Packers-Bears Game Flexed to Prime Time in Critical Division Clash
The NFL has officially changed the kickoff time for the highly anticipated Week 14 showdown between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears, moving it to 3:25 p.m. on December 7 at Lambeau Field. This adjustment signifies the importance of the matchup, which marks the 211th meeting between these historic rivals, and comes as both teams vie for supremacy in the tightly contested NFC North.
Division Standings Heating Up
As it stands, the Bears are currently at the top of the NFC North with a 7-3 record. The Packers are close on their heels at 6-3-1, while the Detroit Lions are in the mix with a 6-4 record. This trio of teams is locked in a fierce battle for the division crown, with each squad facing significant challenges in their remaining schedules.
The stakes are undeniably high for this clash. The competition within the division has intensified, and with the playoffs looming, each game is critical.
Challenging Schedules Ahead
The Packers and Bears are facing daunting paths ahead, with both teams encountering the toughest schedules in the league as they approach the final stretch of the season. Their opponents have a combined winning percentage of .592, making every game a formidable challenge. The Lions, though slightly better off, also have a tough road, with a remaining strength of schedule sitting at .535.
Packers defensive end Micah Parsons captured the sentiment perfectly, saying, “This is playoff football. These are all teams that we’re going to see trying to get to that Super Bowl, so we’ve got to prepare. Adversity is when teams rise.”
Upcoming Matchups
Here’s a breakdown of the remaining schedules for the contenders:
Week 12
– Packers: Home vs. Vikings (4-6), noon Sunday
– Bears: Home vs. Steelers (6-4), noon Sunday
– Lions: Home vs. Giants (2-9), noon Sunday
Week 13
– Packers: Away vs. Lions (6-4), noon on Thanksgiving
– Bears: Away vs. Eagles (8-2), 2 p.m. on Black Friday
– Lions: Home vs. Packers (6-3-1), noon on Thanksgiving
Week 14
– Packers: Home vs. Bears (7-3), 3:25 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7
– Bears: Away vs. Packers (6-3-1), 3:25 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7
– Lions: Home vs. Cowboys (4-5-1), 7:20 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4
Week 15
– Packers: Away vs. Broncos (9-2), 3:25 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14
– Bears: Home vs. Browns (2-8), noon on Sunday, Dec. 14
– Lions: Away vs. Rams (8-2), 3:25 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14
Week 16
– Packers: Away vs. Bears (7-3), 4 p.m. or 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20
– Bears: Home vs. Packers (6-3-1), 4 p.m. or 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20
– Lions: Home vs. Steelers (6-4), 3:25 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21
Week 17
– Packers: Home vs. Ravens (5-5), time TBA on Saturday, Dec. 27, or Sunday, Dec. 28
– Bears: Away vs. 49ers (7-4), 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28
– Lions: Away vs. Vikings (4-6), 3:30 p.m. on Christmas (Thursday, Dec. 25)
Week 18
– Packers: Away vs. Vikings (4-6), time TBA on Saturday, Jan. 3, or Sunday, Jan. 4
– Bears: Home vs. Lions (6-4), time TBA on Saturday, Jan. 3, or Sunday, Jan. 4
– Lions: Away vs. Bears (7-3), time TBA on Saturday, Jan. 3, or Sunday, Jan. 4
Analyzing the Road Ahead
The Packers face a particularly tough stretch. Of their seven remaining games, four feature opponents with winning records, while one team, the Ravens, is currently .500. The Bears, meanwhile, have six of their remaining seven games against teams with winning records, with the exception being a matchup against the struggling Browns. Their final three games include pivotal contests against the Packers and Lions.
For the Lions, four out of their remaining seven games are against teams above .500, adding to the pressure as they work to secure a playoff spot.
As the season progresses, it’s clear that the NFC North is up for grabs. With the playoff picture starting to take shape, every moment counts for these teams as they strive to secure their place in the postseason.
