Imagine this: a playoff game where a team storms back from an 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter, capping it off with a dramatic, last-minute touchdown to seal the deal. Sounds like the stuff of sports legends, right? Well, that’s exactly what happened on January 10, 2026, when the Chicago Bears clawed their way to a 31-27 victory over their long-time rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in a wild-card playoff game that had fans on the edge of their seats. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a triumph of resilience, or did the Packers simply let victory slip through their fingers? Let’s dive in.
In his playoff debut, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams shook off a shaky start to deliver when it mattered most. With just 1:43 left on the clock, he connected with DJ Moore on a 25-yard touchdown pass that gave Chicago the lead—a moment that will go down in Bears history. This wasn’t just any win; it was the Bears’ first playoff victory in 15 years, snapping a three-game postseason losing streak that included a heartbreaking NFC Championship loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Packers back in 2010. And this is the part most people miss: Chicago trailed 21-3 at halftime and 21-6 heading into the fourth quarter. Their 25-6 fourth-quarter explosion wasn’t just a comeback—it was a statement.
The NFC North champion Bears (12-6) have now notched their seventh fourth-quarter comeback under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, proving that this team thrives under pressure. Meanwhile, the Packers (9-8-1) watched their season end in heartbreak after dominating the first three quarters. Jordan Love, returning from injury, threw for 323 yards and four touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough. The game’s final moments were a rollercoaster: after Williams’ go-ahead touchdown, Love drove the Packers into Chicago territory, only for Jaquan Brisker to break up a pass in the end zone as time expired. The Bears’ celebration was electric, but the postgame handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur? Let’s just say it was… brief.
Earlier in the fourth, D’Andre Swift’s 5-yard run pulled Chicago within 21-16, but the Packers responded with rookie Matthew Golden’s highlight-reel 23-yard catch-and-run touchdown. Brandon McManus missed the extra point, leaving the door slightly ajar for the Bears. Chicago then marched 76 yards, with Williams finding Olamide Zaccheaus for an 8-yard touchdown and hitting Colston Loveland for a 2-point conversion to make it 27-24. When McManus missed a 44-yard field goal attempt later, the Bears seized their chance, setting up the game-winning drive.
Here’s the bold question: Is the tide turning in the NFL’s longest-running rivalry? The Bears have now beaten the Packers three times in the last five games, a stark contrast to Green Bay’s dominance in recent years. Chicago drafted Williams No. 1 overall and hired Johnson with nights like this in mind, and both delivered. Williams threw for 361 yards and two crucial touchdowns, while Loveland emerged as a breakout star with 137 receiving yards. For the Packers, it’s another offseason of what-ifs after a season that began with Super Bowl aspirations.
Injuries played a role, too. The Packers were without starting right tackle Zach Tom and lost backup lineman Jacob Monk during the game. For the Bears, linebacker T.J. Edwards suffered a gruesome ankle injury, though cornerback Kyler Gordon returned from injured reserve to bolster the defense.
So, what’s next? The Packers head into the offseason with plenty to ponder, while the Bears host a divisional-round game next weekend against either the Los Angeles Rams or Philadelphia Eagles. But before we move on, let’s spark some debate: Did the Bears win this game, or did the Packers lose it? And is Chicago finally poised to reclaim its place atop the NFC North? Sound off in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
