Packers Beat Bears, Chicago In Danger Of Missing Playoffs

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers passed for 291 yards and connected with James Jones on three touchdowns as the Green Bay Packers held off the Chicago Bears to win the NFC North division on Sunday at Soldier Field, 21-13.

The Packers clinched a home playoff game, and are still in contention for a No. 2 seed. Green Bay began the season with a 2-3 record, but have improved to 10-4.

Chicago's playoff situation is precarious. The Bears dropped to 8-6 after beginning the season 7-1. The Bears are one of the five NFC teams hoping to clinch one of the two wild card spots.

The home loss was particularly painful for the Bears because of the opponent. The long-time rivalry heated up this weekend, as both clubs went public with their animosity for each other. Following the game, Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who had six receptions for 56 yards, abruptly cut his postgame press conference short.

Jay Cutler completed just 12 passes for 135 yards. The contentious Bears quarterback was caught on camera engaged in a rather heated exchange. Cutler had been sacked twice by star linebacker Clay Matthews.

"You don't want to lose to your rival year in and year out. It's not a rival. It's a domination," Cutler said, after the game. "We've got to find a way, but that's in the past. Arizona's up next, we've just to focus on that."

The Bears led the game 7-0 with a little more than eight minutes remaining in the second half. The Packers came roaring back behind Rodgers and Jones. Green Bay also received a strong performance from receiver Randall Cobb, who had six catches for 115 yards.

Green Bay host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, and then finish the season on the road against the playoff-contending Minnesota Vikings.

The Bears are on the road in the final two weeks, when they face the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions.