If you’re checking your phone or asking your friends what was the score of the Chicago Bears game that just wrapped up, you’re likely still in a bit of shock. Honestly, most of Chicago is. In a game that felt like a nightmare for three quarters, the Bears didn't just win; they pulled off one of the most statistically improbable comebacks in the history of the NFL playoffs.
Final score: Chicago Bears 31, Green Bay Packers 27.
Yeah, you read that right. They beat the Packers. Again.
But the final number on the scoreboard doesn't even begin to tell the story of what happened at Soldier Field on Saturday night, January 10, 2026. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. It was the kind of game that changes the DNA of a franchise that has spent years—decades, really—looking for a reason to truly believe.
The First Half Was a Total Disaster
Let’s be real for a second. At halftime, most fans were probably ready to turn off the TV or start looking at mock drafts. It was ugly. The Bears trailed 21-3. Jordan Love was slicing through the secondary like it was a warm-up drill.
The Packers scored touchdowns on their first three possessions. Three. Every time the Bears' defense stepped onto the grass, they looked a step slow and a bit overwhelmed by the moment. Meanwhile, Caleb Williams, making his playoff debut, looked like a rookie. He was holding onto the ball too long, the rhythm was off, and the play-calling from Ben Johnson felt uncharacteristically stagnant.
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"True belief. That’s all you need. You got belief in the coaches that they’re gonna call the right play at the right time. You got belief in the players on the field that you’re gonna make the right play at the right time." — Caleb Williams, post-game.
By the end of the third quarter, the score was 21-6. The vibe in the stadium was trending toward "here we go again."
How the 18-Point Comeback Actually Happened
So, how does a team go from being down 18 points in the fourth quarter to winning the game? It started with the defense finally waking up. They forced the Packers to punt on four straight possessions to open the second half. That included three consecutive three-and-outs.
Once the defense started getting stops, the momentum shifted. You could feel it through the screen.
The Scoring Breakdown:
- The Spark: D’Andre Swift punched in a 5-yard touchdown run early in the fourth to make it 21-16.
- The Gut Punch: Green Bay didn't go away quietly. Matthew Golden broke three tackles on a 23-yard catch-and-run to put the Packers up 27-16. But—and this is massive—Brandon McManus missed the extra point.
- The Response: Williams led a 76-yard drive, hitting Olamide Zaccheaus for an 8-yard TD. He then found Colston Loveland for a gutsy 2-point conversion. Suddenly, it’s 27-24 with about four minutes left.
The turning point was arguably a missed field goal by McManus from 44 yards. If he makes that, the game is probably over. Instead, he pushed it wide right, and the Bears took over with 2:24 on the clock and the season on the line.
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Caleb Williams and the Drive That Changed Everything
We’ve seen a lot of quarterbacks in Chicago. We haven't seen many do what Williams did on that final drive.
He didn't panic. He didn't force it. He just moved the chains. With 1:43 remaining, he dropped back, used a subtle pump-fake that froze the safety, and launched a 25-yard beauty to DJ Moore. Moore was wide open down the sideline, and the stadium absolutely erupted.
That touchdown gave the Bears their first lead of the night since it was 3-0.
But it wasn't over. Jordan Love got the Packers down to the Chicago 28-yard line with no time left. On the final play, he dropped the snap, scrambled wildly, and heaved a "Hail Mary" toward the end zone. Jaquan Brisker leaped and deflected the ball into the turf. Game over.
Why This Score is Historically Weird
The 31-27 final is more than just a win over a rival. It’s the largest postseason comeback in Chicago Bears history. They overcame an 18-point deficit, which is the most any NFL team has come back from in the playoffs since that wild Jaguars/Chargers game in 2022.
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Furthermore, the Bears scored 25 points in the fourth quarter alone. That’s the second-most they’ve ever scored in a final period, and they are now one of only three teams in NFL history to ever drop 25+ in the fourth quarter of a playoff game.
What This Means for the Rest of the Playoffs
Because of this win, the Bears (12-6) aren't done yet. They have officially advanced to the Divisional Round. This is their first playoff victory since the 2010 season—you know, the one where they beat Seattle at home before losing to Green Bay in the NFC Championship.
The script has flipped. The Bears have now beaten the Packers three times in their last five meetings. The "ownership" that Green Bay had over this rivalry seems to be evaporating in real-time under Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams.
Next Steps for the Bears:
- Preparation for the Rams: The Bears will host the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Soldier Field.
- Health Check: Keep an eye on the injury report this week. A high-intensity game like this usually leaves some bruises.
- Defensive Adjustments: They can't afford another slow start like the first half against Love. If they let Matthew Stafford get up 21-3, a comeback might not be as easy.
If you're looking to grab tickets or just want to keep track of the schedule, the game is set for 5:30 PM CST on NBC. The city is buzzing, and honestly, can you blame them? After years of "maybe next year," it feels like "this year" is finally here.
Actionable Insight for Fans: If you're heading to Soldier Field for the Divisional Round, expect prices to skyrocket on the secondary market. If you're watching from home, make sure you've got the Prime Video or NBC app ready, as the NFL’s broadcasting schedule is getting increasingly fragmented. Keep an eye on the Wednesday injury report for specific updates on the secondary's health before the Rams come to town.