The 5-4 Chicago Bears will be traveling to Lambeau Field to take on the 4-5 Green Bay Packers.
This is going to be a straight-forward preview for each team, so let's start with the Bears.
Chicago Bears secondary vs. Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, and Donald Driver
Chicago is 30th in the NFL against the pass and after last week against the Titans, they showed how bad they really are. The Packers are 11th in the league and passing and have a decent receiving core in Jennings and Driver.
Also Aaron Rodgers will look to rebound at home after a below average game last week against the Vikings. It comes down to if the Bears can stop them and history shows they can't.
Winner: Rodgers, Jennings, Driver
Matt Forte vs. Packers rush defense
Chicago is 15th in the league running the ball with rookie running back Matt Forte at the helms. Forte has rushed for 713 yards and four touchdowns. He is also an integral part of the passing offense as well with 282 yards receiving and three touchdowns.
The Packers are 28th against the run and after last weeks loss to the Vikings they show that a team can win just running the ball and no passing game. That's good news for the Bears, and they might turn Rex Grossman loose and not worry if he throws picks.
- B/R Ticket Guide
If Forte can get started early and factor in to the pass game, the Bears will have a good chance to win.
Winner: Matt Forte
Bears Special Teams vs. Packers Special Teams
This game is going to come down to field position. As we saw last week, if Chicago is backed up on their own side of the field, they can't do anything. They couldn't even punt with Brad Manyard only getting 30-35 yards on most punts. On the other hand, when Aaron Rodgers and the Packers were backed up, they would give the other team two points.
Chicago has yet to get anything going in the return game and have been less than stellar on kick coverage. Green Bay has had success in the return game with two punts returned for touchdowns.
If Devin Hester can finally break out of his slump and the Bears special teams can pin the Packers deep in their own territory, they can win. Unfortunately, I can't see the Bears doing both.
Winner: Packers Special Teams
Odds and Ends
I don't think Ryan Grant will play a part, bad or good, in this game for the Packers. The Bears are fourth in the NFL at stopping the run and Green Bay only averages 98 yards a game and is 23rd in the league.
The Bears' receiving corps is nothing to write home about and we will probably see a lot more of tight ends Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark, unless, of course, Grossman can get the deep ball going this week. Also watch the dump off pass the Matt Forte.
Keys to the game
For the Bears, it will not be starting early, but to continue forcing the ball downfield after the first drive. Also, the defense needs to get of the field on third and long, which they could not do against the Titans. Look for the return of WR Brandon Lloyd.
For the Packers, if Aaron Rodgers gets flustered early, it will be a long day for that team. Straight and simple.
My prediction is going to be the Bears 24-21 on the legs of Matt Forte and the back of the Bears defense. It could easily go either way though, coming down to who has the ball at the end of the game.
Join me at halftime for the score and all the stats.
Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers 1:00 PM Sunday on FOX
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about 1 month ago
Tom—this is eerily similar to my previous previews' format....but that's okay.
You got the Packers winning 2/3 so, Green Bay wins!
from about 1 month ago
Ha yeah, I have seen a lot of people doing it like this including you. I started it last week and it is so much easier to write and gets the point across. It will be a good game. but agian the east coast doesnt get that game. I get to watch the Bengaks and the Eagles, how exciting!!!! NOT
from about 1 month ago
haha that's too bad. Do you just watch a gamecast of it then or what?
from about 1 month ago
Yeah and that sucks cuz the bears have big plays called back all the time and it does not tell you that right away so I get excited for nothing
about 1 month ago
The secondary shouldn't bear (heh get it) the entire blame for the passing defense woes. We've got big money players on the defensive line who haven't performed up to their potential. It's up to them to swing the game in the Bears favor.
about 1 month ago
Who is Matt Forte and what planet did this guy come from? I truly believe that Forte can go through the entire season without hitting that "rookie wall" because this guy is a beast.
about 1 month ago
The bears owned the Pack last year and I see no reason why that will change on Sunday!
from about 1 month ago
We will see, depends on how Rodgers does and the Bears D does.
about 1 month ago
Yes, I wish the outcome of games didn't depend on "depending" in order to win.
about 1 month ago
HAHAHA!!!! So much for you saying that Ryan Grant won't play a part in the game at all. Packers are killin them.
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