“I think going from Eberflus to Ben Johnson is worth 3-6 points a game.” Colin Cowherd’s words hang over Chicago like the crisp bite of a Lake Michigan breeze—equal parts hope and warning. For Bears fans, the math is simple: Rookie phenom Caleb Williams, fresh off rewriting the franchise’s record books (3,541 pass yards, 20 TDs, 489 rush yards), needs a maestro to unlock his ceiling. The Bears–Packers rivalry, older than leather helmets, has been a horror show for Chicago lately (0–18 in Sunday road games under Matt Eberflus). But Williams, who once audibiled into a 75-yard TD at USC because ‘no one tells me what to watch,’ thrives under spotlights brighter than Times Square.

Enter Ben Johnson, the NFL’s hottest offensive mind, tasked with turning potential into points. But as John Middlekauff cautions, “This isn’t an easy first job. Right? It’s like solo with the Jets. A lot of people are watching.” If Johnson’s challenge is tactical, Williams’ is almost mythic.

The stakes? Think Madden franchise mode on All-Madden difficulty. Williams, the 2022 Heisman winner and No. 1 pick, spent 2024 running for his life behind a Swiss-cheese O-line (68 sacks, yikes). Yet, his highlights—like the ‘Hail Maryland’ heave against Washington or his Week 1 comeback vs. Tennessee—hinted at generational grit.

Now, Johnson’s arrival, paired with upgrades like linemen Drew Dalman and Liam Cooney, aims to flip the script. “You go line, tight end, receivers, and Ben Johnson,” Cowherd adds. “It was a touchdown to eight points a game.” Translation: Chicago’s offense is rewiring with some of that most-points-scored in 2024 Lions DNA.

Caleb vs. The ghosts of Green Bay

As said before, if Johnson’s challenge is tactical, Williams’ is almost mythic. “He’s just gonna outduel the LaFleur’s offense and the Lions group,” Middlekauff insists. “And I’d say the Bears have a pretty damn good roster too.” Think Game of Thrones’ Jon Snow rallying the North—except here, the battlefield is the NFC North, and the White Walkers wear cheeseheads. Williams’ swagger isn’t just stats; it’s story.

His pre-draft defiance (trying to dodge Chicago for Minnesota) drew Boomer Esiason’s ire (“entitled”), but Johnson’s play-calling could be the redemption arc. Johnson’s Lions? They dropped 33.2 PPG in 2024, a symphony of play-action and misdirection. Now, imagine Williams—a QB who ran a 4.4 40 at USC—conducting that orchestra.

The Bears’ 2025 schedule serves drama on a platter: A Black Friday clash in Philly, a Week 16 rematch vs. Green Bay, and a finale that could decide the division. For Williams, it’s a chance to bury Eberflus’ ghosts (5–19 in one-score games, yeesh) and become the hero Chicago’s waited for since ’85. As Johnson would say, ‘Pressure’s a privilege. Caleb’s not here to play checkers.’

Historical Overview

First Meeting: November 27, 1921 – Bears (then the Staleys) defeated the Packers 20–0.
Total Games Played: 210 (including two postseason games).
Series Record: Packers lead 108–96–6.

Postseason Meetings:

• 1941 NFL Western Divisional: Bears won 33–14.

• 2010 NFC Championship: Packers won 21–14.

Longest Winning Streaks:

• Bears: eight consecutive wins (1985–1988).

• Packers: eleven consecutive wins (2019–2024).

Recent Matchup:

• January 5, 2025 – Bears edged out the Packers 24–22, snapping Green Bay’s 11-game streak.

So, grab your deep-dish and buckle up. The Monsters of the Midway are back—and this time, they’ve got a soundtrack.