The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers haven't squared off this late in the season when they were both this good for a long time.

The Green Bay Packers are going through the most important stretch of their season with a sequence of NFC North games. So, getting players back is huge. However, a Thursday update brought some level of concern in Green Bay.

GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers are off to a good start against NFC North Division competition. The Packers (8-3-1) won twice against the Detroit Lions (7-5) and at home over the Minnesota Vikings (4-8). The Packers host the surging Chicago Bears (9-3) on Sunday, Dec. 7, and visit them two weeks later.

The Bears had several players who have been out now back working on Thursday and that included running back Kyle Monangai.

According to the SportsLine Inside the Lines team's projection model, the outcome of Sunday's Bears vs. Packers matchup could play a major role in who wins the division title

A loaded Week 14 slate features a handful of games in which the outcomes will have massive implications on the playoff picture.

Green Bay's decisions to sign Christian Watson and Isaiah McDuffie to short-term extensions look like a stroke of genius in hindsight.

The surprising and surging Chicago Bears (9-3) look to build on their lead atop the NFC North when they take the field in Green Bay against the Packers (8-3-1). Caleb Williams and co. have won five in a row to take over first place in the NFC North.