Bears Aim to Maintain NFC Lead Despite Key Injuries Ahead of Packers Showdown

The Chicago Bears have spent the season proving doubters wrong, stringing together wins and positioning themselves near the top of the NFC playoff picture. At 9–3, they now face one of their most meaningful challenges of the year: a trip to Lambeau Field for a showdown against the rival Green Bay Packers, who sit just behind them at 8–3–1. The outcome could significantly shift both the NFC North standings and the conference’s race for home-field advantage.

But Chicago will take the field short-handed on Sunday. Rookie star Rome Odunze, the team’s leading receiver, has been ruled out after missing the week with a foot injury. His absence removes a major component of the Bears’ passing attack and complicates the plans of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as he prepares Caleb Williams for one of the toughest environments in football.

The injury news doesn’t stop there. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, another important contributor, will also miss the game. With divisional stakes as high as they’ve been all season, Chicago finds itself navigating adversity at a difficult moment. Both absences raise questions about how effectively the Bears can match up against a Packers team fighting for its own postseason positioning.

Even so, this Bears team has spent much of 2025 defying expectations and silencing critics. With the spotlight on and the rivalry renewed, Chicago enters Lambeau looking to prove once again that it belongs among the NFC’s elite.

1. Odunze’s Absence Leaves Major Void

Rome Odunze may have posted modest numbers in recent weeks, but his overall impact on the offense remains significant. As Caleb Williams’ most consistent target, Odunze has provided reliability in contested situations and served as a key chain-mover in critical moments. Losing him for a divisional game of this magnitude reshapes Chicago’s offensive approach. The Bears already anticipated a challenge against Green Bay’s defense, which has been among the most disruptive units in the league. Without Odunze, Williams will have fewer proven options when facing pressure or needing to create off-schedule plays. His absence forces the Bears to spread those responsibilities across a wider group of receivers and tight ends. Odunze’s team-leading totals — 44 catches, 661 yards, and six touchdowns — underscore how much of the offense has flowed through him. Replacing that production is not realistic, but distributing it effectively will be essential. In particular, Chicago must avoid predictable play-calling and find ways to maintain explosiveness despite losing its top threat. How the Bears adapt could determine whether they can sustain drives and keep the Packers’ offense off the field in what promises to be a tightly contested matchup.

2. Stevenson Injury Adds Pressure to Bears’ Defense

Chicago’s defense has been a stabilizing force during the team’s climb to 9–3, but losing cornerback Tyrique Stevenson presents another challenge ahead of Sunday’s divisional tilt. Stevenson has operated as one of the Bears’ most physical and dependable defensive backs, often responsible for shadowing opposing playmakers. His absence places greater responsibility on the rest of the secondary, including younger players who may see expanded roles under the Lambeau lights. Green Bay’s passing attack has found steady improvement as the season has progressed, meaning Chicago must stay disciplined in coverage to prevent explosive plays. The timing of the injury complicates matters for a defense preparing to face a familiar rival in a high-pressure setting. Chicago has thrived on forcing turnovers and limiting big gains, but Stevenson’s injury removes an important piece of that formula. Adjustments will be necessary, and coaching will play a major role in smoothing over the personnel gaps. Even so, the Bears have often demonstrated resilience when facing adversity. Sunday’s test will require that same mentality, as Chicago tries to protect its divisional lead in the absence of a key defender.

3. Chicago Looks to Validate Its Rise Against Rival Packers

The Bears have spent much of the season overcoming skepticism. Critics expected regression long ago, yet Chicago answered each challenge and even secured a signature win on Black Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles. That victory forced observers to re-evaluate a team many believed would struggle under the weight of early expectations. Now comes perhaps the most symbolic opportunity of all: defeating the Packers in Green Bay while not at full strength. For a franchise accustomed to turbulent stretches, maintaining control atop the NFC North would mark a meaningful step forward. The Bears themselves believe they have moved beyond old narratives and are determined to prove it on one of the league’s most storied stages. The burden now shifts to DJ Moore, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland, who must collectively shoulder Odunze’s production. Each has shown the ability to contribute, but the challenge grows in magnitude against a divisional rival with playoff implications. Their performance could determine whether Chicago’s offense maintains balance or becomes easier to defend. If the Bears emerge from Lambeau with a win, they will strengthen their grip on both the division and the conference — and solidify their status as one of the NFL’s most compelling contenders.