Bears vs. Packers: Preview, score prediction for Week 4
Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
Though the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers seem to be on different planes of success entering Week 4, they aren’t all that different to this point. Now the two NFC North rivals will face off on Thursday Night Football at Lambeau Field looking to prove that’s the case.
The Packers enter this matchup at 2-1 on the season, but it’s not been particularly emphatic. Their defense is banged up and has been problematic since Week 1. Meanwhile, their offense has been below it’s potential with injuries and poor play on the offensive line. Thus, they need to step up in this matchup.
As for the Bears, this is a team that hasn’t struggled as much as some expected. They upset the Steelers last week in overtime and were close to knocking off Atlanta in Week 1 as well. Chicago has a stout front seven and a great pair of running backs that, at the very least, can make things interesting.
Keys to Victory
The Bears are clearly at a talent disadvantage in this game. Despite the fact that they topped the Steelers in Week 3 and were competitive against Atlanta, they are still a team that’s rebuilding. What’s more, they were a much lesser team in their one game on the road to this point.
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Having said that, Chicago’s two big keys to this game are running the ball effectively and getting a pass rush. Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen are by far the Bears’ biggest weapons every week out. Subsequently, they can be utilized to not just move the ball well, but to keep the ball out of Aaron Rodgers’ hands. As for the pass rush, Green Bay is likely going to be without their starting tackles. The more they can make Rodgers’ life uncomfortable, the better.
Then there’s the Packers, and Rodgers once again comes into the fold. The Bears secondary is far and away the worst part of their defense to this point. If the All-Pro quarterback is able to get time, he can pick apart this group of defensive backs. As for the Green Bay defense, they need their linebackers to be disciplined against the run as Mike Glennon isn’t scaring anyone.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Green Bay -7
Moneyline: Green Bay -335, Chicago +305
Over/Under: 44
Odds from 5Dimes via Sportsbook Review
Next: NFL 2017: 20 Bold predictions for Week 4
Prediction
Frankly, this just doesn’t feel like a game the Bears have much of a chance in. Yes, they’ve been impressive, more so than anyone could’ve expected. Having said that, the Packers have the ability to attack Chicago’s biggest weakness on defense. Subsequently, Green Bay should be able to get the job done at home n Thursday Night Football.
Final Score: Chicago Bears: 20, Green Bay Packers: 35