Around the NFC North: Divisional Round
Our long national nightmare is over.
By Mike Price
For months, we had to wonder if we were living in some sort of sick simulation where, instead of reality, Bears fans were happy. Disgusting. Thankfully, the Bears pooped the bed in overtime, and now they have Indiana to look forward to while we all get back to watching honorable teams.
Bears
The Bears lost to the Rams, 20-17 in overtime.
Game Notes
- Someone on twitter said that Caleb Williams chooses whether to be Patrick Mahomes or Mitch Trubisky on every play and it's the best description of his game that I've seen. In this one (and really last week, too), he was mostly Trubisky. He threw 42 passes and completed just 23 with three picks. He had five picks in his two playoff games and completed just 52% of his passes. It almost didn't matter again as he made a bat shit crazy 4th and 8 touchdown throw where the Rams' corner inexplicably forgot how physics work and allowed the TD.
- It was a Trubisky play that cost the Bears the game. With Eddie Piniero at kicker, the Bears didn't need to go far on the second drive of overtime to win and on 2nd and 8 from the Rams' 48-yard line, Williams went for it all and threw a pick. Some say DJ Moore gave up on the route, and he has done that hundreds of times, but it was Williams throwing the ball and it was the third interception of the game, fifth of the playoffs.
- It's really not a bad strategy for the Bears, run tight man coverage and dare the refs to throw a flag on defense. Run the ball a lot of the time on offense. Get lucky in the fourth quarter on one of the 3 or 4 Mahomes plays that Williams randomly has every game. It certainly works better than anything Matt "Eberflus" or "Nagy" was doing in Chicago.
- Speaking of the Bears' defense, they did pretty well against the Rams offense, which has been one of the league's best this year. Matt Stafford for 20/42 for 258 yards and no TDs. He didn't turn the ball over like Caleb did but he didn't do anything else consistently. The Rams put up 111 rush yards but it took 31 carries to get there. Dennis Allen is, sadly, a great coordinator we just have to hope that this was Grady Jarret's last hurrah and the Bears, who are already $4.3mm over the 26 cap, won't be able to sustain a good defense next season.
- The funniest part of this whole deal is that some deranged Bears fans on twitter are calling for Ben Johnson to be fired. Insane! He's their best coach in the last 90 years. Fools!
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Mike Price is a lifelong Packers fan who recently moved from Utah to Stoughton (a Madison suberb). You can follow him on twitter at @themikeprice.
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Comments (99)
Cheezehead72
January 20, 2026 at 10:30 am
All I can say is that I am happy that the Bears luck this year ran out. I guess all this talk of the Pope praying for them must have stopped at OT. Maybe the Pope prayed for them to comeback in regulation and got too busy to pray for OT.
TarynsEyes
January 20, 2026 at 10:53 am
Yeah, that was it, prayer and hope, and luck. Two things that do nothing, and one that doesn't exist.
T7Steve
January 20, 2026 at 11:23 am
OT exists....
egbertsouse
January 20, 2026 at 11:26 am
Prayer works because, since there aren't any serious problems in the world right now, God has time to watch football. I hear God got NFL Red Zone so He (or is it She these days) can follow the games.
TarynsEyes
January 20, 2026 at 10:50 am
No matter the depth of hatred for the Bears, it cannot be denied that they are moving past GB. We waited for the Love and MLF effect to rise while the Bears were lagging, and now, after three years of the dynamic duo, this team has been surpassed by those very inept Bears of yesterdays and yesteryears, while GB is stalled in neutral and unable to shift into a different gear. This Bears team has a lot of what GB needs, and cannot seem to muster. Hate and deny all you wish to make you feel better, but the better team isn't in Wisconsin anymore, and might not be again for 5 years coming.
GO PACK GO, I just don't know exactly if they know how to get anywhere else than where they are right now, idling in neutral.
Snap the ball
January 20, 2026 at 11:20 am
We should have won with Parsons. Kraft. and Wyatt.
Plus. Mcmiss makes two kicks we win.
Both times in Chicago Jacob’s fumble and Doubs
Bears 8 home games next year. Playing top division teams. Unlike this year
The bears no playoffs next year.
TarynsEyes
January 20, 2026 at 11:35 am
A win is a win, and a loss is a loss.
Reasons for either rests in what is done in the game.
Repetitive errors are an issue.
Excuse don't fix the reasons.
If only's is the pacifier that calms crying fans.
I get your fan worship, but grow a pair and accept what was seen, is, and a good chance of being repeated, yet again. Ragging on those that beat you out of the Division Title, the Wildcard Rd, is childish. It isn't looking like the changes needed are coming, regardless of how often you scream it. All the screaming from the stands didn't change the outcome. Fixing the reasons will, excuses do nothing. Hope is surrender by those who can't do.
dblbogey
January 20, 2026 at 12:19 pm
All knowing Taryn seems extra snarky today.
TarynsEyes
January 20, 2026 at 01:04 pm
Why are those who state the obvious all-knowing to you? Are you that oblivious to the obvious?
WorseWisconsin
January 20, 2026 at 02:40 pm
"All knowing Taryn"
More like she's dishing out a heaping of common sense, which apparently is a real drag for Packer fans :)
FWIW, while the predictions of the Bears having 'no playoffs' in the '26 season are based more on hopes and dreams than reality, the interior of the Bears O-line was very lucky with injuries this season; if they rest on their '25 laurels and don't improve the depth there, the Bears would be begging for a regression. And LT is a mess with Trapillo out for at least part of the '26 season.
And I think Bears and Packer fans alike can agree the Bears D is collectively below average, though it's worth pointing out they looked better in the playoffs with more of their players getting somewhat healthy (esp CBs Gordon and Johnson)
the_gavia_pass
January 20, 2026 at 11:41 am
stop acting as a crying baby.
the bears got the right man in ben johnson.
we have a bunch of average to mediocre men, gutey-mlf-love, and we are extending them!
we deserve our mediocre future years.
Since'75
January 20, 2026 at 03:12 pm
Snap, so.....
IF we didn't have injuries....
IF...our kicker doesn't miss.....
IF we didn't give up 25 points in the 4th quarter....
IF...we didn't choke in the 4 possessions after half time....
The NFL gives no F, about IF's
Cheezehead72
January 20, 2026 at 11:39 am
I am not going to say that the Bears were the better team this year. Sometimes the better team loses. The Packers have more talent and the Bears more spirit and drive.
Talent does little if there is no will to kill the opponent and the desire to win is not there.
You are correct that the Packers will not be good in the near future. The Packers have salary cap issues, too many holes on both lines, CB issues, and a coach that does not seem to get the most out of the players and too many assistants that are average at their position at best.
So what does Policy do he runs it back with the same GM and HC expecting a different outcome.
Guam
January 20, 2026 at 01:43 pm
"So what does Policy do, he runs it back with the same GM and HC expecting a different outcome."
Didn't Murphy just do that a few years ago with Rodgers? The apple didn't fall far from the tree.
Since'75
January 20, 2026 at 03:19 pm
The difference being, the Rodgers led team went to the NFCCG twice.
Then what did Gute do to put the team over the hump?
He drafted a QB to sit for 3 years and drafted AJ Dillon.
Gute 'moved on' during a SB window when Rodgers was here, building for the future.
Well, take a good look....this is the future.
When Gutes team can win a Division game (post Rodgers), look me up.
*******
I get it....lol
That was hurtful...i'm sorry 😢🥱
WorseWisconsin
January 20, 2026 at 03:03 pm
"The Packers have more talent"
More talented depth...I would give you that. I don't think there's a big difference there, but I'll concede the point.
But on offense I wouldn't trade for ANY of the Packers starters straight-up for the Bears equivalent. And I'm partially including Kraft (Loveland>Kraft, though I do think Kraft is the 3rd best TE in the league) and Jacobs (who I do like and is overall the better RB, but I don't think he really fits a Ben Johnson offense). The only concession I'd make there is that for 12 personnel...assuming that's the 'starter' personnel group..I'd obviously be willing to swap Kmet for Kraft.
On defense, I concede Parsons, McKinney and Cooper are better than any of the equivalent players on the Bears (I'd consider picking Edwards slightly over Cooper, but Edwards has a broken leg and Cooper is ascending).
Since'75
January 20, 2026 at 03:20 pm
Cheeze...i'd thumbs up that 10 times if i could.
Gman1976
January 20, 2026 at 03:30 pm
Talent doesn't win if a coach doesn't use it correctly.
Aldo
January 20, 2026 at 05:53 pm
You hit the nail on the head with all of your comments. A perfect description of what happened and what is likely to be.
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 20, 2026 at 02:08 pm
I think I will wait and see. The Bears have looked good for a year at times but not been able to sustain it. They’re facing a bunch of free agents on defense, are tight against the cap and are picking #25 in the draft, not top ten like they are used to. Not to mention playing a first place schedule and everyone gunning for them. GB still has the better QB. CHI has a very good offensive line and GB is used to being better there. But not right now. I don’t see this as a major changing of the guard in the north.
Packers0808
January 20, 2026 at 02:24 pm
The Bears next year are this years Lions.
Since'75
January 20, 2026 at 03:21 pm
Stay in school kids 😁
LeotisHarris
January 20, 2026 at 03:56 pm
hey...why you no write about the Bored?
Packers0808
January 20, 2026 at 05:42 pm
Huh you the bored?
Packers0808
January 20, 2026 at 04:28 pm
Huh? You miss entire high school and still working that GED?
Since'75
January 20, 2026 at 08:28 pm
Thanks for correcting your sentence, that shows progress 👍
Packers0808
January 21, 2026 at 08:09 am
Well now correct yours and show progress. Periods at end of sentences work well,.
Since'75
January 21, 2026 at 03:54 pm
Lol...Ok Tiger!!
Packers0808
January 21, 2026 at 10:46 pm
You are welcome, kitty.
FITZCORE1252
January 21, 2026 at 02:19 pm
Calm down. Duh bares didn't lead for a second in the two regular season games. The playoff game was more the Pack peeing down their leg than duh bares being superior. Point being - there were no blowouts, no domination from either team.
They look to be improving, but to act like they're all the sudden in a different class than the Pack is laughable.
Hopefully both squads are close to full strength when they lock up next year. I like when duh bares are competitive, it hurts their fanbase that much more when they lose to big bro.
Snap the ball
January 20, 2026 at 11:17 am
The Bears will miss the playoffs next year
Brewcity_BearsFan
January 20, 2026 at 11:33 am
I'll take that bet.
pantz_bURp
January 20, 2026 at 11:54 am
Hey Brew Bear, your response well...I can't shake the song that is living in my cranium now:
The Devil Went Down to Georgia song and those snappy lyrics.
Burp
Since'75
January 20, 2026 at 03:25 pm
Snap can read the future!!
SWEET!!
Snap, what will the Packers record be next season, and can you send me the next power ball winning numbers?
I'll give ya a cut!!
Snap the ball
January 20, 2026 at 11:22 am
The Vikings could have been in the playoff with 3 different QBs.
The bears beat them in mn on a last second kick that never should have happened
TarynsEyes
January 20, 2026 at 12:17 pm
Then it wouldn't have happened.
WorseWisconsin
January 20, 2026 at 04:08 pm
"Then it wouldn't have happened."
I KNOW, right?
Using their logic, the Bears should have won 4 of the last 5 games. After all, that GB blocked field goal in the bears final drive in the '24 season matchup 'shouldn't have happened.'
99 times out of 100 that block doesn't happen. But it did, so the Packers won.
13TimeChamps
January 20, 2026 at 04:38 pm
Thank you! One of my biggest gripes on these fan sites. This or that "should or shouldn't" have happened. What does that even mean?
Doubs "should have" caught that onside kick. Then he would have but he didn't.
GB "should have" beat Chi after leading 21-3. Then they would have but they didn't.
Fill in the blank____"should have" caught that INT. Then he would have but he didn't.
Make the play/don't make the play. There are no pre-ordained "should haves" involved.
T7Steve
January 20, 2026 at 11:27 am
Glad all we have to worry about now are the Packers.
Can put the rest of the NFC North in hibernation mode and not have to think of them for months. Maybe take note of their drafts, FA signings and new coaches.
Good thing because we have worries enough or our own.
