The Green Bay Packers will face off against the Chicago Bears in an eagerly anticipated NFC Wild Card game on January 10, 2026. The matchup will take place at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, and marks the latest chapter in one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries. This game is notable as it only represents the third playoff meeting between these two storied franchises.
Fans can watch the game live through a 30-day free trial of Prime Video. An Amazon Prime membership is available for $14.99 per month, or $139 annually, while a Prime Video-only plan costs $8.99 per month.
Rivalry Intensifies in Playoff Atmosphere
The Packers and Bears have a long history, having played against each other more than any other teams in the NFL. Yet, playoff matchups between them are a rarity, adding extra excitement to this encounter. Packers safety Xavier McKinney highlighted the significance of the game, stating, “It’s a crazy rivalry… and the fact that we’re playing them in the playoffs too, it just magnifies it another notch.”
For Bears tight end Cole Kmet, the game holds personal significance. Growing up in the Chicago area, Kmet developed a strong dislike for the Packers, which has taken on new meaning as his sister is now dating defensive tackle Lukas Van Ness. Kmet expressed his enthusiasm for the game, emphasizing the special atmosphere expected at home against their rivals.
The Bears enter this playoff game with a record of 11-6, hosting their first postseason match since the 2018 season. That year, they lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in a heartbreaking wild-card game, a memory that still lingers for fans. Since then, the Bears have lost three consecutive playoff games, with their last victory dating back to 2010.
Current Form and Team Dynamics
The Packers, with a record of 9-7-1, have struggled in recent weeks, losing their last four games. They secured the No. 7 seed in the NFC and rested their top players in the final week of the regular season. The team had high expectations at the beginning of the season, especially following a trade with Dallas for star pass rusher Micah Parsons. Unfortunately, Parsons suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 15, significantly impacting the team’s performance.
Quarterback Jordan Love is set to return after missing the last two games due to a concussion. His absence was felt during crucial moments, including a narrow win against the Bears earlier in the season. In their first meeting, the Packers narrowly escaped with a 28-21 victory, thanks to an interception by Keisean Nixon in the closing moments of the game.
The Bears are led by coach Ben Johnson, who has successfully guided the team from the bottom of the NFC North to playoff contention. This marks the Bears’ first division title since 2018. Despite a strong start to the season, the team lost their last two regular-season games, putting them in a challenging position heading into the playoffs.
As the Packers and Bears prepare to face off once again, the stakes could not be higher. This historic rivalry, with its deep-rooted animosity and competitive spirit, promises to deliver an unforgettable playoff atmosphere. Fans and players alike eagerly anticipate what this matchup will bring, as the long history between these teams adds an extra layer of intensity to the game.
