NFL Mar 12, 2026

NFL playoffs: Chicago Bears beat Green Bay Packers after stunning final-quarter comeback erases 18-point deficit

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
NFL playoffs: Chicago Bears beat Green Bay Packers after stunning final-quarter comeback erases 18-point deficit

The Chicago Bears secured their first playoff win in 15 years after a stunning late fightback saw them beat the Green Bay Packers 31-27 and reach the NFL's Divisional Round.

The Bears scored 25 points in the final quarter to erase an 18-point deficit as they continued their season of fightbacks, becoming the fourth team in NFL history to win a playoff game after trailing by 15 points or more with one quarter remaining.

In the first playoff fixture at Soldier Field since 2019, the Bears - who won the NFC North this season - seemed overawed early on as the Packers registered a 21-3 half-time lead.

Chicago's only points in the first half came from a Cairo Santos field goal, while they were then 21-6 down ahead of the last quarter.

However, the Bears rallied to extend their season with Caleb Williams, on his playoff debut, throwing a 25-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open DJ Moore with under two minutes remaining to complete the turnaround for the home side.

Jordan Love - who threw four touchdown passes and 323 yards for the Packers after two games out with concussion - took Green Bay into opposition territory late on but when Jaquan Brisker broke up a pass in the end zone, the clock ran out.

Chicago could then celebrate a seventh fourth-quarter comeback win of head coach Ben Johnson's first campaign in charge - and a third victory over the Packers in their last five meetings - as well as the fact they will now host a Divisional Round clash next week.

A blow for the Bears, however, is the news that linebacker T.J. Edwards will miss the rest the rest of the season with a leg injury sustained in the second quarter against the Packers when his left foot got caught up with Christian Watson's leg and bent awkwardly.

Johnson said that Edwards, who signed a two-year contract extension last April, had a fibula fracture.

Stats leaders:

Packers

Bears

Moore later said of team-mate Williams, who also hurled an eight-yard touchdown pass to Olamide Zaccheaus: "He was right on track, never wavered. He was dialled in, ready to go. When the lights shine bright, he's the brightest one, so he's going to get us there."

Williams threw for 361 yards and completed 24 of 48 passes.

On Chicago producing late-game heroics yet again, Moore added: "We know our preparation is always key. We lean on it at the end."

The Packers ended a season that began with Super Bowl hopes by losing five matches in a row, with Brandon McManus' late missed field-goal attempt a big moment in Saturday night's game.

A highlight in defeat for Green Bay, though, was rookie Matthew Golden breaking three tackles and leapfrogging a fourth defender on a 23-yard catch-and-run for his first career touchdown.

Watch every minute of the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium live on Your Site NFL.

Tags:

nfl news

Share this article

Related Posts

Travis Kelce: Kansas City Chiefs tight end to play 14th season in NFL despite retirement rumours

Travis Kelce: Kansas City Chiefs tight end to play 14th season in NFL despite retirement rumours

Travis Kelce is back for more. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end is staying at Arrowhead for a 14th season despite retirement talks.Kelce has won three...

Travis Kelce: Kansas City Chiefs 'prepared' for tight end's retirement with 36-year-old scheduled to become a free agent next month

Travis Kelce: Kansas City Chiefs 'prepared' for tight end's retirement with 36-year-old scheduled to become a free agent next month

Kansas City Chiefs have said they are "prepared for either scenario" with Travis Kelce set to become a free agent next month, although the general man...

NFL free agency 2026 LIVE: Latest signings, trades, free agents and news ahead of 2026 season

NFL free agency 2026 LIVE: Latest signings, trades, free agents and news ahead of 2026 season

Reiten joins Gotham FC from ChelseaChelsea have confirmed Guro Reiten has joined Gotham FC.The Norwegian was out of contract at th...

Super Bowl 2027: Date, location, logo, halftime show, defending champions, live on Sky Sports

Super Bowl 2027: Date, location, logo, halftime show, defending champions, live on Sky Sports

The 2025 NFL season came to a close on Sunday as the Seattle Seahawks stormed to a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots to win Super Bowl 60 at...

Trey Hendrickson: Ravens agree four-year $112m contract after pulling plug on Maxx Crosby deal due to failed physical

Trey Hendrickson: Ravens agree four-year $112m contract after pulling plug on Maxx Crosby deal due to failed physical

Four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has agreed on a four-year, $112m contract with the Baltimore Ravens.The Ravens had backed out of a blo...

Maxx Crosby: Baltimore Ravens back out of trade for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end but set to sign Trey Hendrickson

Maxx Crosby: Baltimore Ravens back out of trade for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end but set to sign Trey Hendrickson

The Baltimore Ravens have pulled the plug on a blockbuster trade for Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.The Raiders revealed on Tuesday ni...