Imagine trailing by 18 points at halftime, only to storm back and secure a playoff victory in the final minutes. That’s exactly what the Chicago Bears did in a heart-stopping wild-card game against their arch-rivals, the Green Bay Packers, on January 10, 2026. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it sheer determination, or did the Packers’ late-game mistakes hand the Bears the win? Let’s dive in.
The Bears, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, staged an improbable comeback that kept their breakout season alive. Williams, in his playoff debut, delivered a clutch 25-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore with just 1:43 remaining, sealing a 31-27 victory. This marked Chicago’s seventh fourth-quarter comeback of the season under first-year coach Ben Johnson, who has transformed the NFC North champions (12-6) into a force to be reckoned with.
And this is the part most people miss: The Packers (9-8-1) dominated the first half, leading 21-3 at halftime and 21-6 through three quarters. But the Bears exploded for 25 points in the fourth quarter, outdueling Green Bay’s 6 points in a stunning reversal. Chicago’s resilience was on full display, as they secured their first playoff win in 15 years.
Williams credited the team’s success to unwavering belief: ‘True belief. That’s all you need. Belief in the coaches, belief in the players, and belief that we’ll make the right play at the right time.’ This mindset was tested when, after the Bears took their first lead since 3-0, Packers quarterback Jordan Love fumbled a snap on a crucial third down, leading to a desperation heave that was deflected by Jaquan Brisker, sealing the win.
The game wasn’t without its drama. The Packers responded to Chicago’s early fourth-quarter touchdown with a 23-yard catch-and-run by rookie Matthew Golden, his first career score. However, Brandon McManus missed the extra point, leaving the door open for the Bears. Williams then engineered a 76-yard drive, connecting with Olamide Zaccheaus for a touchdown and hitting Colston Loveland for a 2-point conversion to make it 27-24. McManus missed another critical kick, a 44-yard field goal, giving the Bears one last chance—which they seized.
Here’s the bold question: Is the Packers’ late-game collapse a sign of deeper issues, or just a fluke in an otherwise competitive season? Love, who threw for 323 yards and four touchdowns, acknowledged the frustration: ‘We jumped out to a lead and did what we wanted in the first half, but the second half was a completely different story.’ Meanwhile, the Bears’ momentum in the NFL’s longest-running rivalry is undeniable, with three wins in the last five games against Green Bay.
For Chicago, this victory was a testament to their vision. Drafting Williams No. 1 overall and hiring Johnson paid dividends, as Williams threw for 361 yards and two late touchdowns despite a shaky start. Loveland’s breakout performance—eight catches for 137 yards—further solidified the Bears’ bright future.
Green Bay, however, faces an offseason of reflection. After acquiring Micah Parsons and starting strong, they lost their final five games, culminating in Parsons’ season-ending injury. Coach Matt LaFleur admitted, ‘We didn’t do enough to overcome the adversity. We’ve got to do more.’
Looking ahead, the Bears will host a divisional-round game next weekend, while the Packers head home to regroup. What do you think? Did the Bears earn this win, or did the Packers give it away? Let us know in the comments!
