You smell that? Crisp autumn air, bratwurst grilling somewhere nearby, and that electric buzz only happens when the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers collide. As someone who's braved Soldier Field in November snow and Lambeau in arctic winds, let me tell you – these Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers matches aren't just football games. They're family feuds played on grass.
The Roots of Rivalry: Why Bears-Packers Means More
It started back in 1921 – before your grandpa was born. George Halas' Bears versus Curly Lambeau's Packers. That first Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers match ended 20-0 for the Bears, and we've been trading punches ever since. What makes it special? Geography matters. Driving from Chicago to Green Bay? That's less than four hours. Cousins marry across enemy lines. Wisconsin cheeseheads work in Illinois offices.
I remember Uncle Pete refusing to speak to his brother for a week after the 2013 season finale. Why? Rodgers-to-Cobb on 4th down with 38 seconds left crushed Bears playoff hopes. That play still gives me heartburn.
Cold Hard Fact: This is the NFL's longest-running rivalry with 207+ meetings. Yankees-Red Sox? That's a preschool spat compared to Bears-Packers.
Must-Know Historic Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers Matches
Forget dusty history books. These are the games fans still argue about at bars:
The 1941 Shutout Heard 'Round Wisconsin
Bears won 16-0 in the Western Division playoff. Why it stings Packers fans? Chicago went on to crush the Giants 37-9 for the NFL Championship. Rumor has it Packers faithful burned effigies of Bears QB Sid Luckman. Harsh.
1985's Monday Night Massacre
Da Bears defense devoured Packers 23-7. Ditka's crew forced 5 turnovers. I interviewed a Packers fan who attended – "It felt like McMahon was living in our backfield," he groaned. This game cemented Chicago's path to their Super Bowl XX win.
Rodgers' Miracle Comeback (2018)
Down 20-0 in the third quarter? No sweat for Aaron Rodgers. He led a 21-point explosion in 11 minutes. Final: Packers 24, Bears 23. Soldier Field went scarily quiet. Still think Bears fans have PTSD from this one.
By The Numbers: Head-to-Head Statistics
Let's cut through the trash talk with cold, hard stats:
| Category | Bears Lead | Packers Lead | Ties | Last 10 Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Time Regular Season | 94 wins | 103 wins | 6 ties | GB 8-2 |
| Postseason Meetings | 1 win (1941) | 1 win (2010 NFC Champ) | - | Split 1-1 |
| Biggest Blowout | Bears 61-7 (1980) | Packers 49-0 (1962) | - | - |
One stat jumps out: Green Bay's domination since 1992. Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers turned the tide. Bears fans call it "The Curse of Don Majkowski." (Google it – painful Chicago sports history).
Playoff Clashes That Changed Everything
Only two postseason Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers matches, but boy did they count:
| Year | Game | Result | Lasting Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1941 | Western Division Playoff | Bears 16-0 | Bears won NFL Championship |
| 2010 | NFC Championship | Packers 21-14 | Packers won Super Bowl XLV |
That 2010 loss still haunts Chicago. Cutler's knee injury, third-string QB Caleb Hanie... ugh. Packers fans? They hung "NFC Champs" banners on the Illinois-Wisconsin border. Savage.
Legends of the Rivalry: Players Who Defined Bears-Packers
This feud built legends. Forget stats – these guys lived for beating their arch-rival:
Walter Payton (Bears RB): Hated Packers more than cold oatmeal. Ran for 1,800+ yards and 14 TDs against them. His 1984 snow game (148 yards) is stuff of lore.
Brett Favre (Packers QB): Went 22-10 vs Chicago. That 1994 comeback from 17-0 down? Started his legend. Bears fans still boo his retirement tours.
Brian Urlacher (Bears LB): The human eraser. Crunched Packers QBs for 11 sacks. His 2007 pick-six on Favre caused Wisconsin-wide depression.
Modern era? Aaron Rodgers owns Soldier Field (18 TDs, 1 INT since 2010). Khalil Mack's 2018 debut (1 sack, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery) gave Chicago hope... until Rodgers ruined it.
Game Day Experience: Attending Bears vs Packers
Want the real deal? Here's how regular fans do it:
Ticket Reality Check:
- Bears home: $350+ for 300-level end zone (Packers game premium)
- Lambeau: $400+ even in nosebleeds
Pro tip: Buy when 4-5 win team faces 4-5 win team. Save $150.
Soldier Field Survival:
- Arrive early. Chicago traffic eats rental cars.
- Layer like an onion. Lake winds slice through jerseys.
- Eat at Ricobene's (252 W 26th St) pre-game. Breaded steak sandwich = legendary.
Lambeau Field Wisdom:
- Tailgate at Brett Favre's Steakhouse. Ironic? Yes. Tasty? Absolutely.
- Rent a stadium seat. Frozen aluminum bleachers hurt.
- Post-game: Kroll's West (1990 S Ridge Rd) for butter burgers. Trust me.
Personal confession: My first Lambeau trip was -12°F. My beer froze in the cup holder. Still better than watching on TV.
Where to Watch Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers Matches
Can't brave the cold? Your viewing options:
- Local Broadcasts: FOX gets 70% of games. CBS when AFC has priority.
- Streaming: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, NFL Sunday Ticket
- Bars:
- Chicago: Bernie's Tap & Grill (3664 N Lincoln Ave) – deep dish + Bears diehards
- Green Bay: Stadium View Bar (1963 Holmgren Way) – wall-to-wall Packers fans
2024 schedule leaks point to Week 1 at Lambeau. Typical NFL – starting the fire early.
FAQs: Your Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers Questions
How many times have they played each other?
207 regular season games plus 2 playoffs. Oldest rivalry in NFL history.
Why do Packers dominate recently?
Quarterbacks. Period. Favre/Rodgers vs Cutler/Fields. It's like bringing a missile to a knife fight.
Best place for affordable tickets?
Week 17 if both teams suck. Otherwise, secondary markets 2 hours pre-game when sellers panic.
Who has more Hall of Famers from rivalry games?
Bears edge it 12-10. But Packers lead in HOF QBs (Starr, Favre, Rodgers vs Luckman).
The Future of Bears-Packers Matches
With Rodgers gone, hope stirs in Chicago. Justin Fields' legs vs Jordan Love's arm? New chapter brewing. But know this – records don't matter in Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers matches. I've seen 4-12 teams beat division champs. Family bragging rights > playoff seeding.
Final thought from a 1985 Bears vet I met: "Packers week felt like war prep. Halas would lock doors for film sessions. Even now... you feel that weight." That weight? It's why we'll keep watching.
Comment