The longest and most storied rivalry in the NFL is between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. Sunday night, will mark the 204th time the two teams have faced one another. The record isn’t as lopsided as Packer fans might think despite the overall dominance of the Packers over the last 20 years. Let’s dive in to some of the historic numbers over the last century.
The First Game
The Green Bay Packers were formed in August 1919 and played two seasons in an independent league. The Chicago Bears originally started as the Decatur Staleys in September 2020. These two storied franchises played their first game on November 27, 1921 with the Staleys winning 20-0. This game was played at Cubs Park in Chicago.
Overall Record
In 203 games, Green Bay holds a slight advantage over Chicago. The Packers currently lead the series 102-95-6. It wasn’t until 2016 that the Packers evened up the score and eventually took the lead. The largest lead that either of the teams has had is 24 games, held by Chicago as recently as 1992. Then the Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers era takes over, and the Packers have gone 37-15 during their tenure.
Scoring, Scoring, and more Scoring
Divisional games are always a battle and this rivalry proves it. Unfortunately, 13,000 unlucky fans packed City Stadium in Green Bay on September 25, 1923 to watch a game end 0-0. Thirty years later, these two iconic teams would play their last tie game 21-21 on November 8, 1953.
Not all divisional games can be a dog fight. On December 7, 1980 the Chicago Bears would throttle the Green Bay Packers 61-7. This 54 point victory would be the most lopsided win in the rivalry. None other than Green Bays own legend, Bart Starr, was the coach of this team. At the end of the game, Starr was reported as running across the field to confront Bears coach, Neil Armstrong. Armstrong continued to blitz every play until the final whistle.
Longest Win Streaks
It’s hard to string together a long streak of wins in the NFL but these two teams have managed to control each other at one point or another for many seasons. The Packers longest win streak is 10 games. Brett Favre is largely to thank for that.
Enter Jim McMahon into the Bears organization and he would dominate the series. The Bears longest win streak ended at 8 games. McMahon would accumulate a 12-1 record against the Packers according to statmuse. Chalk another tally in the column for an area where the Packers dominate the Bears.
Current Coaching Records in Matchup
Since Matt LaFleur took the helm as head coach of the Packers, he has yet to lose a game against the Bears. He currently sits at 5-0 all time in the rivalry. Head to the other sideline, Matt Naggy is 1-6 against the Packers in his career. The Bears haven’t won in Lambeau since 2015. Add in the fact Chicago will be starting a rookie quarterback, Justin Fields who hasn’t played the last 2 weeks, it’s likely Naggy will drop to 1-7. It’s believed that this will be Naggy’s last season as head coach for Chicago.
Current QB Records in Matchup
There really is no comparison between Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields. With Fields being a rookie, he will have plenty of time to make his mark in this rivalry. Fields lost his first game in the matchup earlier this season. Aaron Rodgers was criticized by Bears fans after their win at Soldier Field on October 17th this year. Rodgers rushed in a TD and yelled, “I still own you!” Rodgers is 22-5 in his career against Chicago, including the playoffs. Check out these ridiculous numbers Rodgers has put up in his career against the Bears.
Rodgers career passer rating is 105.9. This is the top passer rating for any quarterback against one opponent in NFL history. He’s thrown 57 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. Eleven times Rodgers has thrown multiple touchdowns with zero interceptions. When was the last time Rodgers threw an interception against the Bears? 2018 on tipped ball intended for Jimmy Graham.
Primetime
With this weeks game being played on “Sunday Night Football,” this rivalry has now played a primetime game 16 years in a row. Of the 16 games played in primetime, Sunday nights game at historic Lambeau Field will be the 10th time during that span that the game has been in Green Bay. The Packers haven’t lost to the Bears in a primetime matchup since 2015. Rodgers and company will look to keep the streak alive.
What’s the best way to enjoy a Packers/Bears primetime game in the early part of December? Cook up your best pot of chili, invite your friends over, crack open your favorite brew, and cheer on the most iconic rivalry in all of sports!
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1 Comment
Your comment about Bart Starr confronting Neil Armstrong after a blowout was absolutely true. I’m a Bears fan, but when Bart Starr gets so angry he runs across the field to make a point, you better listen. As I remember it, there was a finger on Armstrong’s chest and one person doing the all talking.