Packers vs. Bears: Both teams have a lot to play for in Week 17

Both the Packers and Bears have a lot to play for in Week 17.

The recent rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears has hardly been a classic.

Dating back to 2009, the Packers have won 20 of the past 24 meetings with the Bears. However, that doesn’t mean there haven’t been some important games along the way.

Take the 2010 NFC title game, for example. Or the NFC North decider in ’13. Or the Bears’ division-clinching victory over the Packers in ’18.

We’ve seen some important games between these two teams, and Sunday’s is set up to be another.

While it won’t be for the division title, there is a lot on the line for both teams at Soldier Field this week.

For the Bears, they likely need a win to make the playoffs. They are currently in the seventh seed but could fall out of the playoff positions with a loss to the Packers. A win would be enough to secure the number seven seed at worst, but potentially the sixth seed should the Los Angeles Rams lose to the Arizona Cardinals.

For the Packers, it’s all about seeding.

They are already the NFC North champions but have their sights set on the top seed, which would give them home-field advantage and a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

While it’s possible Green Bay could still clinch the top seed even with a loss, it would be unlikely. It would take a San Francisco 49ers upset win over the Seattle Seahawks to make it happen.

The Packers have dominated this rivalry for a long time, but both teams will enter the season finale with a sense of urgency. Something to play for.

For the Bears, their season is on the line. Win and they’re in. For the Packers, a victory would give them perhaps their best chance at returning to the Super Bowl in a decade. It would put them two more wins — both at Lambeau Field — away from a trip to Tampa.

It’s all set up for an interesting game on Sunday.