Chicago (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 11, 2026 – Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams orchestrated a stunning comeback from an 18-point deficit to secure a 31-27 playoff victory over the rival Green Bay Packers in a Wild Card matchup. Williams threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns, rallying his team in the fourth quarter.
The win advances the Bears to the Divisional Round, marking their first playoff triumph over the Packers since 2010.
The Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers 31-27 in an NFC Wild Card playoff game on January 10, 2026, at Soldier Field, overcoming an 18-point deficit in a dramatic fourth-quarter rally led by quarterback Caleb Williams.
Williams completed 28 of 38 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns, while the Bears’ defence forced two crucial turnovers in the final minutes. This victory, witnessed by 61,500 fans braving sub-zero temperatures, propels Chicago into the Divisional Round against the NFC’s top seed.
How did Williams lead the Chicago Bears to a 31-27 victory over Green Bay?
Caleb Williams, the Bears’ 2024 first-overall draft pick, engineered the comeback with precise passing and poise under pressure. He connected with receiver DJ Moore for a 26-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, cutting the Packers’ lead to 27-24, followed by a two-point conversion.
Williams then led a 75-yard drive capped by a one-yard touchdown run by running back D’Andre Swift, giving Chicago its first lead at 31-27 with 2:14 remaining.
As reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, Williams said post-game,
“We believed the whole time. This team’s got fight, and we showed it tonight.”
The Packers had built their 27-9 lead by halftime, powered by quarterback Jordan Love’s 220 yards and two scores, but Chicago’s adjustments stifled Green Bay’s offense late. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus praised Williams, noting the rookie’s ability to read defenses in his playoff debut.
Post-game locker room celebrations captured widespread excitement over the improbable rally. Ari Meirov said in X post,
“Ben Johnson’s locker room speech after beating the Packers is electric… Caleb Williams’ speech in the middle of this — and how he gets a little emotional — is even better. I highly recommend waiting for it because it’s that good.”
Ben Johnson’s locker room speech after beating the Packers is electric…
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 11, 2026
Caleb Williams’ speech in the middle of this — and how he gets a little emotional — is even better.
I highly recommend waiting for it because it’s that good.
pic.twitter.com/NppxvIgxnx https://t.co/Cq7NUasNXz
Williams’ stat line included no interceptions and a 112.4 passer rating, marking one of the most memorable rookie playoff performances in NFL history. The Bears’ offence amassed 387 total yards, with Swift adding 92 rushing yards. Defensive end Montez Sweat recorded two sacks, disrupting Love on third downs.
How did fourth-quarter turnovers help the Bears upset the Packers in the playoffs?
The game’s turning point came with 4:32 left when Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds intercepted a Love pass at midfield, setting up the go-ahead score. Green Bay’s final drive stalled after a fumble forced by safety Jaquan Brisker, recovered by Chicago at its 18-yard line with 1:05 remaining.
According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, Packers coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged,
“We had our chances, but turnovers killed us in the end.”
The Bears ran out the clock with three first downs, including a 12-yard scramble by Williams. This marked Chicago’s first home playoff win since 2018, ending a 0-5 skid against Green Bay in postseason play.
The temperature at kickoff hovered at minus-7 degrees Celsius, yet both teams adapted, with the Bears holding the Packers to 312 total yards. Officials reported no weather-related injuries, crediting heated benches and sideline protocols.
How did the Bears’ 2026 playoff win over the Packers make history?
The Bears-Packers rivalry, dating to 1921, has seen 34 meetings, with Green Bay holding a 24-9 edge entering this game. Chicago’s last playoff win over the Packers occurred in 2010, a 35-14 Divisional Round rout. This 2026 clash was their first postseason encounter since 2020.
As detailed by Kevin Patra of NFL.com, the Bears entered as the NFC’s No. 6 seed with an 11-6 regular-season record, while the fifth-seeded Packers finished 10-7. Williams, in his second NFL season, shattered rookie records last year with 4,112 passing yards. The victory extends Chicago’s playoff streak, last achieved in 2006.
Fan reactions poured in online, reflecting the historic significance of the Bears’ first playoff victory in 15 years. BigMykJay said in X post,
“WHAT A COMEBACK!!! 🐻⬇️🔥 The Bears erase an 18-point halftime deficit, explode for 25 in the 4th, and STUN the Packers 31-27 in the Wild Card! Caleb Williams & DJ Moore deliver in the clutch — historic W, first playoff victory in 15 years! BEAR DOWN CHICAGO!!! #DaBears #BearDown #NFLPlayoffs #Bears #GoBears #ChicagoBears #Packers #NFL.”
