Packers End Bears’ Playoff Hopes, Stay Atop NFC North

The Bears' late comeback attempt fell short

Cornerback Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a defensive stop on fourth down incomplete pass to wide receiver Allen Robinson of the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on December 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Cornerback Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a defensive stop on fourth down incomplete pass to wide receiver Allen Robinson of the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on December 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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The Green Bay Packers have all but ended the playoff hopes of their division rivals the Chicago Bears after beating them 21-13 on Sunday (Dec. 15).

The loss against the Packers — who stay atop the NFC North — officially knocks the Bears out of division contention, and while they’re technically not yet eliminated from a wild card berth, they’ll be eliminated today if either the Vikings or Rams win.

The Bears tried to claw their way back from a 21-3 fourth quarter deficit, but it was too little too late. Despite an inefficient 16-of-33 outing from Aaron Rodgers, the Packers were able to hold on to win. The Bears’ Mitch Trubisky finished the game 29-of-53 with 348 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

The victory means that the Packers swept the regular-season series between the two teams for the 15th time in the last 26 seasons. The Packers beat the Bears 10-3 in the season opener.

The 11-3 Packers will clinch a playoff berth if the Los Angeles Rams either lose to or tie the Dallas Cowboys tonight. They’ll next take on the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 23, while the Bears will face the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 22.

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