The Chicago Bears staged a remarkable 18-point comeback to beat the Green Bay Packers 31-27 in an NFL wild-card game, securing their first playoff victory in 15 years and advancing to the divisional round. Trailing 21-3 at halftime, the Bears orchestrated a stunning fourth-quarter rally led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore with 1:43 remaining to give Chicago its first lead since the early moments of the game.
Green Bay had dominated the first half, with Jordan Love throwing three touchdown passes to build a commanding lead. Love, returning from a two-game absence due to injury, was sharp early, connecting with receivers Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed. The Packers’ defense also contributed, intercepting Williams twice and stifling Chicago’s offense for much of the game.
However, the Bears’ resilience under first-year coach Ben Johnson proved decisive. Chicago has made a habit of late-game comebacks this season, with this marking their seventh fourth-quarter rally. The turnaround began with a five-yard touchdown run by D’Andre Swift early in the fourth, cutting the deficit to 21-16.
After the Packers responded with a touchdown to make it 27-16, the Bears answered with an eight-yard TD pass from Williams to Olamide Zaccheaus and a two-point conversion to close within three points. A critical moment came when Packers kicker Brandon McManus missed a 44-yard field goal attempt with just over four minutes left, giving Chicago the ball back.
Williams then engineered the go-ahead drive, culminating in the clutch throw to Moore. The Packers had a final chance, but Love’s Hail Mary attempt as time expired was deflected by Bears safety Jaquan Brisker, sealing the victory. This win ends a long playoff drought for the Bears, who had not won a postseason game since the 2010 season.
The victory also marks a shift in the historic rivalry with Green Bay, as Chicago has now beaten the Packers three times in their last five meetings. The Bears will host a divisional-round game next weekend, continuing their unexpected playoff run.
For the Packers, the loss caps a disappointing end to the season, as they finished on a five-game losing streak. Coach Matt LaFleur’s playoff record fell to 3-6, and the team’s Super Bowl drought extends to 15 years. The defeat was particularly bitter given that Green Bay also blew a late lead to Chicago in a regular-season game just weeks earlier.
Williams finished with 361 passing yards and two touchdowns, overcoming a shaky start to deliver in the clutch. Love threw for 323 yards and four touchdowns but was unable to sustain the early momentum. The Bears’ defense, after struggling in the first half, tightened up in the second, forcing four straight punts and making key stops when it mattered most.
