Packers legend provides Bears with flagrant bulletin board material

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 7:43 PM ET

The Chicago Bears are preparing to face the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs on Saturday night, and as if this being a postseason game isn’t dramatic enough, the fact that it features arguably the greatest rivalry in the sport only adds fuel to the fire.

The Bears and Packers split their regular-season meetings, but Chicago ended up finishing atop the NFC North division, and that was thanks much in part to its fourth-quarter rally against Green Bay at Soldier Field late last month.

The Bears are aiming to win their fist playoff game since January 2011, but legendary Packers safety LeRoy Butler seems to believe Chicago is out luck.

In fact, the Hall of Famer provided some pretty serious bulletin-board material to the Bears before the matchup.

“I really think the Chicago Bears are a tired team, they’re just worn out,” Butler said. “… Packers will win 28-14.”

Are the Chicago Bears really worn out?

Nov 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Butler’s reasoning for saying the Bears are a “worn out” team is because of the fact that they had to expend so much energy with their fourth-quarter comebacks.

He may have a point there, but Chicago is a young ballclub that shouldn’t be too weary heading into the postseason. If anything, the Bears’ lack of experience could end up being a significant factor, as Caleb Williams is in just his second NFL season and went just 5-12 during his rookie campaign in 2024.

On the other side of the coin, though, Chicago has displayed the ability to win in high-leverage situations, so that should absolutely help them in January.

The Bears and Packers are both banged up, so injuries may play a role here, too. But Chicago may be getting back wide receiver Rome Odunze for the first time in over a month, and defensive back Kyler Gordon was just designated to return from injured reserve.

We’ll see if Butler’s comments ultimately prove correct. He certainly isn’t the only person picking Green Bay to win this game.

“There’s no answer for Jayden Reed and Christian Watson,” Butler added.

The Bears can definitely pin these comments on their bulletin board this week.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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