As Chicagoans across the Windy City return to reality after another great holiday season, most of us are used to hunkering down for a long, quiet few months of cold and darkness. But this January (and hopefully February), the city has something to get excited about in the doldrums of winter as Bears fans everywhere gear up for a massive first-round playoff showdown with none other than arch-rival Green Bay Packers.

The Chicago Bears have had a lightning rod of a season, turning around a disastrous 2024-25 campaign by finishing 11-6, topping the NFC North, and securing a playoff berth for the first time in five years. A newfound belief at Soldier Field, spurred on by the success of first-year head coach Ben Johnson, the progression of QB Caleb Wiliams, and the addition of a few key players through free agency and the draft, has cemented Chicago as one of the more fearsome teams in the postseason, poised to make a deep run. 

However, the team is not without its faults, as the defense has continually been an issue throughout the season, ranking third-lowest in yards per play. The unit has been able to compensate for this deficiency with timely turnovers in big moments, but the one fear remaining for hopeful Bears fans is that the chips will stop falling their way and the defense might create a hole that the offense can’t overcome.

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Regardless of outlook on the team and their playoff potential, Bears fans and the city are abuzz for the matchup, with this being embellished by the fact that the game will be played Saturday night at Soldier Field, giving fans a great chance to find their favorite watering hole to watch and ideally celebrate at!

What fans have to say

We spoke to some fans around the city to get their perspective on how they’re feeling about the Bears' hopes and how they plan to watch the big game.

Aaron S. — “One of the biggest Bears games of my lifetime. This team has the potential to go all the way, so I hope we can get off on the right foot.”

Sam D. — “I can't remember a Bears game whose result has a higher ceiling or a lower floor. The potential to beat the Packers in the playoffs on primetime TV would propel this team into legendary status, and a loss would make all the momentum from the season feel meaningless.”

Amy K. — “We tried making a reservation at a sports bar for Saturday night, the day after the schedule was released, and they told us they were already booked up. If you're planning on going out for the game…get to the bars early.”  

Kristin G. — “The Bears being good this year has made the whole city feel extra connected and alive. Whether they go far in the playoffs or not, it has been a fun season to be a fan!”

Omar G. — “Win or lose, Saturday night is a bad day to be a beer.”

My girlfriend who doesn't watch sports — “I just hope all the players have fun.”