Bears vs. Packers: Instant analysis of Chicago's 24-22 win in Week 18

A stunner at Lambeau Field! The Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers, 24-22, in a thriller, beating their NFC North counterpart for the first time since Dec. 16, 2018. The victory snaps the Bears' 10-game losing skid (and 11-game losing streak vs. the Packers) and gives Chicago a win to end their overall disappointing 2024 season.

The game was a rollercoaster from start to finish, and the underdog Bears were the first to deliver a highlight play. After trading punts on each team's first possession, Chicago utilized star receiver DJ Moore as a decoy on a trick play on the punt return, allowing Josh Blackwell to reel in the kick and sprint down the right sideline untouched with a convoy in front of him, scoring on the 94-yard punt return touchdown. The play was reminiscent of Johnny Knox and Devin Hester's non-TD on a similar play against the Packers in 2011, but the score was called back due to a penalty. The underdog Bears take a surprising 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.

The Bears' victory was a cumulative effort from all three phases, and the defense was next in making a big play. Packers receiver Jayden Reed took the end-around handoff and ran right into Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who popped the ball out with a well-placed Peanut Punch. The ensuing Bears' recovery set the offense up with an opportunity to contribute to their winning effort, and standout RB D'Andre Swift was happy to deliver. Swift scored a short four-yard touchdown run two plays later, extending Chicago's lead 14-3 at the start of the second quarter.

The Packers righted themselves after the Bears' initial onslaught, returning to their playoff form on a seven play, 63-yard drive that ended the same way long Packers drives usually end: with a Josh Jacobs touchdown. The Pro Bowl back cuts the Bears lead 14-10 as the quarter ticks away, and they weren't done chipping away at the score. An early injury to quarterback Jordan Love forced backup passer Malik Willis to execute a methodical drive that ended with a short field goal. Green Bay was hot on Chicago's tail 14-13 at halftime.

The Bears making a routine crucial mistake was an inevitably, and disaster struck on the opening possession of the second half. Interim head coach Thomas Brown squandered a promising drive by giving star wideout Keenan Allen an opportunity to throw the ball on a trick play, and his ill-fated throw down the sideline was easily snatched away by a Packers' defender.

Chicago was determined to get their retribution; reliable safety Kevin Byard dislodged the football from Willis's grasp on a strip sack the following drive, and Lake Villa, Ill., product T.J. Edwards pounced on the live ball, giving possession back to the Bears. The two bitter rivals were in lock step for much of third quarter, neither team giving an inch, until Green Bay's failed fourth down conversion set Chicago up with advantageous field position, and the Bears made good on the opportunity.

Moore has been the offense's most consistent contributor, and he contributed in a big way. He corralled the short screen pass and broke through Green Bay's secondary, tight roping the sideline and crossing the goal line on the 32-yard catch-and-run touchdown. Dreams of monumental upset began to morph into a realistic scenario, as the Bears held a daunting eight-point lead over the Packers at the beginning of the fourth.

Green Bay set in motion their comeback attempt. An unbelievable third-and-21 conversion led to an easy touchdown run for backup running back Emanuel Wilson, cutting deep into what seemed to be a secure Bears' lead, 21-19. Then, disaster struck; in the fans' minds, the game was over. In a tragic twist of fate, the Bears' go-to guy Moore fumbled the ball and a pivotal end-of-game drive, putting Green Bay back in the driver's seat. One minute and 55 seconds remained in regulation.

Four plays later, Packers' kicker Brandon McManus knocked through a clutch 55-yard field goal with under a minute left, putting the green-and-gold in front for the first time all game. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense will be forced to amend their previous late-game mistakes and orchestrate a game-winning drive before the curtain would close on their year.

The offense began their drive at their own 20, 48 seconds remaining. First play -- a Packers' defender is called for a horse collar penalty on Williams, the 15-yard penalty is enforced. One play later, the rookie quarterback finds his rookie receiver, as Rome Odunze makes a graceful toe-tap catch along the right sideline. Another 15-yard gain. A short Williams scramble and an incomplete pass later, it's third and 11 at their own 49-yard line. 15 seconds left.

The rookie found Moore for a 12-yard completion over the middle. Chicago has no timeouts, and time is ticking. Williams spikes the ball with just three ticks left on the clock. Phantoms of the blocked kick in the two rivals' last matchup pervade Chicago fans everywhere as kicker Cairo Santos lines up for 51-yard field goal attempt. Snap. It's up...

And it's good.

Pent up joy that laid dormant since early October erupted from the Bears' sideline. Santos was met with ravenous celebration, players and coaches were hugging on the sideline. The Bears beat the Packers, 24-22.

There's so much to unpack about the 2024 Bears, and not just from today's historic win. There was so much to love early in the year, so much to loathe late, and so much to savor today. In a knee-jerk reaction to all that's transpired, I can't help but feel this Week 18 victory is a taste of what's to come in 2025. Let's be clear: general manager Ryan Poles and CEO Kevin Warren have a ton of work to do this offseason, with hiring the team's next head coach being at the top of the list. On top of that, a shakeup to the wider coaching staff is likely on the way, and they roster's glaring needs is in need of being addressed. This is all needs to be done in order to nurture their talented but inconsistent franchise quarterback.

Much needs to be done but today proved that the bones of a ferocious team are already present. Playmakers litter all three phases; they just need leadership and a competent supporting cast. Now begins the long trek to the 2025 season, but Chicago delivered one heck of a parting gift.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Packers: Instant analysis of Chicago's 24-22 win in Week 18