It has been a long time since the Chicago Bears (9-3) have played meaningful football in December. This Week 14 matchup against the Green Bay Packers (8-3-1) at Lambeau Field will have a major impact on the NFC North. If the Packers win on Sunday, they will claim the first seed in the NFC North.

Chicago and Green Bay will play again two weeks later, but at Soldier Field and into a late window of a FOX Saturday doubleheader.

For football fans in this area, it’s hard to envision a scenario that creates more entertainment value than what is about to transpire over the next few weeks.

Here are five players who will have a major impact on who wins this first game between the Bears and Packers:

CB Jaylon Johnson

In the Bears’ 24-15 win over the Eagles on Black Friday, Jaylon Johnson made his much-anticipated return after missing the last nine games. The veteran cornerback played 33 defensive snaps and gave up two receptions for 42 yards on three targets, per Pro Football Focus. Odds are great his participation level will go up after another full practice week.

This Sunday’s matchup will be a great test for Johnson, especially since the Packers distribute passes to all four of their top receivers. The proof: Romeo Doubs (542 yards), Christian Watson (363 yards), Dontayvion Wicks (307 yards) and Matthew Golden (286 yards).

Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw four touchdowns against the Lions last week, and Johnson’s ability to play tight coverage, close throwing windows and break up passes will have a huge impact on how the Packers perform in the passing game.

[READ: Bears vs. Packers preview: Game picks, predictions, how to watch in Week 14]

LB T.J. Edwards

The Bears defense will regain one of its most consistent players in T.J. Edwards for Sunday’s game against the Packers. Edwards last played in Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals and has been recovering from a hand/hamstring injury ever since.

The veteran linebacker grew up in Lake Villa, Ill., and played his college ball at the University of Wisconsin. He understands the significance of this game for both teams.

“It means a ton, obviously, to the organization, the city, but for me, my wife is from Green Bay,” Edwards said. “So this means a lot for me too. Her whole family is Packers fans and stuff like that, but it’s going to be a really good game, and, obviously one that, NFC North game, it’s even more important.”

Edwards will be tested with Packers running back Josh Jacobs, who ran for 83 yards on 17 carries and finished with a 4.9-yard average in Green Bay’s win over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving.

WR DJ Moore

The last time DJ Moore played the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, the veteran finished as the game’s leading receiver. He had nine receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. Moore also caught an 18-yard reception on third-and-11, which set up Cairo Santos to convert on this 51-yard, game-winning field goal to help the Bears earn a 24-22 victory in Week 18 last season.

With Rome Odunze out because of a stress fracture in his foot, Moore will have to step up and likely take on the primary receiver role. Moore is more than capable of becoming the go-to target for Caleb Williams, and head coach Ben Johnson will need him to run precise routes, create yards after the catch and help create explosive pass plays (20-plus-yard receptions) against a Packers defense that has allowed the 10th-most (40), according to Radar360.

[READ: Bears injury report: Rome Odunze ruled out vs. Packers; T.J. Edwards returns]

EDGE Micah Parsons

For whatever reason, Micah Parsons doesn’t like the Bears and claims Chicago is disrespectful.

Though his motivation is uncertain, Parsons’ talent is undeniable. He’s legitimate game wrecker off the edge. The Packers edge rusher has 12.5 sacks on the season and has generated 67 total quarterback pressures, according to PFF. In coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense, Parsons has the freedom to line up at different spots throughout the game, which applies pressure to every offensive lineman, tight end or running back in pass protection.

Ozzy Trapilo will likely start at left tackle for his third consecutive game. The rookie from Boston College will face arguably his toughest challenge against one of the best edge rushers in the game on Sunday.

[READ: Nahshon Wright’s breakout Bears season levels up after major award]

WR Christian Watson

Christian Watson tore his ACL the last time he played the Bears at Lambeau Field.

Watson’s recovery from that season-ending injury carried over into the 2025 season. Since being activated off the physically unable to perform list, he has gradually made plays for Love and the Packers’ offense. He has an explosive reception in four of his six games played.

In the Packers’ 31-24 victory over the Lions on Thanksgiving, he caught four passes for 80 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. Watson is someone who can take the top off the defense and will challenge Bears safeties Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker.