Recent history reveals a pattern: Packers-Bears showdowns frequently hinge on the final play, promising another nail-biter.
The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers have a vast history of playing each other.
The first game in the rivalry dates back to 1921, when the Bears were known as the Chicago Staleys. The Packers lost to the Bears 20-0.
The rivals have faced off in the playoffs twice before. On Saturday night, it will be the third time in franchise history. The last time was in the 2010 NFC Championship Game; before that, it was the 1941 playoffs.
If you are a fan of either team this season, you've been on an emotional rollercoaster. In Week 14, the Packers won at Lambeau Field, but the Bears nearly pulled off the comeback. Then, the Bears took the Packers to overtime in Week 16 and won 22-16.
The last four meetings between the rivals have ended on the last play of the game, via Marquee Sports Network's Nicholas Moreano.
In 2024, both games came down to a field goal attempt. Green Bay got the win after blocking a game-winning field goal try from Cairo Santos. In the next matchup that season, the Bears hit a 51-yard game-winning field goal.
It's no wonder that the line for the game is so close, considering how the last few editions of the rivalry have gone. The Packers are the favorite, but only by 1.5 points via DraftKings Sportsbook.
With games as close as they have been in recent memory, this means the Bears need to be clinical and limit mistakes now more than ever. Chicago can't afford to make the same errors it has in past matchups.
While the Week 16 matchup was a significant win for Chicago, the Bears didn't score a touchdown until there were under two minutes left in the fourth quarter. In Week 14, the Bears weren't able to find the end zone until the second half.
Reinforcements are on the way for the Bears luckily.
They will have all of their starting receivers back for this massive contest. Rome Odunze is back from his foot injury that has kept him out of the lineup since Week 13.
It's also looking like Kyler Gordon will be suiting up after his groin injury during pregame warmups in Week 14. The Bears have until 3 p.m. CT on Saturday to add him to the 53-man roster, and they currently have 52 players.
Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs weren't on the Packers' injury report on Thursday, so they will be back in action as well. Love has missed the last two games with a concussion, while Jacobs has been out with knee and ankle issues.
The third and final matchup of the rivalry this season comes down to this. The Bears have one more chance to beat the Packers at Soldier Field under the lights on Saturday night. There's even a chance for some snowflakes to give the atmosphere a wintery backdrop.
Will there be another close finish to a historic rivalry game? Find out at 7 p.m. CT on Prime Video or Fox 32 in Chicago.