Experts note this rally could boost Bears’ confidence, potentially altering divisional power balances.
Looking Ahead
Chicago hosts the Divisional Round next weekend, aiming to build on this momentum. For Packers, offseason changes loom, making this defeat a pivotal moment in their rebuild. This game reminds fans why NFL playoffs deliver unforgettable drama.
