In the NFL there are a few rivalries that everyone is aware of: Steelers-Browns, Chiefs- Raiders, Jets-Dolphins and of course Packers-Bears. In fact, Green Bay and Chicago are one of the most storied rivalries in all of football, despite this rare Championship meeting.
For those who don’t know, the Green Bay Packers’ last playoff meeting against the Chicago Bears was in a divisional matchup in 1941; a season that saw both team finish 10-1, but also saw the Bears defeat the Packers 33-14 in route to winning the Championship game against the Giants.
Ironically enough, the only loss the Bears and Packers suffered that season was to each other.
This season is just as similar to the 1941 season in the respect that both teams were—and currently are—excessively dominate on both sides of the ball, and both teams have split one win and one loss between them—needless to say you can expect nothing but the unexpected in this game.
From a football standpoint there is something a bit more special about a divisional rivalry being the Championship game. To each die-hard fan, there is a moment where you can almost hear the sounds of that last playoff meeting between these two teams.
Curly Lambeau on one side; George Halas on the other—an entire field graced with players such as Lou Brock, George McAfee, Clarke Hinkle, Sid Luckman and Don Hutson.
But today’s game brings an even bigger gamut of playmakers.
Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, A.J. Hawk, Clay Matthews for the Packers; Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Brian Urlacher, and Julius Peppers for the Monsters of the Midway.
If this game doesn’t give ya Goosebumps, then you might want to check your pulse.
On Sunday, 3pm EST, the rubber match between the Bears and Packers will commence, paving the way for just one of these teams to make yet another trip to the big show. But this rare Championship meeting between the Bears and Packers will probably never happen again for a very long time, so savor the moment!
And don’t forget to take some fantasy notes either guys! Here are some players to watch:
Dmitri Nance, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Pisa Tinoisamoa, Nick Roach, Chester Taylor and the entire kicking game for both teams who are sure to mix things up.
Have fun, Go Pack!
