Green Bay, Wisconsin – January 5, 2026
The Green Bay Packers received the NFL’s official word — and wasted no time making their stance clear.
On Sunday night, the league finalized its Wild Card Weekend schedule for the 2025 postseason, confirming that the Packers, entering as the NFC’s No. 7 seed, will travel to Soldier Field to face the No. 2-seeded Chicago Bears on Saturday, January 10, at 8:00 p.m. CT. The game will air nationally on Amazon Prime, placing one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries squarely in the prime-time spotlight.
The Packers’ announcement came shortly after the NFL’s release, emphasizing readiness and determination despite a season-ending four-game losing streak. In a brief statement from Lambeau Field, the team wrote: “Soldier Field. Saturday night. Chicago. This is the moment. We’re ready.”
Green Bay enters the postseason on the heels of a difficult stretch, having lost consecutive games against Minnesota, Detroit, and divisional rivals Chicago earlier this month. Quarterback Jordan Love and head coach Matt LaFleur have openly acknowledged the urgency of returning to form, and the playoff stage could mark a critical turning point — not just for the season, but for LaFleur’s tenure.
Speculation has been rampant that LaFleur may be coaching for his job in the coming weeks. Despite a career regular-season record of 76-39-1 and two NFC championship appearances, the Packers’ 3-5 playoff mark and recent missteps have fueled questions about leadership stability. Sources indicate that new team president Ed Policy, who assumed the role in 2024, has made it clear that no contract extensions will be offered before the season concludes, putting both LaFleur and GM Brian Gutekunst under intense scrutiny.
The stakes extend beyond coaching. Soldier Field will present a hostile, high-pressure environment. Chicago has earned the No. 2 seed through a late-season push, including a thrilling Week 18 contest against Detroit in which they overcame a 16-point deficit before falling on a last-minute field goal. With the Bears hosting, the Packers face not only a historic rival but a rowdy crowd in freezing January conditions.
Still, Green Bay is no stranger to adversity. The rivalry with Chicago dates back to 1921, and playoff matchups between the two have been rare but defining. With both teams having split their recent encounters, the pressure is on for the Packers to respond.
The NFL has made its schedule. The Packers have made their statement.
Saturday, January 10.
8:00 p.m. Central Time.
Soldier Field.
The stage is set — for survival, redemption, and a chapter that could define the future of one of football’s most storied franchises.
