By the Numbers: How the Bears’ Overtime Comeback Over the Packers Was Built
Week 16 — Soldier Field
The Chicago Bears rallied from a 10-point deficit late to beat the Green Bay Packers 22-16 in overtime, a dramatic Week 16 victory that hinged on late-game execution and key statistical edges that flipped the game in Chicago’s favor.
Quick game snapshot
Chicago overcame a 16-6 deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime and then won on a 46-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Caleb Williams to wide receiver DJ Moore in OT, handing the Bears a 22-16 victory at Soldier Field and improving their record to 11-4 with two games remaining in the regular season.
Key numbers that decided the game
- 46 — The game-winning touchdown yardage on Caleb Williams’ overtime strike to DJ Moore, the play that ended the contest and capped the comeback.
- 250 — Caleb Williams’ passing yards in the game (19-of-34), a performance highlighted by his late-game and overtime heroics that included two passing touchdowns and a game-winning drive in OT[3].
- 30 — Rushing yards added by Williams, giving him the dual-threat contribution that helped sustain the Bears’ comeback surge[3].
- 10 — Points the Bears scored in the final 1:59 of regulation to tie the game 16-16 and force overtime, a sequence that underscored both playmaking and situational poise[6].
- 11-4 — The Bears’ record after the win, leaving them atop the NFC North with momentum heading into the closing stretch of the season[2][3].
Turning points and play-by-play moments
Two sequences stand out as decisive:
- The late fourth-quarter touchdown and subsequent scoring drive that erased a 10-point gap and forced overtime, illustrating Chicago’s ability to execute under pressure and convert in the red zone in the game’s most critical minutes[6].
- The overtime possession that concluded with Williams finding DJ Moore deep for a 46-yard touchdown — a high-leverage, high-difficulty throw-and-catch that ended the game immediately and showcased the Bears’ ability to attack vertically when it mattered most[1][2].
Statistical context: offense, defense and special teams
Offensively, the Bears relied on Williams’ arm and mobility late in the game to overturn a Packers advantage; Williams’ 19-of-34 passing for 250 yards and two TDs along with 30 rushing yards illustrated a balanced late-game attack that contrasted with earlier offensive struggles[3].
Defensively, the Bears bent but didn’t break for much of the game; Chicago held Green Bay to two field goals in one stretch despite substantial yardage, forcing the Packers into scoring misses that kept the game within reach and enabled the late comeback[4][6].
Special teams played a supporting role in field position during the tense final minutes, contributing indirectly to the Bears’ ability to mount a successful final drive and force overtime[6].
Standout performers
- Caleb Williams (QB, Bears) — Delivered the comeback and the overtime-winning drive, finishing with 250 passing yards, two touchdowns and 30 rushing yards; his fourth-quarter and OT play defined the game’s narrative[3][2].
- DJ Moore (WR, Bears) — Caught the 46-yard overtime touchdown that ended the game, converting a single play into an immediate victory[2][4].
- Chicago defense — Created enough stops and limited the Packers to field goals at pivotal moments, setting the stage for the late surge even while allowing yardage earlier in the contest[6][7].
Coaching and situational decisions
Ben Johnson’s offensive game plan shifted effectively in the fourth quarter, emphasizing timely downfield shots and using Williams’ mobility to create extra time and running lanes; the decision to remain aggressive in late-game situations paid off when the Bears converted on the final regulation drives and in OT[3][6].p>
What this win means for the Bears
The victory not only preserved Chicago’s lead in the NFC North but also served as a signature, morale-boosting moment for a team many now view as a legitimate contender late in the season; pundits and fans noted the comeback’s playoff-like feel and suggested the Bears’ momentum could carry into the postseason if sustained[3].
Packers’ takeaway
Green Bay’s offense moved the ball at times but failed to convert yardage into enough touchdowns, settling for field goals in key windows and ultimately allowing the Bears to remain within striking distance until the decisive late-stage collapse[7][4].
Bottom line
Chicago’s 22-16 overtime win over Green Bay was defined by late-game resilience, a clutch performance by Caleb Williams, and a single explosive overtime pass to DJ Moore that ended the contest — a game decided by a handful of high-leverage plays and the numbers behind them.[1][2][3][6]