Since'75
January 20, 2026 at 03:32 pm
The rest of the NFC North was forgotten about by me, after the bears 25 point 4th quarter.
You're right, we have enough worries of our own.
*********
Funny thing....notice anything strange about the Hafley hiring by Miami?
I haven't seen one Packer fan voice any concern he's gone.
What does that tell us? 🤷♂️
Bitternotsour
January 20, 2026 at 05:10 pm
well clearly, it shows massive belief in our head coach, who hired Hafley from college. We're like that, we support our team through thick and thin. Best fans in the NFL.
Since'75
January 20, 2026 at 08:25 pm
Massive belief in our head coach?
Ummm, is that what you've been reading in here?
Leatherhead
January 21, 2026 at 02:30 pm
Not here. But other places, yes, there's a pretty high level of acceptance that LaFleur is a good coach. Obviously, the Organization has enough of a belief that they are spending millions to keep him.
Since'75
January 21, 2026 at 03:56 pm
So someone made a decision, therefore it is the right one?
Continuity!
Bearmeat
January 20, 2026 at 11:35 am
The Bears Still Suck. That is all.
Stinky Cheese
January 20, 2026 at 06:31 pm
Just not as much as you
splitpea1
January 20, 2026 at 11:37 am
Rams/Bears: At least this game provided a little joy in Mudville.
The Rams did a great job stopping the Bears ground game on third-and-short repeatedly...The Williams throw to Kmet was unbelievable. Rams fans were hating on Durant for leaving his man...Good job by Curl securing the INT as he was rolling on the ground...The Bears season was still a smashing success.
Vikings: If Seattle makes it to the Super Bowl and wins, the Vikings will be wearing the eternal dunce cap for the decision they made at QB.
Lions: Some of Dan Campbell must have rubbed off on IU's Cignatti with that QB draw call on fourth-and-seven. I can't believe he did that, but he had a good explanation in the postgame interview.
Cheezehead72
January 20, 2026 at 11:42 am
From what I have heard is that the Vikings offered Darnald a simular contract and Jones a better contract but both QBs wanted to go somewhere they were going to start.
We can thank the Patriots because I heard that the Vikings wanted to trade with them in the draft because they wanted Mayes but the Patriots also wanted him.
Bitternotsour
January 20, 2026 at 04:23 pm
Your hearing seems slightly suspect. Everything I read said McCarthy was always their want.
pantz_bURp
January 20, 2026 at 11:43 am
I am starting to like the current Pack vs Bears rivalry again...(thanks for showing up this year Chicago)...congrats on your season and NFC North crown.
Now, next season...if our game ends in a tie after regulation...I say, a wrestle off between Coach LaF and Coach Johnson at the 50 yard line. Like 5th grade during recess fist ta cuffs...
Now, grab some popcorn and let the games begin. I dont condone violence. I just feel, it may be more of a wedgy, wet willy in the ear stare down.
I still really like and respect Coach Campbell. He is a guy I would love to have played for if I was talented enough to be in the NFL.
XXXOOOs,
Pantz
Cheezehead72
January 20, 2026 at 01:04 pm
I run a four four forty do you think Coach Campbell will sign me?
pantz_bURp
January 20, 2026 at 05:53 pm
What does your knee caps look like C72?
PB
Since'75
January 20, 2026 at 03:55 pm
A 'wrestle off'?
Burp....i worry about you! 😬🤨
pantz_bURp
January 20, 2026 at 05:51 pm
R-E-L-A-X, I didn't say naked wrestling or even top less.
Burpy
Since'75
January 20, 2026 at 08:22 pm
Not to worry 'Burpy'.....i'm a live and let live kind of guy.
What you and your fella's do in the privacy of your own home, behind your own closed doors, is of no concern of mine.
Come out...Make me proud! 🤨
Bitternotsour
January 20, 2026 at 04:25 pm
Razors and tweezers at 10 paces. Perhaps a speed waxing final.
pantz_bURp
January 20, 2026 at 05:52 pm
Bitter, you are onto something. I like it!
Edward Scissorhandz
MitchAnthony
January 20, 2026 at 01:28 pm
Yeah it sure seemed like the Bears rode a wave of luck. That last score of theirs.... That was their season in a recap moment.
