The Packers and Bears have a historic rivalry predating the Super Bowl and it was in firm evidence as Green Bay hosted the Packers on Monday Night Football. The Saints were already out of playoff contention but the home team had all to play for.
The Packers knew that a win would be enough to confirm their postseason ticket. The Falcons' win over the Giants on Sunday meant that Green Bay had to take care of business on their end and they did so with minimal fuss. New Orleans is one of the worst teams in the NFL this season and it showed.
As it became clear that the Packers were coasting to a win, the Lambeau faithful started a chant, singing,
"Bears still s*ck"
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
They had to be admonished by the stadium announcer because Green Bay's offense was on the field at the time. The fans did not care, though, because their team was coasting to a victory that would guarantee them a spot in the postseason, while the Bears had already been ruled out of contention. It is a familiar turn of events in the modern history of the rivalry.
Packers dominate Saints to look forward to playoffs while Bears enter another rebuild
The Packers scored a touchdown on the first three possessions against the Saints. They did not allow the visiting team to get on the board in the first half. The home team slowed down in the second half but kept the scoreboard ticking. They even had time to bring in Malik Willis and give Jordan Love some rest. Even the backup quarterback led them to a touchdown drive. New Orleans could not score in the second half either and the final score was 34-0.
Green Bay is now in the playoffs and will be going on the road in the Wild Card round. Having lost both their games to the Lions this year, who are two games ahead of them with a couple of weeks left of play, the Packers cannot win either the division or the conference.
Meanwhile, the Bears will look for a new head coach next year and Caleb Williams will have to learn a new system. The optimism they had in the offseason after drafting the quarterback first overall has all but dissipated.
Aaron Rodgers memorably said during a game that he owned the Chicago franchise. Even with him gone, it will be two straight seasons that Jordan Love has led the Packers to the postseason while the Bears watch on wistfully.
Green Bay Packers Fans! Check out the latest Packers Schedule and dive into the Green Bay Packers Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.