The Green Bay Packers couldn't have asked for more from their Sunday trip to Soldier Field. They won their game, clinched the NFC North and -- as an added bonus -- sent the Chicago Bears deeper into another late-season tailspin.
Aaron Rodgers hooked up with James Jones on three touchdown passes in the Packers' 21-13 win, but this game was about a Green Bay defense that tightened on its own end and a Chicago offense that's at a loss for how to move the ball on plays not involving Brandon Marshall.
The Packers move to 10-4 and will wake up Monday as the NFC's No. 3 seed since the San Francisco 49ers escaped Foxborough with a 41-34 victory over the New England Patriots. With favorable matchups looming against the Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings, the Packers still could earn a first-round bye, but they'd also need the 49ers, who are 10-3-1, to slip.
As for the 8-6 Bears? It's hard to know what to expect at this point. They've lost six of their last seven games and -- unlike last season -- there's no excuse to lean on with Jay Cutler healthy.
Once 7-1, the Bears now need help to make the playoffs. This loss could have long-term effects on the franchise, specifically coach Lovie Smith.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
