Packers vs Bears PLAYOFFS! Love's Biggest Test? - Weekly Wilde

It’s Wild Card Weekend and the Packers–Bears rivalry is officially back — with everything on the line at Soldier Field. Alex Strouf and Jason Wilde break down the rare postseason matchup between Green Bay and Chicago, why this game feels personal after the Packers’ collapse in the last meeting, and the “quiet confidence” coming out of the locker room. They dive into Jordan Love’s playoff track record (and what he’s learned about avoiding hero ball), Josh Jacobs finally being healthy again, and the biggest swing factors: red-zone execution, turnovers, and whether Green Bay can hold up against Chicago’s run-heavy plan. Plus: special teams hidden threats, Jeff Hafley’s confidence, and what this result could mean for the Packers moving forward.

Former Packers offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga joins Wilde and Tausch as the Green Bay Packers prepare to visit the Chicago Bears on Saturday night in the Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy with major breaking news: John Harbaugh has been fired after 18 seasons, and the NFL coaching market exploded instantly. Schefter reveals that within 45 minutes of Harbaugh’s firing, seven teams reached out to his agent — including organizations that currently have head coaches. He compares the situation to “cheating on your spouse,” explaining how quietly teams must operate when exploring upgrades without blowing up their current locker room. The conversation naturally turns to Green Bay and Matt LaFleur. Schefter explains why LaFleur’s situation is unresolved but clear: The Packers want him back LaFleur wants to be back The real issue is money, term, and approach Schefter lays out what a fair deal might look like, using Ben Johnson’s rumored salary as a baseline and stressing that how the Packers negotiate matters more than the final number. Come in low, and you risk alienating a coach who would immediately have options across the league. Other key insights include: Why Harbaugh instantly became the hottest candidate in football Why Sean McDermott (and others) should be nervous after this firing Why modern NFL teams prioritize offensive head coaches tied to quarterbacks Why LaFleur would have a job “in a moment” if he ever hit the open market How Ed Policy’s leadership style remains largely unknown — but influential The segment wraps with a preview of Packers–Bears, with Schefter calling it the best-case scenario matchup for Green Bay — but also the most devastating loss possible if it goes wrong. 🎧 A must-listen, league-wide perspective on coaching power, leverage, and why the Packers’ biggest offseason decision may already be taking shape. Packers, Green Bay Packers, Adam Schefter, John Harbaugh fired, Matt LaFleur contract, NFL coaching carousel, Ben Johnson salary, NFL head coaches, Packers offseason, Ed Policy, ESPN Milwaukee, Jen Gabe and Chewy

David Kaplan of ESPN Chicago (with his cheese-grater hat) joins Jim & Molly to talk about Packers vs Bears, Round 3 - the playoff edition! Kap gets into his SOARING CONFIDENCE in Caleb Williams while also answering what SCARES him most about this Packers team at this point of the season! They also get a vibe check on how Bears fans after losing to the Lions ahead of this Packers rematch, why losing this game would be BEYOND devastating for Chicago, and whether Ben Johnson was indeed taking a SHOT at Matt LaFleur again when talking about not resting starters Week 18!

