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GREEN BAY, Wis. — In a season marked by struggles, Caleb Williams emerged with newfound confidence, while Cairo Santos found a chance at redemption. The Chicago Bears capped off a lackluster season on a positive note, defeating the Green Bay Packers 24-22, who are entering the playoffs with several pressing concerns.
Williams led the Bears down the field, setting up Santos for a game-winning 51-yard field goal as the clock ran out. This victory not only marked the Bears’ first win against the Packers since 2018 but also broke their lengthy 11-game losing streak in this famed rivalry. The Bears concluded the season with a grim record of 5-12, which included a winless period that prompted the dismissal of head coach Matt Eberflus shortly after Thanksgiving, matching the franchise’s record for consecutive losses in one season.
Reflecting on the triumph, Williams, the first overall selection in the 2024 draft, expressed his excitement. “Getting the first win of 2025, the first since 2015 at Lambeau, and first over Green Bay in 12 games is monumental. It’s a lot to be excited about going into the offseason,” he remarked.
Santos played a crucial role in this turnaround, especially after his 46-yard attempt was blocked in a previously heart-wrenching 20-19 defeat to the Packers in mid-November. “I couldn’t have scripted this moment better myself,” Santos shared after the game.
Despite this loss, the Packers (11-6) have secured the seventh seed in the NFC playoffs and are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles during the wild-card round on Sunday. The team now faces uncertainty with the injuries sustained by quarterback Jordan Love and star receiver Christian Watson.
Watson was carted off due to a knee injury in the second quarter, and Love followed shortly after, citing loss of feeling in his throwing hand. However, Love remains hopeful for the playoff matchup, stating that he could have returned had it been necessary. “It’s disappointing to finish with two losses, but we have to improve and prepare to face Philly,” Love noted. Meanwhile, Coach Matt LaFleur expressed more concern for Watson’s condition, who exhibited visible frustration as he left the field.
Love’s injury occurred early in the second quarter when he was under pressure while trying to complete a pass to Josh Jacobs. Earlier in the same possession, Watson appeared to hurt his knee as well. Malik Willis took over for Love and completed 10 of 13 passes for 136 yards, assisting in the team’s comeback from an early 14-3 deficit.
Brandon McManus put Green Bay ahead temporarily with a steep 55-yard field goal moments before Santos clinched the win for Chicago. Williams managed to advance the Bears into field-goal position, aided by an 18-yard completion to DJ Moore, who had his earlier fumble contribute to McManus’s successful kick.
Coach LaFleur took responsibility for a critical timeout that delayed the Packers’ decision on a fourth-and-4 situation. This indecision allowed Williams the necessary time to orchestrate the final drive, compounded by a horse-collar tackle penalty on Kingsley Enagbare.
Williams finished the game with 21 completions on 29 attempts for 148 yards, along with a touchdown pass to Moore, who had an impressive nine catches for 86 yards. The Bears showcased clever strategy, particularly during a punt return that saw Blackwell sneak away from the intended coverage for a stunning 94-yard touchdown, leading the game despite negative yardage for that period.
Despite challenges throughout the season, interim coach Thomas Brown emphasized that the Bears’ belief never wavered. “Looking back on how our first game against Green Bay ended, there’s no better feeling than Cairo getting the chance to kick the game-winner. It was just perfect execution,” Brown remarked.
In addition to Watson and Love’s injuries, Bears safety Jaylon Johnson suffered a quadriceps injury, and Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs was unable to play due to an illness.
Looking ahead, the Bears will focus on securing a new head coach as they enter the offseason, while the Packers will prepare for their playoff encounter against Philadelphia on Sunday.
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