Funny that when they got Williams the first thing they did was go out and get receivers for him to throw to. That first year had him scrambling all over the place because he had no protection and no time to throw.
Year two they seemed to recognize their problem and went shopping for O-line. The protection got much better.
Watch this off season and draft and you'll see Chicago shopping for defense. Their next big need. Maybe there will be a home for Gary, or some other Packer cap casualty in the Bears lineup next season. It would be a Bear thing to do.
Brewcity_BearsFan
January 20, 2026 at 02:11 pm
I want no part of Gary.
I would like see Chicago resign Briskar as their top priority.
I wouldn't mind Jenkins, but he may need to play tackle, with Trippilo out to start the year.
Chicago will have its own cap casualties. I think there is a real possibility DJ Moore, and Cole Kmet could be cut. Kmet in particular, could, and should, be attractive to GB, should they move on from Musgrave.
Cheezehead72
January 20, 2026 at 02:20 pm
I want nothing to do with Kmet. You all can keep him.
Gary would be a perfect fit after all the Bears are moving to Gary so why not take Gary.
WorseWisconsin
January 20, 2026 at 05:33 pm
"Gary". I 100% agree. 4 years ago, sure, but not now.
"Brisker". He played very well overall vs Rams, I'll give him that. But his 4-year track record is he's injury prone with a below-average coverage grade. Unless he did a 1-year prove-it deal, I'd move on.
"Moore". I like Moore, but he's at risk of being WR3 which I doubt he'd be onboard. I see how a trade could happen since his contract is (very arguably) reasonable for a low WR1 given the astronomical contracts WRs get these days, but I'd be shocked if they cut him.
"Kmet". Sigh...I like him a lot and he's under-utilized in the passing game...but yeah as a Y-TE (though with some pass-catching juice) he's replaceable.
pantz_bURp
January 20, 2026 at 06:14 pm
Gary, as in Rashan or Gary, Indiana?
(rumor has it the majority of Bears fans want a G on the players helmets too).
Imitation is the biggest form of flattery,
PB
Packers0808
January 20, 2026 at 05:09 pm
Bears won't even be in the picture come play offs. They are next years this years Lions.
NFLfan
January 20, 2026 at 02:02 pm
Bears were toe-to-toe with the more established Rams-Sean McVay was paralyzed by that scramble and throw to Kmet.
Bears are doing everything the Packers are not-they have a better HC who is a superior tactician. This is not a guy who has no answer after the opposing DC changes tactics after half-time. They have a much better O-L, their QB can be clutch, can run and will only improve. They will build their D this off season as it is the only group needing major improvement. Packers refuse to hold Gutekunst accountable for the O-L sub-par roster construction. The Bears would not have signed Banks, Belton and Morgan. Ditto for LVN, Gary and Q Walker.
Bears would not have re-signed and paid more money to a lesser HC??? The re-signing of MLF and Gute was ludicrous and disrespectful to fans.
Bears have already surpassed the Packers. I'm not a Bears fan-just a disgusted ex-Packer fan.
Building a contending team is not rocket science but it involves being honest about talent, coaches, front office, President. GB is dishonest to fans and themselves re:all of the above. Starts @ the top
13TimeChamps
January 20, 2026 at 03:53 pm
Hey "ex-Packer fan".
I thought you were leaving. Having trouble finding the door?
WorseWisconsin
January 20, 2026 at 04:20 pm
"I'm not a Bears fan-just a disgusted ex-Packer fan."
I like this guy! Dishing out dope facts. Testify.
(In slang, "testify" means to enthusiastically agree with or strongly affirm something someone said, similar to "I second that," "For real," or "You're preaching." Just helping Packer fans get into the 21st century. You're welcome.)
Bitternotsour
January 20, 2026 at 04:29 pm
a better tactician? the idiot bears head coach turned the ball over three times on downs with his brilliant tactics. the rams were cold and didn't want to play, and yet they still prevailed. also, opportunity to be a man, to strike through and go for two after that miracle throw and his balls shrunk up into his jumped-up abdominal cavity and the bears failed.
failed, and provided incredible delight. keep that better tactical bullshit for the bears boards chump.