WHAT A COMEBACK!!! 🐻⬇️🔥
— BigMykJay (@BigMykJay) January 11, 2026
The Bears erase an 18-point halftime deficit, explode for 25 in the 4th, and STUN the Packers 31-27 in the Wild Card! Caleb Williams & DJ Moore deliver in the clutch — historic W, first playoff victory in 15 years! BEAR DOWN CHICAGO!!!#DaBears #BearDown… https://t.co/ZdVEoqGaO6
Fan attendance set a Soldier Field record for January games, with tailgates featuring pyrotechnics despite wind chills. Local Chicago media highlighted the economic boost, estimating £15 million in revenue from tickets and concessions.
What are the scheduled dates for Bears-Packers 2026 regular-season games?
The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, longstanding NFC North rivals, face off twice annually during the regular season under NFL scheduling formulas. Their 2026 regular season encounters are set for October 18, 2026, at Soldier Field in Chicago, and December 13, 2026, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
These divisional games carry high stakes for playoff positioning, with the winner earning critical tiebreaker advantages. No postseason rematch is possible this year, as the Packers were eliminated following their Wild Card loss. Historical data shows home teams winning 65 per cent of these rivalry contests since 2000.
Both clubs confirmed these dates via official NFL schedules released in May 2025, with kickoff times to be announced closer to each game. Fans anticipate sold-out crowds, continuing the intense atmosphere of this historic series.
What were the key plays and stats in the Bears’ 31-27 win over the Packers?
Bears struck first with a 45-yard field goal by Cairo Santos, but the Packers responded with Love’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Christian Watson. Chicago trailed 20-3 midway through the third before Williams’ 38-yard bomb to Rome Odunze sparked momentum.
Chicago Bears (CHI)
Quarterback: Caleb Williams
- Completions/Attempts: 24/48
- Passing Yards: 361
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 2
- Passer Rating: 71.6
Receiving leaders:
- Colston Loveland: 8 receptions, 137 yards, 0 TDs
- DJ Moore: 1 game-winning touchdown (other stats N/A)
Team stats:
- Total Yards: 445
- Turnovers: 2
- 3rd Down Conversions: 10/19
- 4th Down Conversions: 2/6
- Time of Possession: 32:41
Green Bay Packers (GB)
Quarterback: Jordan Love
- Completions/Attempts: 24/46
- Passing Yards: 323
- Touchdowns: 4
- Interceptions: 0
- Passer Rating: 103.8
Receiving leaders:
- Romeo Doubs: 8 receptions, 124 yards, 1 TD
Team stats:
- Total Yards: 421
- Turnovers: 0
- 3rd Down Conversions: 6/15
- 4th Down Conversions: 3/3
- Time of Possession: 27:19
Green Bay’s Aaron Jones rushed for 78 yards, but fumbled once. Bears wideout Keenan Allen hauled in eight catches for 112 yards. Penalties favoured Chicago 6-4, with no personal fouls impacting scoring.
How did coaches and players respond to the Bears’ 31-27 win over the Packers?
Chicago Bears’ coach Matt Eberflus called it “the defining win of our rebuild,” crediting assistant coaches for halftime tweaks.
The head coach for the Green Bay Packers, Matthew LaFleur, lamented execution, stating,
“Credit to Chicago; they made plays when it mattered.”
Williams dedicated the win to injured teammate Teven Jenkins, sidelined with an ankle sprain.
Packers receiver Jayden Reed, with 65 yards, expressed disappointment but optimism for offseason improvements. Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson attended, tweeting congratulations and declaring January 11 “Bears Pride Day.”
What are the NFC playoff implications of the Bears’ win over the Packers?
This result reshapes the NFC bracket, pitting the Bears against the top-seeded Detroit Lions next weekend. Detroit, 14-3, awaits at Ford Field. Green Bay heads home, facing questions on Love’s future after a solid but turnover-prone season.
Bears ownership, led by the McCaskey family, invested heavily in Williams, signing him to a four-year, £92 million deal. Regular-season dominance over divisional foes (5-1) foreshadowed this upset. Analysts note Chicago’s young core, averaging 25 years old, positions them for contention.
The NFL confirmed no controversies, with replay reviews upholding all calls. Broadcast ratings hit 25 million viewers on FOX, boosted by the rivalry.