1. Game Overview
The NFL’s oldest rivalry gets a new chapter in the postseason as the Green Bay Packers travel to Soldier Field to take on the NFC North champion Chicago Bears. This NFC Wild Card matchup is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, with kickoff set for 8:00 PM EST. The game will be broadcast on Prime Video.
2. Team Form and Analysis
Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)
The Packers enter the playoffs on a significant downturn, posting a 1-4 record over their final five regular-season games and going 4-6 in their last ten. Despite backing into the postseason, they possess the institutional experience of a franchise accustomed to high-stakes games. Their path to the playoffs was secured despite this late-season slide, indicating a team that has shown flashes of high-level play but has struggled with consistency. The offense will need to find the rhythm that has been absent in recent weeks to overcome a hostile road environment. Defensively, the Packers will be tasked with containing a young and confident Bears offense that is expecting key players to be available.
Chicago Bears (11-6)
The Chicago Bears clinched the NFC North title and a home playoff game, finishing the season with an 11-6 record. While their form in the final stretch was also inconsistent, posting a 2-3 record in their last five games, they have shown more stability than their opponents. Quarterback Caleb Williams has expressed confidence heading into his first playoff start, stating he is "built for these moments." The offense could receive a major boost with the anticipated return of key weapons, providing Williams with a full complement of targets. The Bears will lean on their home-field advantage and a defense, led by players like Montez Sweat and Kevin Byard, that aims to disrupt a struggling Packers offense.
3. Injury Report
Both teams are managing key player availability heading into this Wild Card game.
For the Green Bay Packers, several players are listed as questionable, including guard Zach Tom (back), wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (concussion), and backup quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder). The offensive line and receiving corps depth could be tested.
The Chicago Bears have a lengthy list of questionable players, but reports suggest some may be trending toward playing. Key offensive players WR DJ Moore (knee) and WR Rome Odunze (foot) were limited in practice but are critical to the passing game. On defense, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (concussion) and defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (concussion) are also questionable.
4. ATS Trends
The Chicago Bears have been one of the more reliable teams for bettors this season. They hold a 10-7-0 record against the spread (ATS), covering 58.8% of the time. On average, they have outperformed the spread by 2.2 points per game.
The Green Bay Packers have struggled to meet betting market expectations. Their ATS record stands at 7-10-0, for a cover percentage of just 41.2%. They have underperformed the spread by an average of 1.8 points per game, ranking among the bottom third of the league in this category.
5. Betting Odds Breakdown
- Point Spread: Green Bay Packers -1.5
- Total (Over/Under): 45.5
The Packers are installed as narrow 1.5-point road favorites. This indicates that oddsmakers expect an extremely close contest, with the Packers needing to win by two or more points to cover the spread. A bet on the underdog Bears would be successful if they win the game outright or lose by a single point. The game total is set at 45.5 points, suggesting a moderately-scoring affair.
6. Prediction
This matchup presents a classic clash of opposing narratives: the home-standing division champion versus a struggling wild card team that has historically dominated the rivalry.
The Packers’ path to victory requires them to reverse their poor late-season form. They must play a clean, disciplined game on the road and exploit any weaknesses on a Bears defense that has had its own struggles. If their offense can rediscover its rhythm and protect the football, they have the talent to silence the crowd and pull out a close win.
The Bears’ path is more straightforward. They need to capitalize on the energy of their home crowd and the confidence of their young quarterback. An effective day from Caleb Williams, aided by the return of his top receivers, could put significant pressure on the Packers. Defensively, forcing the Packers into turnovers and controlling the line of scrimmage will be critical. Given Green Bay’s 1-4 record in their last five games and their poor performance against the spread all season (41.2% cover rate), the data points toward the home underdog. The Bears have a better overall record, are playing at home, and have been a far more reliable team against the spread.
Prediction: Chicago Bears 24, Green Bay Packers 20.
Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only. All betting information is provided for informational purposes and is not a recommendation to wager.
Sources:
Bears vs. Packers Results | The Football Database
Bears–Packers rivalry – Wikipedia
Packers face road test at Bears
Green Bay Packers Lead Chicago Bears By 1,724 Points in Historic …
Chicago Bears Official Website | ChicagoBears.com ️
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Bears Vs Packers Record Last 10 Years | StatMuse
Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears comparison
Bears 24-22 Packers (Jan 5, 2025) Game Recap – ESPN