Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson appears to have taken another dig at the Green Bay Packers just days before the 2025 NFL playoffs, adding fresh fuel to one of the league’s most historic rivalries.
Following the Bears’ Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions, Johnson expressed frustration with his team’s offensive performance, even though the defeat did not cost Chicago the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. Still, the sting of ending the regular season with back-to-back losses to division rivals was evident.
During his postgame remarks on January 4, Johnson subtly criticized playoff teams that chose to rest starters in Week 18 — a comment widely interpreted as a swipe at the Packers.
“Some teams, they rest their starters. We don’t. We play football,” Johnson said. “We felt like it was really important that we were playing our best ball here today, and we didn’t get that job done.”
While Johnson did not mention Green Bay by name, the Packers rested several starters in Week 18, drawing attention to the contrast in philosophies. The Philadelphia Eagles also sat key players, despite having a chance to secure the No. 2 seed.
Johnson’s comments have since been viewed as bulletin-board material for Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and Green Bay’s No. 7-seeded playoff squad.
Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur Rivalry Continues to Simmer
This is not the first time Johnson has publicly poked at LaFleur. During his introductory press conference at Halas Hall nearly a year ago, Johnson openly referenced his past success against Green Bay while serving as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator.
“To be quite frank with you, I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” Johnson said with a grin.
LaFleur later downplayed the remark, stating there was “no beef” between the two when he appeared on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, fans and media alike noticed the brief, tense postgame handshakes between the coaches during the regular season, suggesting the rivalry runs deeper than either side admits.
Bears Prepare for Third Showdown With Packers in Six Weeks
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic, as the Bears and Packers will face off for the third time in six weeks in the Wild Card round of the 2025 NFL playoffs.
Chicago won the most recent matchup, but the victory came after a sluggish offensive showing. The Bears scored just six points through three quarters, trailing 16–6 before a late rally. Similar slow starts also plagued them in losses to San Francisco and Detroit.
Earlier in the season, the Bears narrowly lost to Green Bay after rookie quarterback Caleb Williams drove the team deep into Packers territory before throwing a game-sealing end-zone interception on fourth down.
Despite the tension, Johnson acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“Good opponent. I think we’re fairly evenly matched,” Johnson said. “Got a lot of respect for how well they’re coached and the talent they have. I’d expect it to be another exciting game.”
With playoff stakes high and rivalry emotions running hotter than ever, Bears vs. Packers is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the postseason.
