In Chicago, tonight’s playoff game between the Bears and Packers, is being billed as the most important game at Soldier Field in the past 15 years. In what seems like only an hour ago, Chicago was saying the same thing about last week’s tilt with the Lions.

I think it’s more than recency bias, rather after the losing the game they had to win, they’re grasping at straws. One can play more than one biggest game in a season as it develops, but one must guard against hyperbole. If the Bears should somehow lose tonight, will it retain its lofty status?

The game is huge and what’s at stake for the improving Bears is very important. To hear some, the Bears have Green Bay right where they’d like them. The Bears started the season 0-2, but responded with grit and determination as they appeared to correct some of the mistakes that plagued them in those first two games. Despite having won the NFC Central, the team expected to and wanted to win those last two games against the Niners and Detroit but flunked that test. The last time the two played, the Bears won in epic, come from behind fashion and knocked Jordan Love out with a concussion. Thankfully, the Packers have lost their last four games-meaning the loser will head home on a losing streak. So, rivalry aside, this game does have some bearing on how both teams will approach the offseason.

At the moment, the Packers were favored by 1.5, but that could change before kickoff. Everyone is trying to figure who has the edge as each team has won on their home field this season. The Packers and their QB have playoff experience, Ben Johnson boasts of beating Matt LaFleur twice a year, but hasn’t done that yet this season. Caleb Williams has six come from behind victories, but failed the last two weeks.

I’m pretty sure that I haven’t answered the big question, in fact, I’ve probably confused the issue. Even though, the Hawks, Bulls and Wolves have 7 p.m. starts tonight, most everyone will be focused on the Bears. And if I survive the afternoon hoops game I’m watching, I might be able to enjoy as much.