The Green Bay Packers (12-3) and Chicago Bears (8-7) will face off on Sunday at Soldier Field at the end of the regular 2020 season.
Both teams are going into the final match with a lot to contend in terms of playoff positioning.
Here are five things you should know about week 17:
Game information
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
When: Sunday, January 3rd, 15:25 CT
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
TV: FOX
Propagation: Packers -5.5
TV coverage map: (added on Wednesday)
What is at stake
Jonathan Daniel photo / Getty Images
The rivalry will have an additional significance on Sunday due to the importance of the result for the sowing of the playoff in the NFC. Both Packers and Bears have something big to play for in the end.
Packers can win the Seed # 1 in the NFC with a victory over the Bears or a defeat by the Seattle Seahawks to the San Francisco 49ers.
Bears can win a playoff spot with a victory over the Packers or a loss of the Arizona Cardinals to the Los Angeles Rams.
First meeting: Packers 41, Bears 25 (Week 12, November 29)
AP Photo / Jeffrey Phelps
The Packers scored three consecutive touchdowns in the second quarter to take the lead at the break and eventually maintained a 41-10 lead before the Bears scored a couple of late touchdowns. Aaron Rodgers released four touchdown passes, Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams ran for a total of 163 yards and the Packers defense turned Mitchell Trubisky three times, including once in a fumble return for a Preston Smith touchdown. The Packers were 3 in 3 on the fourth down, held the ball for almost 38 minutes and didn’t have a turn or gave up. David Montgomery ran for 112 yards and Allen Robinson took a pair of touchdowns for Bears, who have won three of their last four games since their 41-25 loss at Lambeau Field.
Packers have a 100-95-6 lead in the series at all times.
Last week’s recap
AP Photo / Mike Roemer
The Packers received four touchdown passes from Aaron Rodgers, three touchdowns from Davante Adams, two touchdowns from AJ Dillon and an inspiring defense effort against Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry during a 40-14 rout against the Tennessee Titans. The victory did not guarantee seed No. 1 for the Packers, but it was undoubtedly the most complete and dominant victory of the season for Matt LaFleur’s team.
Bears also defeated an AFC South opponent, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 41 to 17 in the final. Former Packer Jimmy Graham took two touchdown passes, Allen Robinson took 10 passes and Roquan Smith intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble. After Jaguars tied the game at 10, Bears scored 31 consecutive points to create the break and keep the playoff hopes alive and well for week 17.
Team classification
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes the ball to Davante Adams in the fourth quarter during their football game on Sunday, December 27, 2020, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Statistical rankings for both teams, by Professional Football Reference:
| GB | CHI | |
| Points per game | 31.6 (1st) | 23.7 (18th) |
| Allowed points per game | 23.5 (16th) | 22.3 (9th) |
| Differential to take | +6 (7th) | -3 (21st) |
| Pass yards per game | 257 (9th) | 227 (22nd) |
| Racing yards per game | 135 (8th) | 102 (24th) |
| Pass yards allowed per game | 219 (6th) | 231 (13th) |
| Running yards allowed per game | 113 (14th) | 115 (15th) |
| DVOA classification | 3rd | Day 15 |
| Overall PFF rating | 1st | 12th |