Green Bay, Wisconsin, is set for a showdown brimming with high stakes and low temperatures. The Packers and Bears face off in Week 14 with the NFC North lead on the line. Chicago is 9-3 and rolling with five straight wins. Green Bay is close behind at 8-3-1, riding a three-game win streak. Both teams want that top spot. The only thing standing in their way is the cold weather ahead of their clash.

It’s no secret that football in Green Bay during December comes with a side of freezing weather. But this year, as head coach Matt LaFleur welcomes Bears head coach Ben Johnson at Lambeau, expect the cold to bite. Earlier this week, the city broke a 49-year-old record for coldest high temperature on December 4th, sinking to an uncomfortably frigid 12 degrees. It broke the old mark of 15 degrees set all the way back in 1976. 

Though Sunday’s forecast won’t hit those extreme lows, it will hover uncomfortably close. The high will be just under 20 degrees, dropping to around 11 by the end of the game. Wind will make it feel even colder, gusting up to 13 mph. While no snow is expected, it certainly won’t be comfortable.

Adding to the chill is nighttime snowfall expected to leave a dusting of just 1 to 3 inches, but it is unlikely to affect the turf or visibility during the game. Rain chances are minimal and earlier in the day, leaving the cold front as the main event off the field. This may set the stage, but it’s the history and intensity between these two squads that will warm up the atmosphere a little bit.

The Packers-Bears have long been frenemies on the gridiron. With over 200 meetings under their belts, Green Bay leads the series, holding 108 wins to Chicago’s 96, along with 6 ties. Last season was no exception to their usual back-and-forth drama. 

In January, the Bears eked out a narrow 24-22 victory at Lambeau, played in biting 16-degree weather with winds hitting 10-15 mph. Earlier in the 2024 season, in week 11, LaFleur’s squad did clinch a slim 20-19 win, but at Soldier Field.

With so much history leading up to Sunday, the stakes feel heavier than ever. Not just for the teams, but for the men in charge, LaFleur and Johnson.

Matt LaFleur takes special measures keep Packers ready

Coach LaFleur, steering the franchise for seven seasons now, knows all too well what pressure feels like. Despite five playoff appearances, he’s yet to deliver the division or postseason breakthrough that cheeseheads crave. But for LaFleur, this cold isn’t new.

In fact, coach LaFleur is ready for it. He reportedly kept the Packers practicing outside in the freezing temps, and also acknowledged that it’s important for the team to get comfortable in the environment that both teams will face.

“I think it’s critical. Our ability to get outside, get on the grass, that’s crucial. It’s more of an advantage when the other team can’t practice in it. So, it’s negligible this week. It doesn’t really matter because Chicago is in the same environment,” LaFleur said. “But I do think it’s critical, just in terms of everything feels a little bit different. So, you’ve got to get used to that.”

Top Stories

NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Josh Allen Incident

NFL Makes Punishment Decision Against Cowboys on Chiefs’ Incident in Thanksgiving Game

Chiefs Owner’s Wife Sends Public Message to President Donald Trump Amid Calls to Rename NFL

Clark Hunt Gets Major News on Arrowhead Stadium After Chiefs Considered $800M Move

Who Is Singing the National Anthem at Commanders vs Vikings? Life, Net Worth & More About Cori Kennedy

On the other sideline, coach Johnson is facing perhaps the biggest moment of his young career. This is Johnson’s first year at the helm after three seasons as Detroit’s offensive coordinator. For a Bears squad that hasn’t held first place in the NFC North for half a decade, this game represents a chance to rewrite their story.

As the cold wind howls around Lambeau, all eyes will be on Green Bay on Sunday. Can Matt LaFleur finally push his Packers over the edge at home? Or will Ben Johnson’s Bears continue their late-season surge and claim the NFC North crown once again?