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 20, 2026 at 06:32 pm
Great description Bitter!
Leatherhead
January 21, 2026 at 02:36 pm
The margin is minute. We were THIS CLOSE to beating the Bears and advancing, and the Bears were THIS CLOSE to beating the Rams. All they needed to do was run one play for two yards. That's the margin between losing in the first round and being in the Championship game.
Going for two at the end for a win, instead of playing safe with a tie, makes so much sense. One play, two yards, any formation or personnel group.
OR...let the game enter overtime, where any number of things could happen.
That great tactician also turned it over on downs a couple of times against us.
LeotisHarris
January 20, 2026 at 04:36 pm
fangirl, just go. There isn't anything you've written here that you haven't typed before on this forum at least two dozen times.
Your backstory was you were a disgruntled Niners fan, saddened by having to watch the likes of Jimmy G play QB, so you followed your eyeballs to generational talent Aaron Rodgers. Oh how all those championship years of Joe Montana and Steve Young had spoiled you. Now the 49ers asked for your allegiance to a team without a HOF QB! How could they expect such a thing from a savvy consumer such as you. No, sir, not for you. So, you spent a season at CHTV as "fangirl", then returned with the rebrand of "NFLfan". It's been quite a ride!
You told us all you attended training camp and found it all to be so quaint. Chives was yummy! You regaled us with how Jaire needed to improve "his blocking." You became the self-appointed Arbiter of Integrity, bestowing it upon posters and players you favored and pointing out the lack there of in those you didn't. You guided us through the Vikings dynasty, and the Lions dynasty, and now advise us to kneel before the budding Bears dynasty. In short, you've been an ill-informed, repetitive serial irritant. You can finally set yourself free.
All your new friends will welcome your thoughts on The Phinsider, Phin Phanatic, Dolphins Talk, and FinHeaven. They'll need a good debriefing on the integrity of Jeff Hafley and his culture-changing skill set. You should bring them up to speed on Jon-Eric, too, and how he truly is a man of integrity who managed to finally escape the horrors of the Packers front office. Stay nimble so you can advise them of any coaching hires that transition with JH. Hurry, they need you!
Guide them, fangirl. Guide the Dolphin's fans so they can see what we here in Packerland could not. Trust that you didn't fail us. We simply were not ready to receive your guidance.
You have never been a Packers fan. To claim to have been one for 20 years is a bald-faced lie.
Bitternotsour
January 20, 2026 at 05:03 pm
Leotis with the receipts. The fraud exposed again (and again and again and again)
They won't move on because their life is so wanting. They may retire this screen name and move onto another, but that poor syntax and even poorer thought process will expose them again, rinse/repeat. I wish Cheesehead TV would dox them.
FITZCORE1252
January 21, 2026 at 02:13 pm
Sammich.
Your Uber will be here in 5 minutes.
Major Snafu
January 20, 2026 at 02:27 pm
IMO the Bears are a very good team that will fill some holes via the draft and be even more solid next season. The Vikes are sold on defense and still have the best receiver core in football, they get a QB who can make passes and they too will be formidable.
The Lions need help. Their secondary is as bad as GB's. They have running backs but too, their line backers are always hurt. Their O line is as bad as ours and their receiving core about the same. Thus it comes down to who does the most in the draft and free agency to fill holes. F draft and development.
You draft people who have talent and can play now. If your hope lies in the 4-6th round cheap guys and a few un drafteds your going to be in the basement looking up and you should be.
Thus, either the Packers or the Lions will be bottom feeders next season.
Since'75
January 20, 2026 at 03:06 pm
I think draft and develop is used pretty loosely in Green Bay (these days)
Just off the cuff....Eric Stokes, LVN, Kevin King, Musgrave, J. Meyers, Amari Rodgers, Josiah Deguara, A J Dillon, Josh Jackson, Oren Burks, etc.
******
Then we had Alexander, Jenkins, but those guys were good from the get go.
One they got rid of, the other is probably gone also.
Though i'd like to see Jenkins return to left guard. One of the best guards in the NFL.
Maybe they rework his deal...idk.
You could make the case for D & D with Tom, Love, Watson, Wyatt, maybe Cooper.
