The NFC Wild Card showdown between the Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears Match Player Stats on January 10, 2026, delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the playoffs. In a historic rivalry that spans more than a century, the Bears completed an unforgettable comeback to defeat the Packers 31–27 at Soldier Field. The Bears overcame an 18‑point deficit and seized their first playoff victory in 15 years, energizing their fanbase and pushing the Packers into offseason reflection. This game will be remembered not just for its final score but for the relentless resilience shown by Chicago in a stunning display of playoff drama.
Quick Match Stats Table
| Category | Green Bay Packers | Chicago Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 421 | 445 |
| Passing Yards | 322 | 352 |
| Rushing Yards | 99 | 93 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Penalties | 7-65 | 2–5 |
| Time of Possession | 27:19 | 32:41 |
Quick Score Table
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Packers | 7 | 14 | 0 | 6 | 27 |
| Chicago Bears | 3 | 0 | 3 | 25 | 31 |
Final Score and Game Overview
The game ended Bears 31, Packers 27, but that tally only tells part of the story. Chicago entered halftime trailing 21‑3, only to unleash a furious fourth‑quarter surge, outscoring Green Bay 25‑6 in the period that reshaped the entire contest. Packers quarterback Jordan Love had a strong statistical outing, but missed opportunities, including failed field goals and a stalled offense late, allowed the Bears to steal the lead. Chicago’s final touchdown, a 25‑yard score from Caleb Williams to DJ Moore with 1:43 left, sealed the comeback and sent the Bears on to the divisional round.
Key Offensive Performances for the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay’s offense started fast, establishing a 21‑3 lead by halftime, fueled by efficient quarterback play and explosive passing. Quarterback Jordan Love completed 24 of 46 passes for 323 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating why he remains one of the league’s promising young signal‑callers. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs was a key target with 8 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown, while rookie wideout Matthew Golden delivered his first NFL playoff touchdown on 4 catches for 84 yards. Running back Josh Jacobs added 55 rushing yards but struggled to find traction in the second half as the Bears defense tightened.
Key Offensive Performances for the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay’s offense started fast, establishing a 21‑3 lead by halftime, fueled by efficient quarterback play and explosive passing. Quarterback Jordan Love completed 24 of 46 passes for 323 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating why he remains one of the league’s promising young signal‑callers. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs was a key target with 8 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown, while rookie wideout Matthew Golden delivered his first NFL playoff touchdown on 4 catches for 84 yards. Running back Josh Jacobs added 55 rushing yards but struggled to find traction in the second half as the Bears defense tightened.
Quarter-by-Quarter Game Summary
Green Bay seized control early, scoring touchdowns in each of its first three possessions and building a commanding 21‑3 halftime lead. The Packers continued to hold firm into the third quarter before Chicago started chipping away with field goals and stops. The fourth quarter belonged entirely to the Bears, who erupted for 25 points through a combination of passing, rushing, and special teams contributions. Their scoring drives showcased both schematic adaptability and clutch execution, defining one of the biggest comeback games in playoff history.
Quarter-by-Quarter Game Summary
Green Bay seized control early, scoring touchdowns in each of its first three possessions and building a commanding 21‑3 halftime lead. The Packers continued to hold firm into the third quarter before Chicago started chipping away with field goals and stops. The fourth quarter belonged entirely to the Bears, who erupted for 25 points through a combination of passing, rushing, and special teams contributions. Their scoring drives showcased both schematic adaptability and clutch execution, defining one of the biggest comeback games in playoff history.
Passing Stats Breakdown: Quarterbacks in Focus
Passing was pivotal for both squads throughout this game. Jordan Love’s 323 yards and four touchdowns demonstrated elite productivity, but two costly interceptions and stalled drives in the second half limited the Packers’ effectiveness when it mattered most. In contrast, Caleb Williams used his arm and legs to keep the Bears alive, finishing with 361 passing yards and delivering two of the most important completions in Chicago playoff lore. Williams’s performance marked one of the most impactful quarterback debuts in postseason history.
Rushing Stats Analysis: Ground Game Impact
Although the passing game dominated narratives, the ground attack influenced field position and second‑down efficiency. Green Bay’s Josh Jacobs gained 55 yards, largely in the first half where the Packers established early momentum. Chicago balanced its playcalling with effective rushing from D’Andre Swift, who scored and contributed tough yardage in crucial moments. The Bears’ ability to mix running plays kept the Packers’ defense honest and opened up the playbook in clutch fourth‑quarter moments.
