While it can be debated who the biggest threat is to preventing the Chicago Bears from continuing to hold their NFC North crown, there is no question the most hated rival remains. There is a special dislike for the historic rivalry between the Bears and Green Bay Packers that makes the matchups must-watch, especially with Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson appearing ot turn the tides in the favor of Chicago winning two straight, including an epic playoff comeback.
With this in mind, let's look ahead to the 2026 season and consider the obvious advantages that Chicago has over their rival. Starting with a positional concern that Green Bay fans can't help but have a high level of anxiety about as the regular season draws closer.
1. Chicago Has a Reliable Kicking Game
Kickers often decide games, and this was the case when Chicago completed an epic playoff comeback a season ago. Green Bay kicker Brandon McManus collapsed and left the door open for the Bears to complete what has to be one of the toughest losses in recent Packers history. It forced the team to turn the page on the veteran and bring in rookie Trey Smack, an unproven option who has been inconsistent throughout camp and the preseason.
Cairo Santos isn't perfect, but there is a level of consistency that leaves the important position as an undeniable advantage. One that could quickly come into play in an NFC North where the pressure is unrelenting.
2. Green Bay's Run Game is in Question
D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai are a far better duo than anything the Packers could hope to put together with their current roster. Baked into this is the fact that Josh Jacobs is dealing with injuries and has off-the-field concerns that could result in a league suspension or put his future into question based on how his legal situation plays out. With this in mind, the Bears have an incredible advantage in the ground game and a clear ability to have a level of balance that Green Bay could have trouble matching.
The only caveat here is pointing out the loss of current Kansas City Chiefs OC and former running backs coach Eric Bieniemy. The respected coach demanded the best out of the unit, and the Bears need to prove early that there will be no regression after the undeniable loss.
3. Chicago's Offensive Line and Playmaking Depth
The Packers have a number of question marks along their offensive line and lost both Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks in the 2026 offseason. Chicago may have parted ways with DJ Moore, but this was due to a wealth of young talent and a level of offensive stability that left the veteran receiver as a luxury that simply wasn't needed.
No question, when looking at the offensive line depth and playmaking options, the Bears have a decided advantage. One that has put the franchise in the discussion as the league's best offense and leaves little question that Green Bay is fighting a difficult battle.
4. Can Green Bay Recover Mentally?
This is a question that not enough pundits and fans appear to be asking, based on how the season ended for Chicago's hated rival. You had a double-digit lead in the playoffs in the final quarter and blew the game in a way few teams are able to recover from. Even if Green Bay doesn't suffer any clear setbacks from the way the season ended for the bulk of their schedule, these demons have to be lurking when you play Johnson and Williams.
You now know that any reasonable lead isn't going to feel safe no matter how much time is left on the clock. The magic of Williams simply has left every reason for doubt and given the Bears the ultimate confidence against a rival that no longer has their number.
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