Green Bay, Wis. (AP) – As the Green Bay Packers prepare to face the Chicago Bears, securing a 12th consecutive win over their long-standing rivals takes precedence over playoff positioning. Currently at 11-5, the Packers are entered in the NFC playoff race and are leaning towards maintaining momentum rather than just improving their seeding, as they eye a potential matchup against the top-ranked Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round. Quarterback Jordan Love emphasized that their focus is on execution, stating, “I think we’re obviously going to be on the road and go play some teams we’ve already played before. We’re excited obviously for the playoffs to start” (AP News).

The Packers (11-5) can elevate to the sixth seed by defeating the Bears (4-12) on Sunday, contingent upon a loss by the Washington Commanders against the Dallas Cowboys. Following a disappointing 27-25 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, tight end Tucker Kraft recognized the importance of an impressive performance as a “springboard” for the upcoming playoffs. He expressed his desire to see the team play with energy and establish momentum right away.

Despite their strong position, the Packers still face challenges, having a record of 1-5 against NFC teams that have clinched playoff berths; conversely, they maintain a perfect 10-0 record against all other opponents. Their recent victory over Chicago earlier this season (20-19) secured their 11-game winning streak against the Bears, which stands as the longest active streak between any two teams in the league.

On the opposite side, the Bears have been stricken by a dramatic fall from grace, currently riding a ten-game losing streak after starting the season with a 4-2 record. Quarterback Caleb Williams, the highly-touted rookie and number one overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, has been a beacon of hope, throwing for 3,393 yards, along with 19 touchdowns and six interceptions during his rookie season. Williams has endured significant pressure, leading the league with a whopping 67 sacks taken, contributing to his belief that improvement will come with experience.

The Packers possess a defensive front that has been key to their success, ranking 8th in overall defense, allowing minimal scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, the Bears' struggles, with a scoring position ranking at 29, hinder their ability to put points on the board effectively. The Packers are also looking to build on their dramatic tension within the rivalry, where they have historically outscored the Bears significantly in home games.

Head Coach Matt LaFleur plans to treat this game like any other regular-season affair, ensuring that all starters will play. Although both teams focus on finishing the season on a high note, tensions remain high in what has always been a heated rivalry. A victory for the Packers not only reinforces their dominance over Chicago but also sets a positive tone going into the playoffs. On the other hand, a loss for the Bears would solidify a disappointing season marked by inconsistency and challenges on both sides of the ball.

The game will also be significant for several key players on both teams, such as Packers running back Josh Jacobs, who has rushed for a touchdown in seven consecutive games, and Bears defensive standouts attempting to halt the Packers' momentum. Fans can expect an exciting finish to the regular season this Sunday at the historic Lambeau Field.

For more updates on this matchup, visit AP News.