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 20, 2026 at 06:39 pm
Bears are tight against the cap so will have some cap casualties along with having several starters on D entering free agency. And they pick 25th, not in the top ten like they have been. Then they play a first place schedule. Going to be really tough to replicate their success, just as it was for the Lions.
Leatherhead
January 21, 2026 at 02:44 pm
The Bears are going to be good, but they might not be as lucky.
The Lions are in decline, they are last in the division and will be again.
Packers will compete for the division title. It's a veteran team with a strong offensive backfield and a solid group of receivers. If we improve the line, we'll be better on offense this year.
We've drafted and developed most of the offense. Only Jacobs and Banks are imports Same story on defense, where McKinney and Parsons are the guys we've brought in....everybody else is homegrown.
IMO, the Packers will improve the Oline, and the offense will be better next year. We'll win more games. And we'll be able to close out games when we have the lead and the ball, which would be useful.
J-Rome
January 20, 2026 at 02:34 pm
If you point to stats and say Caleb Williams isn't that good, Bears fans will tell you he's a great clutch quarterback. In my mind you're only a good clutch quarterback if you didn't create the need to perform in the clutch in the first place.
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 20, 2026 at 06:36 pm
Partway through the season his HC said they were winning despite Caleb, not because of him. I don’t think anything changed by the end of the season. Five picks in 2 playoff games is a lot to overcome.
Stinky Cheese
January 20, 2026 at 06:39 pm
Enjoy the denial. Top 5 QB by the end of his 3rd year. You’ll reach acceptance next year. We dealt with it for 20+ years. Your turn 😃
pantz_bURp
January 20, 2026 at 06:46 pm
Put the half-finished Miller Lite down Stinky, before you make a fool of yourself. :D
Pantz "Stanky" Burp
WorseWisconsin
January 21, 2026 at 10:19 am
"Enjoy the denial."
Exactly. They simply can't process the fact that this will be a competitive matchup moving forward.
I personally am 'wait and see' on Caleb being a top-5 QB in the league, but the talent and flashes are definitely there.
Leatherhead
January 21, 2026 at 02:48 pm
Every so often the Bears put a decent team on the field, but ultimately, we beat them down and put them in their place. This time is no different.
Dan Campbell had a moment in the sun, but Detroit was in last place again last year, like they've been so many times before. And it'll happen to the Bears, too. It's in Chicago's DNA....they'll find a way to screw this up.
Since'75
January 20, 2026 at 02:49 pm
Not sure what the point is here.
Yes, the bears lost.
Despite that.....they were there, we weren't, and the Packers only have themselves to blame.
S... on the bears, i've done it more than most in the last 3 to 4 decades.
The last i checked regarding the bears/Rams game, the bears didn't give up 25 points in the 4th quarter.
Are we gloating the bears lost?
Hell, i didn't really care.
I don't giving a flying f... what bear fans think, never have
I'm worried about my team, not if the bears lost to the Rams.
I mean, who cares?
What i care about is the Packers going 1-3 to the bears in their last 4 meetings
I'm hoping Policy cares also, but.......
Packerpasty
January 20, 2026 at 03:35 pm
My view is the Bears are not going to have the same results next year....the "magical comebacks".....the Bears are good but I dont see them matching this seasons record...Williams will still put the ball up for grabs and teams will know better how to play against him now...Vikings will impove, hard to be any worse...Lions I dont know...I expect them to still be right there for the division...nothing better than seeing Campbell beating lil Ben twice this year!!
Stinky Cheese
January 20, 2026 at 06:36 pm
Bad take. CW has the NFL record for least amount of INTS in his first 1000 passes. Look it up
Gman1976
January 20, 2026 at 03:35 pm
If the Bears would have won, every team I rooted for would have lost. Thanks Bears 🐻!!! FYI: I couldn't root for either SF nor Seattle.
