NFL play-offs: Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams claim thrilling wins on Wildcard Weekend
The rivalry between Chicago and Green Bay is the oldest and most-played rivalry in the NFL, with this the 213th meeting between the divisional rivals – and just the third in the play-offs, with the others coming in 1941 and 2011.
The Bears surpassed expectations this season to win the NFC North division in Ben Johnson’s first year as head coach and claim the NFC’s second seed.
Green Bay claimed the seventh so had to visit a snowy Chicago for the first play-off game at Soldier Field since 2019, and during the first half it seemed the occasion may be too much for the Bears.
The Packers charged into a 21-3 lead, with quarterback Jordan Love throwing touchdown passes to Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs on his return after two games out following a concussion.
But the Bears’ defence stepped up in the second half to stifle Love and two field goals made it 21-9 heading into the final quarter.
Chicago added another before second-year quarterback Caleb Williams showed why he has been nicknamed ‘the Iceman’ by leading his team to touchdowns on three straight possessions, with the latter by DJ Moore putting the Bears in front with 1:43 remaining.
Green Bay still had time to win it, and Love got the Packers to Chicago’s 28-yard line for the final play, but his hopeful throw towards the end zone went incomplete and the home fans celebrated a famous victory against their most familiar foe.
