The oldest NFL rivals are going to face each other for a record time. This game is bound to be special, as with this matchup on Saturday, both teams will compete for the third time in the playoffs but the 213th time overall.

When Did the Teams Last Meet?

In Week 14, the Packers won against the Bears 28-21. While the Bears had a chance to throw a touchdown in the last minute of the matchup, Caleb Williams’ fourth down ended in the red zone and was picked up by Keisean Nixon, the Packers’ cornerback. 

In their Week 16 rematch, the Bears won 22-16, when their opponent was leading 6-16. Packers quarterback Jordon Love left the game before the second half due to a concussion, and the Bears later scored a touchdown, a field goal, and an onside kick in the fourth quarter and tied with the Packers.

The Packers fumbled in overtime, and Williams threw a 46-yard touchdown.

What the Head Coaches Think

Ben Johnson had strong words for his team, as tight end Colston Loveland explained. But it's more than just the head coach's first playoff.

"I think Chicago is just a city deeply rooted in history, which is awesome, and it’s what makes it such a special place. But that being said, we want to build our own history here."

On the flip side, Packers oach Matt LaFleur isn't holding back either, putting his plan into effect against Week 18 opponents Minnesota Vikings. He benched QB Love to rest him ahead of the Wild Card game.

"Anytime you’re playing a really good football team, whether it’s in the playoffs or the regular season, every play is so critical, so you can’t have lapses. Whether it’s intensity, whether it’s mental lapses, it just can’t happen. Every play is so valuable, so critical, there’s no wasted plays, and then I think, ultimately, what it comes down to is your ability to execute."

Injury Update

Three players are out for the Bears:

• defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson
• linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga
• defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

There's only one player questionable for the Bears:

• cornerback Kyler Gordon

The Packers have a healthy squad and will not be missing players.

Prediction

This playoff could be a tough and close clash. Both rival teams are strong, but the scales are tipping towards the Packers. With Jordon Love back and Josh Jacobs recovered, the team is much stronger than it was in Week 16. 

Despite the Bears' strong form, the Packers are expected to win.

Kickoff and Broadcasting Details

The NFC’s second-ranked team will host the Packers. Kickoff starts at 8 p.m. ET on 11 January, Saturday at Soldier Field Stadium, Chicago. 

The matchup can be streamed on NFL+ and Amazon Prime Video.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar