{"id":1420246,"date":"2025-12-22T13:50:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T13:50:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=nfl-news&p=1420246"},"modified":"2025-12-22T13:50:17","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T13:50:17","slug":"game-recap-packers-16-22-bears-dec-21-2025-bears-win-ot-thriller","status":"publish","type":"nfl-news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/nfl\/nfl-news\/game-recap-packers-16-22-bears-dec-21-2025-bears-win-ot-thriller\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Recap: Packers 16-22 Bears (Dec 21, 2025) | Bears Win OT Thriller"},"content":{"rendered":"
Analysis by Andy Francis, NFL Game Analyst<\/strong>\n\n? Specialising in post-game breakdowns and player performance analysis\n<\/div>\n\n

\u26a1 Quick Recap: Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears<\/h2>\n
\nFinal Score:<\/strong> Green Bay Packers 16 – Chicago Bears 22\nGame MVP:<\/strong> DJ Moore (WR, Bears) \u2013 8 catches, 169 yards, 2 total TDs (including 46-yd OT winner)\nTurning Point:<\/strong> Moore’s 46-yard overtime touchdown reception (OT, 4:50)\nKey Stat:<\/strong> Bears scored 16 unanswered points in the 4th quarter and OT\nWhat It Means:<\/strong> Bears move to 11-4 and tighten grip on a playoff berth, Packers slip to 9-5-1 with Wild Card hopes under threat\nNext Up:<\/strong> Packers vs Ravens | Bears at 49ers\n<\/div>\n\n

How Did Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears Unfold Quarter by Quarter?<\/h2>\n\n

First Quarter: Defensive Stalemate Sets the Tone<\/h3>\n

At a brisk Soldier Field, both rivals started cautiously, testing each other\u2019s defences in an error-laden quarter. The Packers, led by Jordan Love (QB), engineered a 70-yard drive but stalled in the red zone, settling for a Brandon McManus 26-yard field goal attempt that would not come until the next period. Chicago\u2019s rookie QB Caleb Williams traded a few first downs, relying on DJ Moore (WR) and Kyle Monangai (RB) for chain-moving gains, but neither side found the end zone. Defensive line penetration and efficient tackling were the stories for both teams.<\/p>\n

Score progression:<\/strong> End of Q1: Packers 0, Bears 0<\/p>\n

Key plays:<\/strong> Jordan Love\u2019s 13-yard strike to Romeo Doubs (WR), Bears\u2019 Gervon Dexter Sr. (DL) pressured Love early. Chicago\u2019s opening drive stopped on downs inside Packers territory.<\/p>\n\n

Second Quarter: Packers Build a Lead, Bears Settle<\/h3>\n

Green Bay\u2019s efficient red zone work produced two McManus field goals (26, 22 yards), capping drives of 14 and 16 plays\u2014both orchestrated by Love\u2019s balance and Josh Jacobs (RB) on the ground. The Packers\u2019 O-line protected well, giving Love time on third downs. Chicago struggled to finish drives, experiencing a fumble by Dalman at the Packers 22 and facing tight coverage in the end zone. Luke Musgrave and Olamide Zaccheaus frustrated Bears fans with key stops. Penalties and a strong stand by Chicago\u2019s defence limited more severe damage.<\/p>\n

Score progression:<\/strong> End of Q2: Packers 6, Bears 0<\/p>\n

Key plays:<\/strong> McManus\u2019s 22-yard kick, Bears\u2019 failed 4th-down in Packers territory (drive killed by Gervon Dexter Sr. and Austin Booker). Penalties: Bears 4-for-33 yards, Packers 2-for-25 yards.<\/p>\n\n

Third Quarter: Momentum Swings and Touchdown Strikes<\/h3>\n

The Bears finally broke through\u2014Cairo Santos converted a 46-yard field goal after a big catch-and-run by Monangai (34 yards), igniting the home crowd. Packers responded with a methodical, six-play, 49-yard TD drive, with Malik Willis (QB) replacing Love briefly and throwing a perfect 33-yard deep left touchdown to Romeo Doubs with under 40 seconds left in the quarter. Chicago answered with another Santos field goal, but trailed 10-6 into the final period.<\/p>\n

Score progression:<\/strong> End of Q3: Packers 13, Bears 3<\/p>\n

Key plays:<\/strong> Doubs 33-yard TD catch, Williams deep middle completion to Moore for 22 yards, key defensive sack by Montez Sweat (DL) to end a Packers drive.<\/p>\n\n

Fourth Quarter: Bears\u2019 Fightback and High Drama<\/h3>\n

With their postseason hopes on the line, Chicago produced their most dynamic offensive sequences. Santos hit two more long field goals (51 and 43 yards), before Williams led a thrilling last-minute touchdown drive\u2014capped by a fourth-down, six-yard strike to rookie WR Jahdae Walker. The Packers\u2019 only points were a McManus field goal, after which the Bears tied the game with under a minute left. Defensive stops, including sacks by T.J. Edwards and Austin Booker, forced overtime.<\/p>\n

Score progression:<\/strong> End of Q4: Packers 16, Bears 16<\/p>\n

Key plays:<\/strong> Williams-to-Walker 4th-down TD, DJ Moore red zone catch to keep the drive alive, Jayden Reed\u2019s 31-yard catch in the previous Packers drive, big penalty stops on GB limiting red zone opportunities.<\/p>\n\n

Overtime: Home Heroics Seal the Win<\/h3>\n

After the Packers failed to convert on 4th-and-1 at midfield\u2014stopped by Montez Sweat and Gervon Dexter\u2014a wild overtime drive by the Bears ended dramatically. On second down from the Packers’ 46, Caleb Williams found DJ Moore in stride, splitting coverage for a game-winning touchdown, sending the 60,152 in attendance into thunderous celebration.<\/p>\n

Final Score:<\/strong> Bears 22, Packers 16 (OT)<\/p>\n

Key plays:<\/strong> Fourth-down stop on Packers, Williams\u2019 46-yard TD to Moore, finishing an epic rivalry clash.<\/p>\n\n

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