Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears Game of the Week Preview
Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27). Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears always produce an entertaining product on the field when they square off, and it’s no wonder why many people regard the Packers- Bears rivalry to be the league’s best these days. With marquee names such as Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, Jordy Nelson, and Brandon Marshall, both teams are filled to the brim with offensive talent, and that’s what sells the most in our passing league. The Packers were blown out by another NFC North rival last week agains the Detroit Lions and needed a comeback to beat the New York Jets the previous week, so the Bears head into this matchup with a better regular season thus far. Let’s take a look at how our staff thinks today’s game will shake out.
Andrew Long
Despite playing very poorly in their first 3 games of the season, I still believe that the Green Bay Packers are the best team in the NFC North. I feel like this is the week that they get things clicking. Aaron Rodgers has been solid, but Eddie Lacy has yet to meet expectations in his sophomore season. If Lacy is going to get things going, this is the week to do it. The Chicago Bears are vulnerable against the run, as they possess the 26th ranked rushing defense in the league.
Throughout the first 3 games of the season, Eddie Lacy has recorded 113 rushing yards and zero touchdowns. Prediction: Lacy will have 113+ rushing yards and 1 or more rushing touchdowns against Chicago. I’m taking the Packers over the Bears in what should be an intense game.
Keith Demolder
Coming off a win against the Jets, the Bears looked good against a better Jets ball club. Jay Cutler and the defense held the Jets at bay for a team win. On the other hand, the Packers have not been the same Green Bay Packers. Specifically, Eddie Lacy has been absent since week one. Without his rushing abilities, it will be hard for the Packers to mount any resistance to the Bears. Even without Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennet and Matt Forte are bog enough playmakers to make a difference in this game. Bears 24 Packers 20.
Derrik Klassen
It is too easy to be attracted to Aaron Rodgers and take the Packers in this game, but the Bears have been an electric team these past two weeks. Jay Cutler is making an early-season case for NFL MVP, and his plethora of receiving options makes such an accomplishment quite possible. The Packers simply do not have the defensive personnel to keep up with all of Chicago’s weapons. Also worth noting that Kyle Fuller has been superb and could minimize Jordy nelson, who Rodgers has been favoring.
Justen Rosenberg
The Packers really have dropped the ball this year. They are off to a very slow start – lacking a running game, offensive line or the ability to play defense. It’s early, but with a lot of work to do, my prediction of a Packer/Broncos Super Bowl looks dull.
Unfortunately, Green Bay will not overcome their mediocre start this weekend in Chicago. The Bears are coming off of two very good performances. In the past two weeks the Bears have traveled to each ends of the country, defeating the Niners and Jets.
The Bears offense is clicking and with Alshon Jeffery now healthy, the Packers secondary will have their hands full, allowing Matt Forte to have a big day. 31-20, Chicago.
Rishi Pochiraju
Green Bay would be 0-3 if not for a catastrophic Jets meltdown. Chicago, on the other hand, has looked like the best team in the NFC North, with an impressive road win at San Francisco. I see the Bears’ defense of a few years ago is starting to back — although Charles Tillman is unfortunately out with injury, Kyle Fuller is easily rookie of the year so far and has done a tremendous job as part of Chicago’s banged up secondary.
Green Bay’s offense struggled mightily against a Lions’ defense that’s not as good as Chicago’s. I don’t think Green Bay will be able to stop Chicago’s high-octane offense, and Green Bay will struggle on offense again. Chicago 31, Green Bay 16.