For the second time in three weeks, the Packers met the Bears in a critical game toward determining who wins the NFC North at the end of the 2025 NFL regular season. Green Bay won the first matchup, 28-21, in Week 14 at Lambeau Field. Chicago, however, took the thrilling Week 16 overtime rematch at Soldier Field
With only two-plus weeks left to play, the division title remains in the Bears’ full control with the Packers still well positioned to make the playoffs. Here’s looking at all the playoff implications of the Bears’ big win:
MORE WEEK 16 NFL:
NFC North current standings
- Chicago Bears (11-4)
- Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)
- Detroit Lions (8-6)
- Minnesota Vikings (6-8)
NFC playoff picture: Impact of Bears win over Packers
The Bears improve to 11-4 and the Packers would fall to 9-5-1. The Bears earned the season series split and lead the division by 1.5 games over the Packers with only two games left. The Bears also remain as the No. 2 NFC seed behind the Seahawks (12-3).
The Packers stay at their current No. 7, the third and final NFC wild-card, staying behind the second- and third-place teams from the NFC West. They still are ahead of the Lions by a game and a head-to-head tiebreaker ahead of the Lions hosting the Steelers on Sunday.
NFC North clinching scenarios:
🏈Bears win one of their final two games at the 49ers or against the Lions, they are NFC North champs.
🏈Packers must win their final two games and have the Bears lose their final two.
🏈Lions must win final three, have Bears lose at SF, and have…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2025
The Bears are in strong position to win the division with a win over the Packers. But they also need to face the 49ers on the road and the Lions (who beat them 52-21 in Detroit in Week 2) at home to close the season. The Packers go to the Ravens in Week 17 before hosting the Vikings in Week 18.
Regardless of the result on Saturday, Green Bay vs. Chicago for the NFC North title is still about to come down to the wire.
