Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur’s Bears stun Packers 31-27 in playoff thriller

Ben Johnson’s Bears shocked the NFL with a stunning upset over Matt LaFleur’s Packers in a playoff thriller Saturday night. Down by 18 points with the game seemingly over, Caleb Williams engineered one of the most improbable comebacks in recent memory. The Bears defeated the Packers 31-27 in the NFC Wild Card round at Soldier Field, advancing to host a divisional playoff game.

Packers Dominate First Half, Then Collapse

Jordan Love and the Packers offense controlled the first two quarters, jumping to a commanding 21-3 lead at halftime. Green Bay’s defense looked impenetrable early, forcing Caleb Williams into some of his roughest moments as a rookie. A quarterback sack and multiple pressures kept the Bears’ offense sputtering. The 4-point halftime cushion seemed like a foregone conclusion for a Packers victory.

However, Ben Johnson’s adjustments would reshape the entire game trajectory after the intermission. The Bears’ head coach had witnessed this type of collapse before in his playing days, and he wasn’t about to let it repeat.

Williams Leads Historic Bears Second-Half Comeback

Caleb Williams transformed completely in the second half, orchestrating what would become an 18-point comeback from the largest deficit. The rookie quarterback connected with receivers across the field, including D’Andre Swift on crucial short yardage situations. Bears running backs and wide receivers like DJ Moore suddenly found rhythm against a Packers defense that had appeared invincible.

The fourth quarter turned into an offensive showcase. Williams completed pass after pass, moving the Bears down the field with precision timing. A touchdown drive capped with a short TD reception pulled Chicago to within striking distance. The Soldier Field crowd grew louder with each Bears score, creating an electric atmosphere that seemed to energize the Chicago offense.

The Turning Point and Game-Winning Drive

With 1:43 remaining, the Bears faced their final chance. The Packers still led 27-24 in a tense fourth quarter battle. Williams took over at his own 34 yard line with the season on the line. He didn’t hesitate. Three consecutive completions moved the Bears into Packers territory. The moment arrived when Williams found DJ Moore wide open in the end zone. The 25-yard touchdown pass put the Bears ahead 31-27 with less than two minutes to spare.

Team	Score
Chicago Bears	31
Green Bay Packers	27

“I kinda enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” according to Bears coach Ben Johnson during his January 2025 introductory press conference.

Ben Johnson, Bears Head Coach

Johnson’s Coaching Rivalry Comes Full Circle

Ben Johnson’s arrival in Chicago last year immediately sparked controversy when he mentioned his history of successful matchups against Matt LaFleur’s Packers. Those comments seemed like bulletin board material heading into this playoff showdown. However, Johnson backed them up. The Bears’ meticulous second-half adjustments and aggressive playcalling created mismatches the Packers couldn’t solve. LaFleur’s offense couldn’t respond to the Bears’ defensive changes, allowing Williams and company to seize control.

This victory represented a validation of Johnson’s controversial comments and his trust in a young Caleb Williams to deliver when it mattered most. The Packers’ fourth quarter collapse left Green Bay’s season in ruins, while the Bears earned a divisional playoff home game.

What Comes Next for the NFC North Rivals?

The Bears advance to host a divisional round playoff game after clinching the wild card. This stunning comeback showed that Caleb Williams can perform under extreme pressure, a critical factor for a first-year quarterback. Meanwhile, Matt LaFleur faces tough questions about how his Packers surrendered such a commanding lead. The rivalry between Ben Johnson and LaFleur will only intensify as these division rivals potentially meet again. Can the Bears’ offensive momentum continue? Will the Packers’ season end without advancing past the wild card round?

Sources

• ESPN – Complete box score and play-by-play coverage from the NFC Wild Card playoff game
• Chicago Sun Times – Analysis of Caleb Williams fourth-quarter rally and the Bears comeback victory
• Pro Football Network – Coverage of the Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur coaching rivalry