NFL Mar 27, 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

Fernando Mendoza: Potential No 1 NFL Draft pick would love Tom Brady mentorship with Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza: Potential No 1 NFL Draft pick would love Tom Brady mentorship with Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza - the potential No 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft - says the opportunity to be mentored by Tom Brady if he is selected by the Las Ve...

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...

Aaron Rodgers uncertain over NFL future with no deadline on Pittsburgh Steelers decision

Aaron Rodgers uncertain over NFL future with no deadline on Pittsburgh Steelers decision

Aaron Rodgers says he is yet to make a decision over his NFL future, but insists there is no deadline on whether he will continue with the Pittsburgh...

Rondale Moore: NFL wide receiver found dead at age of 25

Rondale Moore: NFL wide receiver found dead at age of 25

NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore has died at the age of 25. Police in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana said Moore was found dead on Saturday, and th...

Travis Kelce: Kansas City Chiefs tight end agrees three-year $54.7m contract extension

Travis Kelce: Kansas City Chiefs tight end agrees three-year $54.7m contract extension

Travis Kelce has officially signed a three-year $54.7m contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs after recently confirming he is staying with the...

Tom Brady refuses to rule out playing at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but happy to pass torch to Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen

Tom Brady refuses to rule out playing at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but happy to pass torch to Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen

Tom Brady has refused to rule out competing in Flag Football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, but insists he is happy to let his younger success...