Packers Week 16 game set against bitter rival in early 2025 schedule reveal
The NFL has announced that the Green Bay Packers will face the Chicago Bears in Week 16 on December 20, 2025, as part of a Saturday doubleheader, which also includes an NFC Championship rematch between the Eagles and Commanders. This matchup marks a renewal in the historic rivalry, fueled by Green Bay's recent playoff successes under coach Matt LaFleur and Chicago's new era led by top draft pick Caleb Williams and rookie coach Ben Johnson. Last season, both teams had dramatic finishes against each other, with Green Bay winning a tight game in November and the Bears ending their long losing streak against the Packers with a game-winning kick in January. The game is expected to have significant playoff implications, adding to the excitement and stakes of the rivalry. For Green Bay, the match is more than just a chance to continue their dominance; it could be crucial for their survival in a closely contested NFC playoff race.
Context:
The NFL has announced that the Green Bay Packers will face the Chicago Bears in Week 16 on December 20, 2025, as part of a Saturday doubleheader, which also includes an NFC Championship rematch between the Eagles and Commanders. This matchup marks a renewal in the historic rivalry, fueled by Green Bay's recent playoff successes under coach Matt LaFleur and Chicago's new era led by top draft pick Caleb Williams and rookie coach Ben Johnson. Last season, both teams had dramatic finishes against each other, with Green Bay winning a tight game in November and the Bears ending their long losing streak against the Packers with a game-winning kick in January. The game is expected to have significant playoff implications, adding to the excitement and stakes of the rivalry. For Green Bay, the match is more than just a chance to continue their dominance; it could be crucial for their survival in a closely contested NFC playoff race.
Dive Deeper:
The Green Bay Packers' game against the Chicago Bears is set for December 20, 2025, as part of a Saturday doubleheader, highlighting the NFL's effort to showcase significant matchups ahead of the full schedule release.
Despite not always attracting national attention recently, the Packers-Bears rivalry is gaining interest due to Green Bay's consistent playoff appearances and Chicago's promising new leadership with Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson.
In the previous season, both teams had intense encounters, with the Packers securing a win at Soldier Field through a last-second blocked field goal, while the Bears ended a lengthy losing streak to Green Bay with a decisive game-winning kick.
The upcoming game is expected to carry playoff implications, increasing its importance beyond mere rivalry, as it is the first regular season game confirmed for the Packers in 2025.
Green Bay's visit to Chicago could be pivotal in their quest to maintain a competitive edge in the NFC playoff race, emphasizing the high stakes involved in this storied matchup.
The NFL isn’t waiting until Wednesday’s full schedule reveal to highlight some of its biggest matchups — and the Green Bay Packers' oldest rivalry is getting front-page treatment.
FOX announced Monday that the Green Bay Packers will travel to Chicago to face the Bears in Week 16 on Saturday, Dec. 20. The game will be part of a Saturday doubleheader, airing at either 3:30 p.m. CT or 7:00 p.m. CT, alongside an NFC Championship rematch between the Eagles and Commanders.
While the Packers-Bears matchup hasn’t always drawn national attention in recent years, the tides are shifting. Green Bay is fresh off another playoff run under head coach Matt LaFleur, while Chicago is entering a new era with No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams and rookie head coach Ben Johnson. That, combined with a pair of dramatic finishes last season, seems to have reignited the historic rivalry.
In 2024, both meetings came down to the final seconds. The Packers won in thrilling fashion at Soldier Field with a blocked field goal as time expired in November. But the Bears got revenge in January, snapping an 11-game losing streak to Green Bay with a game-winning kick of their own to close the season.
The NFL and FOX clearly see something brewing — and with playoff implications likely in play by Week 16, this late-season clash could mean more than just bragging rights. It’s also the first confirmed regular season game for the Packers in 2025, adding even more anticipation to what’s shaping up to be one of the league’s most compelling slates.
For Green Bay, this trip to Chicago may not just be about continuing dominance — it might be about survival in a tight NFC playoff race.