Bears rally for 24-22 win in Green Bay as Packers lose Love and Watson to injuries

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Caleb Williams gained a shot of confidence and Cairo Santos earned a measure of redemption.

The Chicago Bears finished a disappointing season on a high note, while the Green Bay Packers limped into the playoffs with plenty of questions.

Williams drove Chicago to Santos’ 51-yard field goal as time expired in a 24-22 victory over the Packers, who lost quarterback Jordan Love and wide receiver Christian Watson to injuries on Sunday.

The Bears (5-12) beat the Packers for the first time since 2018 and ended an 11-game losing streak in this rivalry. They had dropped 10 straight overall — a slump that included the firing of coach Matt Eberflus the day after Thanksgiving — to match a franchise record for consecutive losses within a single season.

“To be able to have that moment was great,” said Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft. “Being able to have the first win of 2025, being able to have the first win since 2015 in Lambeau, to be able to have the first win against Green Bay in (12) games. It’s the first of a lot, and really excited about this offseason.”

Green Bay (11-6) is the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs and will play at Philadelphia in the wild-card round.

Now the Packers wait on the status of Watson and Love. Watson was carted off the field with a knee injury in the second quarter and Love departed later in that same series.

Love said he lost feeling in his throwing hand but expects to be fine for the playoffs. Coach Matt LaFleur said Love could have returned to the game if necessary.