In a highly anticipated NFC North rivalry matchup, the Green Bay Packers will face off against the Chicago Bears in their season finale at Lambeau Field. The Packers, with a record of 8-8, are fighting for a playoff berth, while the Bears, at 7-9, seek to end their season on a high note.

Despite being out of playoff contention, the Bears are determined to spoil the Packers' chances and halt their five-year dominance over the rivalry. Bears quarterback Justin Fields expressed his team's motivation, stating that a victory over the Packers would mean a lot to the players, fans, and the city of Chicago. The Bears are well aware of the Packers' playoff aspirations and are ready to challenge them.

Last season, the Packers missed out on the playoffs after losing their final game to the Detroit Lions. However, Packers coach Matt LaFleur believes this year's squad has a different mindset and is determined to attack the game. The Packers have an outside chance of making the playoffs even with a loss, but they would need help from other teams.

The history between these two teams heavily favors the Packers, as they have defeated the Bears in their last nine encounters, including a decisive 38-20 victory in this season's opener. Green Bay's Jordan Love showcased his talent in that game, throwing three touchdown passes without an interception.

However, the Bears have made significant defensive improvements since their earlier encounter with the Packers. With the guidance of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and the addition of pass rusher Montez Sweat, the Bears currently lead the NFL in run defense and have an impressive 22 interceptions.

Now, the Bears' defense gets another opportunity to face Jordan Love, who has been in excellent form recently, throwing 16 touchdown passes with just one interception in his last seven games. Both teams are coming off back-to-back wins, with the Packers winning six of their last nine and the Bears winning five of their last seven.

For Bears quarterback Justin Fields, this game holds additional uncertainty as his future with the team remains unclear. The Bears hold the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, which could potentially lead them to consider other quarterback options such as Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. Fields aims to end the season on a positive note and build on his recent performances.

On the defensive side, the Packers welcome cornerback Jaire Alexander back to the team after a one-game suspension. Alexander's return will be crucial in defending against star receiver DJ Moore, who had an exceptional performance against the Atlanta Falcons with nine catches for 159 yards and a touchdown.

Bears pass rusher Montez Sweat has an opportunity to finish the year as the leader in sacks for two different teams, making him the first player in NFL history to achieve this milestone. With 12 1/2 sacks this season, including six with the Bears, Sweat has been a force to be reckoned with.

Meanwhile, Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has been solidifying his rookie season with four interceptions, all achieved in the past five games. Stevenson's standout performance in their recent win over the Falcons earned him the NFC defensive player of the week.

Both teams have seen impressive showings from their running backs late in the season. Aaron Jones of the Packers has rushed for over 120 yards in each of his last two games, while Khalil Herbert of the Bears has run for at least 112 yards in two consecutive games.

As the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears prepare to face off in their season finale, the stakes are clear. The Packers aim to secure a playoff berth and redeem themselves from last season's disappointment, while the Bears seek to end their season on a high note and disrupt their rivals' playoff dreams. Sunday's game promises to be an intense battle between these historic NFC North adversaries.