(670 The Score) The Bears (11-6) will host the Packers (9-7-1) on Saturday in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. from Soldier Field.
Our 670 The Score pregame show with Mike Mulligan, Olin Kreutz and Patrick Mannelly will start at 4 p.m. and last until 6:45 p.m. The postgame show will begin just after the final buzzer, which should be around 10 p.m. You can listen here.
You can check out all of 670’s preview coverage of the Bears-Packers matchup by clicking here. Below are game predictions from our 670 hosts, producers and writers.
David Haugh (13-4): Bears 23, Packers 21
The Bears need to rely heavily on their running game, the strongest unit in this game. That will accomplish two goals: 1) Help the Bears get off to a quick start for a change and 2) Keep the Packers offense on the sideline, helping a beleaguered Bears defense. Without the Packers having Micah Parsons, the Bears are a better football team – and should be.
Chris Emma (11-6): Bears 24, Packers 23
Another thriller between these two teams will come down to the wire, and Caleb Williams will lead the Bears to a playoff victory over the Packers.
Paul Pabst (10-7): Bears 25, Packers 24
I wish this game would start already, as my anxiety level is off the charts. This is a last-possession game. That said, I trust Caleb Williams more than Jordan Love to close it.
Alex Kuhn (11-6): Bears 24, Packers 17
The Bears flip the script and control the clock while getting out to a fast start. They run the ball well, and their early lead is enough to prevail.
Jakob Stutz (13-4): Bears 27, Packers 22
The Packers have struggled against the run to end the season, and I expect Ben Johnson to capitalize on that. In what could be snowy, windy conditions, I think the Bears ground and pound their way to their first playoff win in 15 years. Don’t be surprised if Caleb Williams uses his legs a little more than usual as well.
Sean Sears (15-2): Bears 27, Packers 24
I don’t have a great feel for this game, but I know the Bears will be prepared and locked in for the first playoff game of the Ben Johnson era. As Matt LaFleur could be coaching for his job, the Bears win at home and advance to the divisional round.
Tyler Ferengul (9-8): Bears 23, Packers 21
I envision another close game, as the last four between these teams have been. Both teams clearly aren't at 100%, but there's a reason why they're here. The Packers have a successful passing and running game that meshes well. Defensively, they've struggled without Micah Parsons but still boast a solid unit. The Bears have taken the league by storm by running the ball and have started getting their passing game warmed up recently. Defensively, the Bears can be leaky, but their 33 takeaways are no fluke. This will be an evenly played game that will come down to the final two minutes once again. The Packers will score a touchdown to take the lead in the fourth quarter, but the Bears will have the ball last. Down 21-20, Caleb Williams leads the Bears downfield to set up Cairo Santos for the game-winning field goal, sending Soldier Field into a frenzy once again. And Ben Johnson can officially say he beat Matt LaFleur twice this season.
Clint Clouse (13-4): Bears 24, Packers 21
I'm nervous for this game because the rivalry has been so one-sided lately. For the Bears to win this game, I think they have to stick with what got them here – running the football. The Packers defense is vulnerable against the run after Micah Parsons’ season-ending injury, and that's where the Bears have been their best on offense. If the Bears defense can steal a possession or two via turnovers or this fancy idea called getting a third-down stop, Chicago will pick up its first playoff win since January 2011.
Tyler Buterbaugh (12-5): Bears 24, Packers 21
This game is going to be loud, snowy and scrappy. Fans at Soldier Field will be rocking. All week long, the Packers have been taking verbal shots at the Bears, who have been quieter. That makes me believe that Ben Johnson has this locker room fully locked in, and the Bears will win their first playoff game since January 2011.