TIME CHANGE: Packers–Bears Matchup Suddenly FLEXED to PRIME TIME — The Battle for NFC Top Seed Officially Explodes Saturday Night!

Chicago, Illinois – 03/12/2025

The NFL has just made a massive schedule change: the Week 16 rematch between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears has been moved to Saturday Night Football, kicking off at 7:20 p.m. CT at Soldier Field. Originally listed as “TBD,” the game was almost guaranteed to be flexed once both teams stayed locked in the race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed. This is now expected to be the highest-rated game of the week.

Sources at FOX say the decision was carefully considered, because Packers–Bears isn’t just one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries; it now carries enormous playoff implications. Green Bay is surging behind Jordan Love’s offense, while Chicago has surprisingly forced its way into the race with strong late-season play. High stakes, massive audiences, and a great story — the NFL had to put it in prime time.

At today’s noon press conference, head coach Matt LaFleur shared his excitement about the national spotlight. “We’re always ready for the biggest stages. This is a game the entire team knows how important it is, and playing under the prime-time lights only makes us lock in even more.” The atmosphere in Green Bay is electric — this is their chance to prove they are true NFC contenders.

Virtually the entire NFL community agrees this game belongs at night. With the Commanders now nearly eliminated from playoff contention, the Eagles–Commanders game will take the early slot, while Packers–Bears becomes the centerpiece of FOX’s national doubleheader. The Week 16 flex is proof the league always prioritizes the games with the biggest media weight and playoff impact.

Green Bay still has two “TBD” games left — Week 17 vs. the Ravens and Week 18 vs. the Vikings. Many experts predict Packers–Ravens has the best chance of also being flexed to prime time because Baltimore is battling for the AFC North lead, while the Vikings are all but out of the playoff picture. But right now, every eye is on Chicago on the night of December 20 — where the Packers and Bears will take the biggest stage, with the outcome potentially reshaping the entire NFC.