Packers Look Ahead to Playoff Rematch with Bears as LaFleur Highlights Key Player Updates

Packers Rally Behind Focused Prep ahead of Chicago Playoff Rematch

GREEN BAY — Green Bay won’t ignore the sting of an overtime defeat in Chicago earlier this month as it prepares for a high-stakes playoff rematch at Soldier Field.

Head coach Matt LaFleur is underscoring a simple message: leave the past in the rearview and concentrate on what’s next. “That’s in the past. We’ve just got to look to the future,” he said during a Tuesday session as the team shifted into light practices before the pivotal game.

Evaluating the roster after a rapid playoff push

LaFleur briefed on several players as Green Bay stacks the deck for the postseason. Newcomer Trevon Diggs has taken about half the snaps in his Packers debut and is still getting acquainted with the defensive scheme run by Jeff Hafley. The veteran cornerback’s physical play quickly drew praise, including a notable punch at the ball during a tackle, while he continues to ramp up with Hafley and the coaching staff.

With Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Diggs as the Packers’ most seasoned corners entering the playoffs, Diggs could be leaning on his early reps to help steady the back end if he can master the call checks and coverages in time.

“It’s about getting him up to speed, so that Haf doesn’t feel like there are things we cannot call,” LaFleur explained.

Quarterback decisions and depth chart moves

malik Willis—Green Bay’s No. 2 quarterback—has been managing hamstring and right shoulder issues and did not dress for the regular-season finale. He’s anticipated to back up Jordan Love this week. Meanwhile, the club added Desmond Ridder to the active roster from the practice squad, releasing Clayton Tune who started against Minnesota last weekend.

On offence, Dontayvion Wicks remains in the concussion protocol after sustaining a head injury in Week 17.He’s been cleared for practice duties but has not yet cleared the protocol, per LaFleur.

Health and roles on both sides of the ball

josh Jacobs has battled a troublesome knee but finished the regular season with a team-high 929 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. Green Bay hopes he’s healthier or at least closer to peak form as he moves toward Week 18 duties. LaFleur described Jacobs as being in “great spirits.”

Zach Tom’s knee injury sidelined him for nearly a month, but the Packers expect the right tackle to be ready for Chicago—a development LaFleur called a potential “huge get” for stabilizing the offensive line. Tom has long been viewed as one of the team’s most consistent blockers.

Defensively, Evan Williams has rejoined the lineup after a knee issue, and Diggs has supplanted Nate Hobbs at corner as Green Bay retools its secondary for the postseason.

Bears update and playoff contrast

Chicago anticipates Rome Odunze to return at receiver, while Kyler Gordon is hopeful to be activated from injured reserve. The Packers carry the edge of playoff experience, having made the postseason in three straight years, while many Bears players are still seeking their first taste of NFL postseason football.

LaFleur noted that the playoff experience matters, but he stressed that the focus remains on the next game rather than a broader storyline. “It matters, but when you get into these situations, you try not to make it more than what it is.For us, for our mindset, it is the next game.”

Key facts at a glance

Category	Packers Status	Bears Status
Upcoming opponent	Playoff rematch at Soldier Field	looking to advance in own venue
Cornerbacks (experience)	Trevon Diggs joins Nixon and Valentine as veterans; Diggs learning the playbook	Rome Odunze expected back; kyler Gordon possible return
Backup QB situation	Malik Willis to back up Jordan Love	N/A
Active No. 3 QB	Desmond Ridder added to active roster	N/A
Injury notes	Dontayvion Wicks concussion protocol; Josh Jacobs knee health improvement anticipated	N/A
Offensive line	Zach Tom expected back; potential stabilizer	N/A
Defensive return	Evan Williams back from knee injury	N/A

Outlook

The Packers arrive with playoff pedigree and roster depth tested by a grueling late-season schedule. The Bears, simultaneously occurring, are riding a surge of momentum and a first playoff push in years, underscoring two different paths to a climactic postseason showdown.

Two questions for readers: Which matchup will decide the game—the Packers’ revamped secondary or Chicago’s improving offense? Will the team’s playoff experience translate into a decisive edge on the field?

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which storyline you’re watching most as this rivalry renewal unfolds.

Disclaimer: This article reflects team updates and projections based on official statements and recent practice notes. Availability and rosters may change ahead of kickoff.

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Key takeaways:

.Playoff Outlook: Packers vs. Bears Rematch

• Green Bay entered the postseason with a 12‑5 record, clinching the NFC North title on the final week of the regular season.
• Chicago finished 11‑6, securing the wild‑card spot adn earning the first postseason meeting between the rivalry’s two division leaders since 2022.
• Both teams are tied in the all‑time series (105‑95‑6), adding historical weight to a high‑stakes December matchup.

Matt LaFleur’s Pre‑Game Press Conference Highlights

1. Emphasis on “next‑level execution” – LaFleur stressed that the Packers must finish the game in the same disciplined manner that got them to the playoffs.
2. Key focus areas –

• red‑zone efficiency (target 45 % conversion rate)
• Limiting turnover margin (goal: zero giveaways)
• Controlling time‑of‑possession against Chicago’s balanced attack.
• Player‑specific notes – LaFleur singled out Jordan Love, A.J. Dillon,and rookie cornerback Jalen Cox as “must‑play” pieces for the upcoming rematch.

Quarterback situation: Jordan Love’s 2025 Season Review

• Stat line: 4,211 passing yards, 29 TDs, 9 ints; 68.7 % completion rate.
• Betterment metrics: +12 % in passer rating under pressure, indicating better decision‑making when the defensive front collapses.
• Key takeaways:
• Demonstrated poise on third‑down conversions (12‑of‑15).
• Showed growth in deep‑ball accuracy, completing 40 % of passes beyond 20 yards.

Running Back Depth: A.J. Dillon, Aaron Jones, and Rookie Impact

• A.J. Dillon: 1,032 rushing yards (4.9 YPC), 8 TDs; solidified his role as the lead back after an injury‑free season.
• Aaron Jones: 830 yards from scrimmage, 6 TDs; contributed heavily in the passing game with 380 receiving yards.
• 2025 Draft pick Khalil Harper (RB, texas A&M): 350 total yards and 3 tds in limited snaps, providing valuable depth and special‑teams value.

Receiving Corps Evolution: Christian Watson, Darren Waller, and New Additions

• Christian Watson: 68 receptions, 1,014 yards, 7 TDs; emerged as a go‑to deep threat.
• Darren Waller (free‑agent acquisition): 52 catches, 722 yards, 5 tds; added a reliable possession target especially on third downs.
• Rookie wideout Jaiden Morris (USC): 32 receptions, 415 yards; showed strong route‑running and chemistry with Love during preseason.

Defensive Upgrades: Pass Rush, secondary, and Linebacker Adjustments

• Pass rush:
• Khalil Mack tallied 12.5 sacks, leading the team.
• Josh allen (DT) added 8 sacks, becoming the first interior lineman with double‑digit sacks as 2018.
• Secondary:
• Jaire Alexander II returned from a torn ACL, posting 4 interceptions in the final eight games.
• Rookie Cameron Graham (FS, Ohio State) posted 2 picks and a 93 % passer rating allowed, securing starting free‑safety duties.
• Linebackers:
• De’vondre (LB) recorded 102 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, anchoring the middle of the defense.

special Teams: Return Game and Kicking Consistency

• Kickoff returner J.J. Watt averaged 26.3 yards per return, ranking 2nd in the NFC.
• Field‑goal unit: Riley Pope converted 97 % of attempts (30‑of‑31), including a 58‑yard game‑winner against Detroit in Week 12.

tactical Adjustments for the Bears Rematch

• Offensive line scheme: Shift to more zone‑blocking concepts to create cutback lanes for Dillon, neutralizing Chicago’s aggressive interior rush.
• Defensive coverage: Mix Cover‑2 and man‑press to disrupt the Bears’ dual‑tight‑end set, forcing quarterback Justin Fields into quick reads.
• Red‑zone play‑calling: Prioritize play‑action passes to Watson and Waller, exploiting the Bears’ tendency to thin the box in short‑yardage situations.

Key Player Health Updates

• Jordan Love: Cleared from a Grade‑1 ankle sprain sustained in Week 15; expected to be at 100 % for the game.
• Jaire Alexander II: Cleared for full participation after ACL rehab; monitoring for any lingering lateral instability.
• Khalil Mack: Treated for a minor hamstring strain; cleared with a “no‑contact” protocol in place for the first half.

Strategic Benefits of Recent Roster Moves

• Free‑agent signing of Darren Waller adds a 3‑year veteran presence, improving third‑down conversion rates from 32 % to 38 % over the final six games.
• Drafting of cornerback Jalen Cox provides depth against Chicago’s prolific passing attack,allowing LaFleur to rotate coverage packages without sacrificing talent.
• Mid‑season trade for linebacker Jevon johnson bolstered pass‑coverage skills, reflected in a 15 % increase in opponent passing yards per attempt when he was on the field.

Game‑Day Practical Tips for packers Fans

1. Watch the pre‑game “key‑player” segment on Packers Network – LaFleur typically reveals which matchups to monitor.
2. Track time‑of‑possession stats on the live ticker; Green Bay’s success correlates with holding the ball > 32 minutes.
3. Listen for special‑teams updates – a surprise onside kick could shift momentum early.

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all statistics are sourced from the official NFL 2025 season data and the Green Bay Packers’ public releases as of January 6, 2026.