The Green Bay Packers enter Week 14 on a hot streak after three straight wins — including key NFC North victories over the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. But their biggest challenge yet comes on Sunday, December 7, when they host the division-leading Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field.
Chicago (9-3) kept its narrow lead over Green Bay (8-3-1) by knocking off the Philadelphia Eagles on the road. The Bears and Packers haven’t met yet in 2025, but will play twice in the next three weeks, a stretch that could ultimately decide:
The NFC North champion
Which team gets a home playoff game
Positioning in the race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, with the Los Angeles Rams (9-2), Seattle Seahawks (8-3) and Eagles (8-4) also in contention
The rivalry already carries massive stakes — but an old comment from Bears head coach Ben Johnson has turned the spotlight back on him and Packers coach Matt LaFleur.
Ben Johnson’s January Jab at Matt LaFleur Back in Headlines
During his introductory press conference back in January, Johnson praised fellow NFC North coaches Dan Campbell and Kevin O’Connell, calling them Coach of the Year–caliber leaders. But when the topic turned to LaFleur, Johnson couldn’t resist throwing in a playful shot.
“I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for the coaches and players in this division… Dan Campbell and Kevin O’Connell, you’re talking about two guys who are up for Coach of the Year awards. And to be quite frank with ya, I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.”
The comment was part jab, part compliment — but with the Bears flying high and the Packers surging again, it’s resurfacing at the perfect time.
LaFleur, Johnson Both Among NFL’s Top Offensive Minds
Johnson built his reputation in Detroit as one of the league’s most creative offensive minds. LaFleur, meanwhile, has long been considered one of the top play-callers in football.
But in 2025, circumstances have changed. LaFleur has taken a more cautious approach on offense because of:
Injuries to key playmakers
A Packers offensive line that ranked 17th in the NFL heading into Week 13
Green Bay’s performance in the 31-24 Thanksgiving win over Detroit, plus the potential return of Jayden Reed, could spark improvement going into the Chicago matchup.
Packers’ Defense vs. Bears’ Offense: A Strength-on-Strength Battle
Chicago entered Week 13 with the No. 6 offense and No. 2 rushing attack in the NFL. Against the Eagles, the Bears piled up 281 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 47 carries — a dominant performance behind an offensive line ranked 4th by PFF.
Green Bay’s defense, however, is no pushover:
4th overall
8th against the run
The Packers have also dominated the Bears in recent years, though Chicago’s emphatic win over the defending champs makes it harder to dismiss their strong record as a product of an easy schedule.
Division Title, Coach of the Year Talk & Bragging Rights on the Line
Johnson’s early success in Chicago has put him in the Coach of the Year conversation, especially if the Bears close strong. But LaFleur and the Packers now have two chances in the next three weeks to respond — and potentially silence Johnson’s preseason jab.
With the Packers heating up and the Bears proving they’re legitimate contenders, the upcoming Green Bay–Chicago showdown is shaping up to be one of the biggest games of the 2025 NFL season.