Alberta_Packer
January 20, 2026 at 05:37 pm
Pleased be notified that the nightmare - that is the Bears - has just begun. Actually it started on Jan.5, 2025 - when the Bears won their first game against the Packers - in a long while - 24-22. Since then the Bears have shown marked improvement - while the Packers have basically been in stasis. Also trend analysis currently shows the Bears to be 'in progression' - while the Packers 'in regression.' A trend that is likely to continue for the Packers in 2026-27 due to their salary cap and roster turnover issues. In addition, no coaching upgrades are likely due to the Packers status quo Policy (Ed). Furthermore - there is a high probability that the Bears will continue to grow and progress next season. Conversely, I give the same probability that the Packers will continue to regress. So the end result will be a widening of the gap between where we want to be and where we will be.
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 20, 2026 at 06:45 pm
Analyze the fact the Bears have cap issues too and some key free agents on the D. They aren’t picking at the top of the draft anymore. They’re playing a first place schedule. They relied on turnovers which we typically see regress the following year. They have one of the worst pass rushes in the league. Time will tell if they are for real. I’m not losing sleep over them after Caleb had more picks than TDs in the playoffs.
Alberta_Packer
January 20, 2026 at 07:09 pm
Perhaps it will come down to which team has the greater rate of regression for 2026-27? Still I see more upside with the Bears than the Packers for next season. So if I had to choose on which team has the greater chance of missing the playoffs.? All things considered - I would have to pick the Packers. While it would sadden me a little - like you - I wouldn't lose any of my beauty sleep.
Stinky Cheese
January 20, 2026 at 06:35 pm
LMAO Hillarious take! CW will be an MVP and own the North. The INTS were 4th down prayers and or miscommunication with option routes. 1 was a poor decision. NOBODY is calling for BJs job. 😂😂
I know you need to support a home town narrative but WOW! Thanks for the laugh
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 20, 2026 at 06:47 pm
Hilarious that Williams had more picks than TDs in the playoffs. Brings back good memories of Jay.
Brewcity_BearsFan
January 20, 2026 at 09:00 pm
You know Cutler gets a lot of shade. Much it deserved. However, for as much shit that Packer Nation likes to talk about him, he only played 1 16 game season while he was a Bear.
I am one of the people that would not have minded a touch more. He had very good skill position players, and a very stout defense.
WorseWisconsin
January 21, 2026 at 10:25 am
"Cutler gets a lot of shade."
While Cutler was at times his own worst enemy, the Bears chronically under-invested in the offensive line. While Cutler had physical talents, scrambling was not one of them.
pantz_bURp
January 20, 2026 at 06:53 pm
May I suggest a darkness retreat Stinky?
Opposite of Motel 6,
Pantz
Stinky Cheese
January 20, 2026 at 08:27 pm
I think you guys know more about that’s than I. Bears fans are elated. We have a coach and QB!! Next year we can worry about the trophy.
Doesn’t CW have more playoff wins than Jordan Love? Trust your eyes 😀
Leatherhead
January 21, 2026 at 04:06 pm
I'm elated you're elated. That way, it'll be funnier watching the Bears crash and burn, like they've done so many, many times in the past.
No, Williams does not have more playoff wins than Love. Trust Math. 1=1.
Bitternotsour
January 21, 2026 at 04:29 pm
bears had a unicorn season of wildly imbalanced +/- turnovers. next year reality strikes. 4th quarter comebacks cease and they go back to their mean. Their fans will wonder what happened, but really, it's just math.
Leatherhead
January 21, 2026 at 05:00 pm
Regression to the mean. They have a good group, and that’s why it’ll be funnier watching the wheels fall off.
WorseWisconsin
January 21, 2026 at 07:46 pm
I'm elated that you're elated that we're elated. That way, when the Packers fight for the 7th seed like they've done so many times and then fall short or are 1-and-done in the playoffs, like we've seen so many times, we can go swimming in your tears.
For 2026, the Packers:
1: Are rolling with mostly the same coaching staff, but expecting a different result (and losing arguably your best coach to Miami).
2: Are rolling with mostly the same players, but expecting a different result.
3: Are rolling with the same front office that left you with the current talent deficit, expecting a different result.
Insanity is doing the same things over-and-over and expecting a different result.
Every team in the NFC North had a winning record, so anyone who thinks they know who will win the division or finish last is delusional.
But I do know this: the days of the Packers dominating the Bears:Packers rivalry are over. I'm sure the Packers will get some wins, but I see more 'wallowing in self pity' in your future.