About the Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears Rivalry
- History & Previous Meetings
- Green Bay Packers Memorable Moments
- Green Bay Packers’ Recent Form and Season
- Chicago Bears’ Memorable Moments
- Chicago Bears’ Recent Form and Season
The longstanding rivalry between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers is among the most celebrated in (National Football League) NFL history. The Bears and Packers first met on the gridiron in 1921, and their battles since then have shaped the landscape of American football. This fierce competition, often called the “Oldest Rivalry” or the “Black and Blue Division Rivalry,” has enthralled football fans for nearly a century.
Geographical rivalries are uncommon in the NFL, as cross-city teams rarely play in the same conference. The Bears-Packers rivalry is an exception, as the two teams have played in the same conference for nine decades since 1933. Along with being the oldest rivalry in the NFL, these two teams have also faced each other a staggering 200 plus times, dating back to their first meeting in 1921, when the Bears (then known as the Staleys) whitewashed the Packers by 20-0.
The Packers, established in 1919, were Green Bay’s inaugural professional football team, while the Chicago Bears, initially known as the Decatur Staleys, were formed in 1920 and relocated to Chicago in 1921. The Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers rivalry is a testament to the rich history and tradition of the NFL. It has endured for nearly a century, transcending generations and capturing the imagination of football fans worldwide. The combination of legendary figures, iconic moments, passionate fans, and the inherent competitiveness between the teams makes this rivalry one of the most cherished and celebrated in the world of sports.
History & Previous Meetings
Across all competitions, these two rivals have clashed a staggering 207 times since 1921. Green Bay has won 106 games, Chicago 95 games, and the remaining six ended in a stalemate. Many fans eagerly await the next matches in the oldest rivalry at the best online NFL betting sites.
Season | Games | Packers Wins | Bears Wins | Draws |
---|---|---|---|---|
Regular | 205 | 105 | 94 | 6 |
Post Season | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Total | 207 | 106 | 95 | 6 |
Green Bay Packers Memorable Moments
A rivalry that has existed for over a century is undoubtedly full of memorable moments that created NFL history. Green Bay Packers lead the head-to-head with their fiercest rivals and have had some pivotal moments in the last century to give them that advantage.
In November 1989, the Packers trailed the Bears late in the game when the official booth awarded them a winning touchdown. Quarterback Don Majkowski threw a splendid touchdown pass to wide receiver Sterling Sharp, but an on-field official stated that Majkowski was over the line of scrimmage when the pass was thrown. Though not eligible for a review, the call was nevertheless reviewed and overturned, handing the Packers a 14-13 victory. The controversy caused the change in the NFL’s illegal forward pass rule.
In September 1962, the Packers recorded the biggest win of the rivalry, with a 49-0 drubbing of the Bears. They repeated the feat in November, making these two games a club record for a shutout victory.
Green Bay Packers’ Recent Form and Season
Green Bay have had a stumbling start to the 2023/24 NFL season. Though they have performed better than their oldest rivals, the Packers sit second in the NFC North table, behind the Detroit Lions.
The Packers have won just two of their five games played so far, losing the remaining three. There have been no ties thus far. They recently lost 17-13 to the Las Vegas Raiders in their match-up against a team from the AFC.
Chicago Bears’ Memorable Moments
Each meeting between the teams has been high stakes in their longstanding history. Bears have had their fair share of pivotal moments where they emerged triumphant over their archrivals in sticky situations. This tenacity is what makes them so beloved among fans of online sports betting in Illinois.
In 1963, the Packers and the Bears had an 8-1 record when they went head-to-head on November 17. They were playing for the first place in the Western Conference. The Bears raced to a 26-0 lead over their rivals, culminating in a 26-7 victory. They completed the 1963 sweep over the Packers and handed Green Bay their only two losses of the season. The Bears claimed their 8th NFL championship with a victory over the New York Giants that year.
In 1999, the Bears claimed their first victory over their long-term rivals in six years. It was an emotional game for the Bears as it was their first outing after the passing of legend Walter Payton. The team dug deep to pull off a one-point victory over their rivals for the first time since 1993, winning 14-13 after a blocked field goal at 28 yards in the dying seconds of the match.
In December 1941, the Bears won their only postseason meeting against the Packers until 2010 by 33-14, avenging their defeat from the previous month. The game was played just a week after the Pearl Harbour attack. The Bears went on to claim the championship that season.
Chicago Bears’ Recent Form and Season
The Chicago Bears have had a nightmare start to the 2023/24 season, especially compared to their rivals. Though the Packers have stuttered and stumbled in the current season, the Bears have been unable to capitalize on it.
Chicago has played one game more than the Packers but still sit at the bottom of the Western Conference table. After playing six games, the Bears have registered just one victory over the Washington Commanders. They have lost all of their other five games. On September 11, they were also defeated by the Green Bay Packers 38-20 in their opening game of the 2023/24 regular season.