ESPN’s Rob Demovsky joins Jen, Gabe & Chewy after the Packers’ season finale to break down what actually mattered — and what didn’t — heading into the playoffs. 🏈 Defenders who helped themselves Demovsky highlights two players who stood out despite the game’s “preseason feel”: Barron Sorrell, who showed legitimate run-stopping ability and pass-rush upside Trevon Diggs, whose tackling and physicality could earn him real snaps in the postseason Rob explains why both players may factor into the defensive rotation even with starters returning — and why snap counts tell a story coaches won’t say publicly. 🧠 Do the Packers actually believe? Demovsky shares insight from the locker room, noting that Jordan Love addressed the team after the game, delivering a clear message that “this is the real deal now.” Rob cautions that belief is hard to measure — sometimes it’s real, sometimes it’s noise — but says this group’s messaging feels consistent and genuine. He and Chewy compare this team’s mindset to past Packers playoff teams, including the 1998 squad that knew it wasn’t quite good enough — and why this situation feels different. 💰 Matt LaFleur’s contract reality The conversation then shifts to LaFleur’s future: Rob agrees the situation has moved past “do they want him?” It’s now about money, term, and leverage LaFleur could sign an extension, play out his deal, or force a decision Demovsky stresses one key point: Either you think he’s the guy — or you don’t. The money should follow the decision. He also explains why letting a coach play out the final year is the riskiest option, citing Mike McCarthy’s Dallas ending as a cautionary tale. 🧩 Jeff Hafley & the coaching market Rob discusses why Hafley may get interviews, why the head-coach market is deeper than expected, and why his chances of landing a job may be closer to 40–60 than a lock. 🏁 Outlook vs. Chicago Demovsky closes by saying the Packers should feel confident heading into Chicago: They controlled most of the previous matchup Health should be better It’s a game Green Bay wanted Whoever wins gets a powerful narrative — either “we beat Ben Johnson twice” or “resting worked.” 🎧 Clear-eyed Packers insight, locker room context, and front-office reality — only on Jen, Gabe & Chewy. Packers, Green Bay Packers, Rob Demovsky, Packers defense, Barron Sorrell, Trevon Diggs, Matt LaFleur contract, Packers playoffs, Jordan Love leadership, Jeff Hafley, Packers Bears preview, ESPN Milwaukee, Jen Gabe and Chewy

ESPN Packers reporter Rob Demovsky joins The Homer Hour to weigh in on the Packers’ decision to kick a late field goal in the loss to the Vikings to avoid the shutout. He breaks down how Green Bay can shake off the rust after resting starters and get ready for Saturday’s matchup against the Bears, along with the pros and cons of Chicago playing its starters while the Packers sat theirs. Demovsky also updates the injury situation, highlighting which Packers benefited most from the week off, discusses whether Jordan Love is good to go, shares his take on Trevon Diggs’ debut, and points out which defensive players from the Vikings game could earn a bigger role against the Bears.

Greg Matzek and Gary Ellerson LIVE from Potawatomi Sportsbook recap the Packers’ 16–3 season-finale loss to the Vikings, debating whether Matt LaFleur made the right call by resting starters despite the uninspiring result. The focus shifts to Packers vs. Bears in the NFC Wild Card, including who has the edge and a look back at the last postseason meeting between the rivals. Packers reporter Jason Wilde joins with the latest from Titletown, while the guys discuss the Packers’ playoff ceiling, late-season slide, and injuries. The show also features “Buy or Sell: Playoff Edition,” “Not My Beat” with ESPN Chicago’s John Jurkovic, and a breakdown of the NFL playoff picture.

Join Alex Strouf alongside Mark Tauscher, Gary Ellerson, and Jason Wilde for complete postgame coverage following the Green Bay Packers loss at the Minnesota Vikings to end the 2025 NFL regular season. We break down the biggest moments, turning points, and standout performances from start to finish — with former Packers insight from Tauscher and Ellerson and locker-room reporting from Wilde. From quarterback play and coaching decisions to defensive breakdowns, missed chances, and late-game execution, we analyze what decided the game and what it means for the Packers moving forward.

Jason Wilde joins Jen, Gabe, and Chewy to break down the Packers’ delicate balancing act heading into the final week of the regular season. With Jordan Love missing time, starters potentially sitting, and the roster stretched thin by injuries, the conversation centers on how Matt LaFleur is managing risk versus readiness before the playoffs. Jason shares insight on who might play, who should be protected, and why this week feels more like a bye than a must-win. The group also digs into Jordan Love’s response to questions about rust, the coaching staff’s confidence in practice adjustments, and the fascinating quarterback depth situation behind him. Plus, a look at under-the-radar players to watch, why defensive matchups loom large in January, and whether a late-season losing streak truly matters once playoff football begins.

The Packers head into a strange Week 18 with playoff seeding mostly set — and a lot of unanswered questions. Jason Wilde and Alex Strouf discuss why Jordan Love still hasn’t cleared concussion protocol, whether Green Bay is being overly cautious, and why Matt LaFleur is expected to rest starters in Minnesota. They also break down the surprise waiver claim of Trevon Diggs, the Packers’ battered secondary, what the QB plan could look like Sunday, and which playoff matchup Green Bay would rather see: the Bears or the Eagles.