For the Chicago Bears, this is the biggest game for the franchise in a long time -- a prime-time Saturday showdown at Soldier Field against the Green Bay Packers that will define the trajectory of their 2025 season.
After a thrilling season turnaround under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, the 10-4 Bears have clawed their way back atop the NFC North standings and currently sit as the NFC's No. 2 seed. With only three weeks left, this rivalry game isn't just about pride; it's a pivotal opportunity to solidify their division lead, exact revenge for a gut-wrenching Week 14 loss to the Packers, and push one step closer to their first division title since 2018.
This Week 16 clash is absolutely essential for the 9-4-1 Packers as well. Green Bay enters the game knowing a victory would vault them back into first place in the division, giving them control of their own destiny with two games remaining. For a franchise that has historically dominated this rivalry -- winning 16 of the last 18 regular-season matchups before the Bears' win in Week 18 last season -- handing their arch rivals the division is an unacceptable prospect.
In a fiercely contested Week 14 battle at Lambeau Field, the Packers narrowly prevailed, delivering a harsh lesson to the upstart Bears. Chicago now gets the chance to defend their home turf and settle that score immediately. The winner of this Saturday night fixture will hold the clear advantage in the NFC North race, but perhaps more importantly, the victor will strike a psychological blow against their most hated rival in the closing stages of the playoff hunt.
Ultimately, the importance of this game transcends the standard rivalry hype. For the Bears, a win secures their footing at the top of the NFC and puts them on the doorstep of a division title, achieving a goal that has been decades in the making for many fans. For the Packers, a win ensures they still have Super Bowl contender status, demonstrating that the rivalry's power dynamic hasn't completely flipped. Given the proximity of the two teams in the standings and the recent history, this Saturday night game is a legitimate, division-defining playoff atmosphere moment in the oldest rivalry in the NFL.
Here's how to listen to the contest.
Bears vs. Packers radio station
- National radio channels: SiriusXM channel 225 (home), 226 (away)
- Packers radio channel: WRIT-FM 95.7)
- Bears radio channels: ESPN Chicago (1000 AM, 100.3 FM HD2), LATINO MIX 93.5 FM (Spanish)
The highly-anticipated matchup can be listened to on SiriusXM. Both teams have a broadcast to go along with the national channel (88), allowing listeners to choose between the home (Bears on 225) or away (Packers on 226) team feed.
For Packers fans, The Packers Radio Network's co-flagship station is 95.7 BIG F.M. (WRIT-FM 95.7) in Milwaukee. The familiar voices of Wayne Larrivee (play-by-play) and Larry McCarren (analyst) will call the action for Green Bay.
The flagship station for the Bears Radio Network in the Chicago area is ESPN 1000 (WMVP-AM 1000 / 100.3 FM HD2). Jeff Joniak (play-by-play) and Tom Thayer (analyst) will have the call for the Bears.
If you are a new subscriber to SiriusXM, you can often get your first month for free. This gives you live access to every NFL game, along with college football, MLB, NBA, NHL, and the year-round analysis from SiriusXM NFL Radio.
Bears vs. Packers start time
- Date: Sat, Dec. 20
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
The Bears and Packers will kick off at 8:20 p.m. On Dec. 20, the latter of the NFL's Saturday slate in Week 16.
The game will be available on Fox.
Bears remaining schedule
Here are the Bears remaining games:
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time (ET) |
| 17 | Dec. 28 | at 49ers | 8:20 p.m. |
| 18 | Jan. 4 | vs. Lions | TBD |
Packers remaining schedule
Here are the Packers remaining games:
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time (ET) |
| 17 | Dec. 27 | vs. Ravens | 8:00 p.m. |
| 18 | Jan. 4 | at Vikings | TBD |