Receiving Stats Highlights: Top Targets and Yardage
Chicago’s tight end Colston Loveland and wideout DJ Moore provided consistent threats throughout the game, combining for more than 200 receiving yards and two key scores. Green Bay’s Romeo Doubs led all pass catchers with 124 yards, and Matthew Golden added a noteworthy 84‑yard playoff debut performance. These receiving outputs highlight how both offenses relied heavily on playmakers to move the chains and challenge opposing defenses deep.
Defensive Standouts: Tackles, Sacks, and Turnovers
Defensively, both teams faced challenges containing prolific offenses under frantic playoff pressure. Green Bay’s defense battled hard early, but Chicago’s adjustments in the fourth quarter began to wear down gap integrity and coverage discipline. While tackles and sacks didn’t dominate the stat sheet, key stops and turnover‑prevention moments opened the door for Chicago’s rally. Bears defenders bent but did not break, applying timely pressure that led to stalled drives for the Packers when it mattered most.
Special Teams Contributions and Critical Plays
Special teams played a subtle but significant role in the game’s flow. Chicago kicker Cairo Santos provided steady scoring, including earlier field goals that helped keep the Bears within striking distance. For the Packers, kicker Brandon McManus struggled with a missed extra point and a missed field goal, points that loomed large in the tight final score. Every yard gained or surrendered in punt returns and kick coverage affected field position and shifted momentum at key junctures.
Momentum Shifts and Game-Changing Moments
Several turning points defined this Wild Card thriller. Green Bay’s high‑tempo first half suggested control, but a slow shift in execution opened opportunities for Chicago. The momentum truly swung late in the fourth quarter when the Bears mounted a scoring surge, capped by Williams’s go‑ahead touchdown to Moore with under two minutes remaining. The Packers had one final chance but could not convert, sealing a dramatic and emotional victory for the Bears.
Momentum Shifts and Game-Changing Moments
Several turning points defined this Wild Card thriller. Green Bay’s high‑tempo first half suggested control, but a slow shift in execution opened opportunities for Chicago. The momentum truly swung late in the fourth quarter when the Bears mounted a scoring surge, capped by Williams’s go‑ahead touchdown to Moore with under two minutes remaining. The Packers had one final chance but could not convert, sealing a dramatic and emotional victory for the Bears.
Comparing Team Stats: Packers vs Bears Overall Performance
When comparing overall team statistics, the Packers entered with a potent passing offense and slightly more balanced ground numbers, but Green Bay’s inability to maintain early success in the second half allowed Chicago to take over. The Bears’ defensive adjustments and fourth‑quarter intensity tilted the game in their favor. Both teams showed offensive firepower, but the Bears’ resilience in key moments separated them statistically and emotionally in a classic playoff battle.
Injury Updates and Player Availability
Injuries played an unfortunate part in this matchup. Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards and rookie left tackle Ozzy Trapilo exited with season‑ending injuries, dealing a blow even in victory. Packers utility player Bo Melton had already been ruled out before the game due to a knee injury, impacting Green Bay’s depth in skill positions. These developments add complexity to each team’s offseason and postseason planning.
Impact of the Game on Playoff Standings
Chicago’s thrilling win advances the Bears into the divisional round of the playoffs, where they will host either the Los Angeles Rams or the Philadelphia Eagles. For the Packers, the loss ends their season with a 9‑8‑1 record, marking another disappointing playoff exit despite early dominance in the matchup. Chicago’s comeback adds longevity to their postseason journey and marks a turning point under coach Ben Johnson.
Fan Reactions and Media Highlights
Fans and media reacted strongly to the comeback, with social platforms buzzing over the improbable rally. Bears supporters celebrated a historic win, while Packers fans expressed frustration with blown leads and key missed opportunities. Analysts praised Williams’s poise and Chicago’s resilience, while critics noted Green Bay’s second‑half collapse as a defining narrative of the rivalry’s latest chapter.
Conclusion
The Bears’ 31‑27 Wild Card victory over the Packers will resonate for years within both franchises’ storied rivalry. Chicago’s ability to erase an 18‑point deficit and secure its first playoff win since 2010 underscores a dramatic shift in momentum. For Green Bay, the loss highlights missed opportunities and late‑game inconsistencies that must be addressed. This game stands as a testament to playoff unpredictability and competitive parity in the NFL’s postseason race.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Packers vs Bears Wild Card game?
The Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers 31‑27 in the NFC Wild Card playoff matchup.
Who was the standout quarterback in the game?
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams shined with 361 passing yards and two touchdowns, leading the comeback.
How far behind were the Bears before their comeback?
Chicago trailed by 18 points at halftime (21‑3) before rallying to win.
Did any notable injuries occur?
Yes, Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards and rookie left tackle Ozzy Trapilo suffered season‑ending injuries.
What comes next for Chicago after the Wild Card win?
The Bears advance to the divisional round, where they will play against either the Rams or Eagles.
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