Who do the Bears play next? Packers face Bears for playoff showdown at Soldier Field, and the stakes for both teams have never been higher

Who do the Bears play next? The Chicago Bears face the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card playoff matchup during wild card weekend. The No. 2-seeded Bears will host the No. 7-seeded Packers at Soldier Field starting January 10-12, 2026. This rubber match between these fierce NFC North rivals carries enormous playoff implications.

Bears Secure No. 2 Seed, Lock Packers as Playoff Opponent

The Chicago Bears clinched the NFC North division title and earned the No. 2 seed after Philadelphia lost to Washington on Sunday. Chicago ended the regular season with an 11-6 record, finishing atop the division despite Sunday’s loss to Detroit.

Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers sealed the No. 7 seed with a 9-6-1 mark, marking their third consecutive trip to the wild card round. Green Bay enters the playoffs on a rough patch after losing to Denver following consecutive defeats.

This matchup sets up a dramatic rematch of the two most recent Bears-Packers regular season games, where each team claimed one victory.

Rubber Match: Bears and Packers Split Regular Season Series

The Bears and Packers squared off twice in 2025, showcasing the intense rivalry. In Week 14, Green Bay dominated at home, defeating Chicago 28-21 with help from a crucial interception by Keisean Nixon.

However, the Bears responded dramatically in Week 16, rallying to claim a 22-16 overtime victory at Soldier Field. Chicago’s defense made the difference when it mattered most, showing the team can execute under pressure.

The third matchup will determine who advances to the divisional round, adding maximum stakes to this already heated NFC North clash.

Key Storylines and Matchup Factors

Factor	Chicago Bears	Green Bay Packers
Record	11-6 (No. 2 Seed)	9-6-1 (No. 7 Seed)
Home-Field Edge	Play at Soldier Field	Travel to Chicago
Recent Form	NFC North champions	Rough recent loss to Denver
Head Coach Record	Seeks first playoff win	LaFleur 11-0 vs Bears

Home-field advantage looms large for Chicago at Soldier Field, where the Bears showed significant strength during the regular season. The Packers have dominated recent matchups in Chicago, winning 14 of the last 15 meetings historically at this venue.

However, Chicago’s playoff experience and defensive prowess could shift momentum in this rubber match. The Bears will look for inspiration from their dramatic Week 16 overtime victory as motivation.

Playoff Implications and Road Ahead for Winner

Victory in this wild card contest means vastly different playoff paths. The Bears, as the No. 2 seed, will host the divisional round matchup at Soldier Field if they advance past Green Bay.

The Packers face a grueling road through three road games if they upset Chicago, needing to navigate the divisional and conference rounds on enemy territory. This adds urgency to Green Bay’s playoff mission.

Seattle earned the No. 1 seed, meaning whichever team wins Sunday will eventually face playoff teams with less rest and momentum.

Can the Bears Finally Capitalize on Their Highest Seeding in This Epic Rivalry?

The Chicago Bears have never dominated the Packers historically, and recent trends favor Green Bay’s coaching expertise. Yet playoff football operates differently, and home-field advantage at Soldier Field could prove decisive.

Bears fans hope this wild card clash represents the turning point in a rivalry where Chicago has struggled mightily over recent decades. One victory in January could spark a deeper playoff run and justify the confidence in their No. 2 seeding.