Chicago Bears fans celebrate a huge 31-27 win over rival Green Bay Packers Saturday night. The wild-card playoff game at Soldier Field sends Chicago to the next round. The matchup opponent depends on other games this week.
This victory marks the Bears’ first playoff win in 15 years. The NFL’s oldest rivalry met in postseason just three times before. Bears won 33-14 at Wrigley Field in 1941. Packers took a 21-14 NFC title game in 2011.
Game-Day Buzz
Tailgates packed Soldier Field lots early. Grills smoked with fans booing Packers supporters. Chicago buzzed after splitting tight regular-season games. Quarterback Caleb Williams debuted in playoffs as last year’s No. 1 pick. Jordan Love returned from a concussion suffered December 20 in Chicago.
Fan Marty Dykas called the city electric. Even Brookfield Zoo joined with a pre-game party. Families watched real bears Tim and Jess rip cheese-shaped piñatas, mocking Green Bay’s “cheeseheads.”
Zoo Fun Ties In
Zoo staff highlighted orphaned brown bears thriving in care. Director Julianne Olivo said the event built excitement while teaching about wildlife. Fans got ready for Bears to shred the Packers—just like the animals did to those treats.
