NFL experts weigh in on Bears–Packers Wild Card matchup

The Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers Wild Card game represents the next phase of a wild 2025 NFL season for Bears fans.

While optimism around this season certainly existed after Chicago hired Ben Johnson as head coach, even the most die-hard fan couldn’t have predicted this: An NFC North title and a playoff game against their most-hated rival.

Yet, here we are. And, naturally, Bears fans are a bit nervous. Not scared, nervous. More like excited, nervous.

Sure, maybe there aren’t many fingernails left to bite as anticipation builds for Dennis Allen’s defense to shut down Jordan Love, but it’s that passion that will make Saturday night’s showdown absolutely incredible.

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Perhaps those nerves will be calmed a bit after seeing who NFL experts think will win the game.

Indeed, the Chicago Bears are home underdogs. Yet that hasn’t stopped experts who’ve picked this game from showing their belief in Caleb Williams and company; 60% have picked the Bears to defeat the Green Bay Packers, according to NFL Pick Watch.

Sure, that’s not exactly an overwhelming majority. But it is a majority nonetheless.

Bears vs. Packers should come down to Caleb Williams and the offense

I expect this Wild Card matchup to be a high-scoring affair, and it’s that kind of game that could favor Chicago. The Bears ended 2025 ranked 9th in points per game (25.9), while the Packers ranked 16th (23.0). Chicago had the 10th-best passing offense (225.1 yards per game). Green Bay was 17th (212.8). The Bears outperformed the Packers in the running game, too, averaging 144.2 yards per game (3rd in the league), while Green Bay ran for 119.8 yards per game (15th).

The other side of the ball hasn’t been as kind to the Bears.

Chicago finished the regular season 23rd in the NFL in points per game allowed (24.4), while the Packers were 11th (21.2). Green Bay had the better pass defense (11th to 22nd) and the better run defense (18th to 27th).

However, without Micah Parsons in the lineup — Parsons is out with a torn ACL — the Green Bay Packers’ defense has been much less effective.

If points are your thing, expect a lot of them Saturday night. And if the game flows that way, the NFL experts who picked the Chicago Bears should feel pretty good when the final whistle blows.

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