How the Bears Reignited an NFC North Rivalry
The Chicago Bears’ 2025-26 season was a year full of highlights that led them to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The most exciting parts, however, came against their rival, the Green Bay Packers. Chicago faced the Packers three times during the season, with one game happening in the first round of the playoffs. Taking two out of the three games, it’s the first time Chicago won a series against Green Bay since 2007. The wins wouldn’t come easily, however, with every game coming down to the final minute.
After losing game one against Green Bay at Lambeau Field with a game-losing interception, the Bears shook off the loss and headed to Soldier Field for game two. Quarterback Caleb Williams this time delivered a game-winning touchdown to wide receiver D.J. Moore in overtime, in what ended up being one of the most memorable comebacks in NFL history. Going into their playoff matchup, it was only the third all-time between the two teams. The Bears mounted another come-from-behind win, which featured another Moore touchdown to take the lead and ultimately the win. The wins were monumental to the city of Chicago, delivering Bears fans a promise that times have changed under head coach Ben Johnson. It wasn’t just the wins, however, that have reignited the rivalry, but also the chatter after the games.
The Bears had their fun after beating Green Bay, ranging from wearing cheese-grater hats and grating cheese to Ben Johnson audibly voicing his hatred for the Packers in the locker room. Green Bay has also had its fun over the years, claiming ownership of Chicago. Now that the Bears have finally won these games, going 3-1 in their last four matchups, both fan bases have reached a level of hatred more profound than ever before. Both teams' players and coaches have received plenty of questions about the other team so far in the offseason, with the consensus being that the future of these matchups will be the most exciting it has ever been. Quarterback Jordan Love and his team have shown themselves to be competitive every single year, and now, with Chicago growing under Ben Johnson, it’s hard to pick a winner from now on. The 2026-27 season will be an exciting one to watch, especially with the NFL’s oldest rivalry being competitive once again.
