After Dismantling the Lions, the Packers’ Next Test Against the Bears Sparks Heated Debate Across the League.QQ

IMAGE: Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur calls a play against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Ford Field. / Lon Horwedel / Imagn Images

NFC North Showdown Looms: Packers, Bears Set for Clash with First Place on the Line

December football is here, and with it comes one of the NFL’s most storied rivalries-Packers vs. Bears. After a statement win over the Lions on Thanksgiving, Green Bay has earned a mini-bye and now turns its attention to a massive Week 14 matchup against Chicago that could reshape the NFC North playoff picture.

Let’s break down where things stand for the Packers heading into their biggest game of the season so far-and what fans should be watching as the playoff race heats up.

Packers Ride Momentum into Bears Week

Green Bay’s Thanksgiving win wasn’t just a divisional victory-it was a tone-setter. The 31-24 road win over Detroit completed a season sweep of the two-time defending NFC North champs and pushed the Packers to 8-3-1 on the year. With that win, the Packers stayed undefeated in division play (3-0), a stark contrast to their 1-5 mark in the North last season.

Now, they’ve got a week to rest, recover, and prepare for a red-hot Bears team that’s suddenly become one of the NFC’s most dangerous squads.

Circle the Date: Packers vs. Bears, Dec. 7 at 3:25 p.m. CT

The Packers are off this Sunday, but the countdown is officially on for next Sunday’s heavyweight tilt at Lambeau Field. Originally scheduled for noon, the NFL flexed the game to a 3:25 p.m. kickoff to give it the national spotlight it deserves.

And why not? First place in the NFC North is on the line.

The Bears come in at 9-3, winners of nine of their last ten after an 0-2 start. Their latest win-a 24-15 road victory over the Eagles-was a wake-up call to the rest of the conference.

Chicago is playing confident, physical football under Ben Johnson, and they’ve got the look of a team that believes it can make a run.

This will be the first of two meetings between the rivals in a three-week span. The rematch comes on Dec. 20 at Soldier Field. But next Sunday’s game could go a long way in determining who wears the NFC North crown.

NFC North Standings: A New Order

The division has flipped in a big way from 2024. Last year, it was all about the Lions and Vikings.

This year? It’s the Bears and Packers setting the pace.

Here’s how the NFC North looks heading into Sunday’s action:

• Chicago Bears: 9-3 (W vs. Eagles, 24-15)
• Green Bay Packers: 8-3-1 (W at Lions, 31-24)
• Detroit Lions: 7-5 (L vs.

Packers, 31-24)

• Minnesota Vikings: 4-7 (play at Seahawks, 3:05 p.m.

CT)

The Lions, who went 12-5 last year, are now fighting to stay in the playoff hunt. They’re just a game back of the NFC’s final Wild Card spot, but the loss to Green Bay hurt. The Vikings, meanwhile, are slipping fast and face a tough test in Seattle this afternoon.

NFC Playoff Picture: Packers in the Mix

Here’s where things stand in the NFC heading into Sunday, Nov. 30. The top seven teams make the playoffs:

1. Los Angeles Rams: 9-2
2. Chicago Bears: 9-3
3. Philadelphia Eagles: 8-4
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-5
5. Seattle Seahawks: 8-3
6. Green Bay Packers: 8-3-1
7. San Francisco 49ers: 8-4

In the hunt:

• Detroit Lions: 7-5
• Dallas Cowboys: 6-5-1
• Carolina Panthers: 6-6

Green Bay’s tie against Dallas earlier this season could end up being a key tiebreaker down the stretch. But with five games left, including two against the Bears, the Packers control their own destiny-not just for the division, but potentially for a top-three seed.

What to Watch on Sunday

Even though the Packers aren’t suiting up today, there are a few games worth watching if you’re scoreboard-watching the NFC playoff race:

• 49ers at Browns (Noon CT): San Francisco is neck-and-neck with Green Bay in the Wild Card standings.
• Rams at Panthers (Noon CT): The Rams are currently the NFC’s top seed.
• Seahawks vs. Vikings (3:05 p.m.

CT): Seattle is just ahead of Green Bay in the standings; Minnesota is hanging on by a thread.

• Bills at Steelers (3:25 p.m.

CT): Aaron Rodgers is expected back for Pittsburgh after missing last week with a wrist injury. His presence could be a major factor in a game with AFC playoff implications.

Packers Remaining Schedule

After their Thanksgiving win, the Packers are entering the final stretch of the regular season. Here’s what’s left:

• Dec. 7: vs. Chicago Bears (3:25 p.m.

CT)

• Dec. 14: at Denver Broncos (3:25 p.m.

CT)

• Dec. 20: at Chicago Bears (TBD)
• Dec. 27-28: vs. Baltimore Ravens (TBD)
• Jan. 3-4: at Minnesota Vikings (TBD)

It’s a challenging finish, but the Packers have found their stride at the right time. The offense is clicking, the defense is making timely plays, and Matt LaFleur’s squad is showing the kind of resilience you want to see in December.

Final Word

The Packers have put themselves in position to make a real run-and it all starts next Sunday at Lambeau. The Bears are coming in hot, but Green Bay is battle-tested and playing with confidence.

First place in the NFC North is up for grabs. And if recent history has taught us anything, it’s that when Packers-Bears means something in December, it’s must-watch football.