NFL Week 18 schedule revealed: When do Packers host Bears in must-win game?

The Green Bay Packers will clinch a playoff berth with a victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 18. The NFL has announced the matchup at Lambeau Field will be played at 3:25 pm CT on Sunday, January 7.

Green Bay dominated the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football, effectively eliminating the Vikings with a 33-10 victory. The Packers moved to 8-8 with the win.

If you had told Matt LaFleur in August that his young team led by Jordan Love would enter Week 18 with a win-and-in scenario, he would've been delighted. They have battled a lengthy injury list throughout the season, overcome challenging moments, and found ways to win late in the year.

Beating a Bears team that has won four of its past five games won't be easy, but the Packers are at home. They can't ask for a better opportunity.

NFL Week 18 schedule: Packers avoid primetime for huge matchup against Bears

The Packers won't play in back-to-back primetime games, but they have been selected for the 3:25 pm CT slot on Sunday afternoon. The Sunday Night Football game understandably goes to the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, a matchup for the AFC East title.

Here is the complete Week 18 schedule:

Saturday, January 6

• Steelers at Ravens (3:30 pm)
• Texans at Colts (7:15 pm)

Sunday, January 7

• Bucs at Panthers (Noon)
• Browns at Bengals (Noon)
• Vikings at Lions (Noon)
• Jets at Patriots (Noon)
• Falcons at Saints (Noon)
• Jaguars at Titans (Noon)
• Seahawks at Cardinals (3:25 pm)
• Bears at Packers (3:25 pm)
• Broncos at Raiders (3:25 pm)
• Chiefs at Chargers (3:25 pm)
• Eagles at Giants (3:25 pm)
• Rams at 49ers (3:25 pm)
• Cowboys at Commanders (3:25 pm)
• Bills at Dolphins (7:20 pm)

All times are CT.

The Packers have it all to play for, just as they did at this stage last year. A final-day home defeat to the Detroit Lions ended their playoff hopes that day, ending the Aaron Rodgers era. But this is the beginning of a new journey.

Making the playoffs in Love's first season as a starter would be an incredible accomplishment.

One task remains to get there: Beat the Bears.

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