It isn't a secret that there is no love lost between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. When looked at Chicago's most-hated rival there isn't a real debate with the historic rivalry having a new winner over the last year as the Bears and Caleb Williams have taken control. Still, Chicago fans can't help but pay attention to any misfortune that their rival suffers and this past week has provided a clear weakness that should leave the Bears even more certain that the NFC North goes through Chicago.
A large piece of the reason why the Bears were able to complete an epic playoff comeback over the Packers at the end of the 2025 season was the kicking game. It was late-game Caleb Williams and Green Bay kicker Brandon McManus coming up clutch for the Bears to deliver a game that appeared a step beyond lost.
This led to the Packers parting ways with the veteran early in the offseason and bringing in rookie kicker Trey Smack. While it is easy to feel sorry for the way things have gone for the rookie thus far, there is no denying the obvious advantage that it presents for the Bears as the Packers appear to have a clear hole on their roster.
Smack has been missing camp kicks with regularity and doesn't appear to have given Green Bay any reason to stick with the current starter. The market has no clear answers with failed kickers being the only option at this point in the offseason.
Bears Have Yet Another Advantage Over Hated Green Bay Packers
Cairo Santos isn't perfect, but the veteran brings a level of stability that serves as a clear advantage over Green Bay. In a close matchup the Bears have far more trust in their kicking game and have a piece rostered with a long history of proving he can be relied on even in the game's biggest moments. The same cannot be said of Smack, who has Green Bay questioning its future at the position.
It is easy to feel for the rookie, but at the same time Chicago isn't going to be shy about enjoying the fact they have another clear advantage over a team that prior to last season had their number for much of the last decade.
The presence of Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson has clearly flipped this narrative and Green Bay lacking a reliable scorer only furthers the gap between the two teams. No question, the NFC North remains Chicago's division to lose.
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