Green Bay Packers 2018 Opponent Preview: Chicago Bears

For 97 years, the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears have faced off on the gridiron. How will the two 2018 installment of the long-standing rivalry play out?

When you think of famous rivalries in sports, Yankees vs Red Sox, Lakers vs Celtics, or Bruins vs Canadiens come to mind. However, one of the most intense, historic, and long-standing rivalries in sports is played between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.

As of late, the Packers have seemed to dominate the rivalry. Since 2010, the Packers lost just three times to the Bears. The wins the Bears did have weren’t the most convincing either.

It wasn’t always like that though. In the 1980’s it was the Bears turn to reign supreme in the rivalry.

For the better part of 100 years, the two teams have traded dominance. For now, at least as long as Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback of the Packers, the Green and Gold will continue their dominance.

Week 1: @ Lambeau Field

The Green Bay Packers wanted to open up their 100th season celebration against the Chicago Bears. When you think about it, it makes complete sense. Not only will the Packers and Bears play Week 1, it will be under the lights on Sunday Night Football. It makes the matchup even more fitting.

It will be the first game for the Bears under the Matt Nagy regime. While a win would be huge and make a statement, it is really unlikely. The Packers are nine-point favorites in Week 1. The largest favorite amongst all NFL teams in Week 1.

Will it be tough for the upstart Bears to get a win at Lambeau in week one? Absolutely. That doesn’t mean the Packers can take them lightly. Any team can win on any given Sunday. The Bears look to crash the 100th season party on opening weekend, but it will certainly be a tough task.

Prediction: Packers win 27-17

Week 15 @ Soldier Field

Soldier Field is one of the toughest places to play for any team. The Packers have always found a way to make games interesting in Chicago even when the teams they had were much better than the Bears teams.

Case in point: 2016. The Packers were able to survive a late comeback bid and hold on for a 30-27 win. If not for a beautiful pass from Rodgers to Jordy Nelson, the game would have gone to overtime. Chicago clearly had the momentum in the later stages of the game. If the Bears had one more drive, they may have won the game.

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Another tough game will certainly be on the horizon when the Packers travel to Chicago in mid-December. By this time, the Packers will (hopefully) be in playoff contention. Taking this game lightly won’t be an option. Even if the Bears’ postseason hopes have dwindled, it will be another prime example of a tough, hard-fought game in Chicago.

On top of that, you can assume the game won’t be played in perfect conditions. Decembers in Chicago aren’t fun. Points will surely come at a premium, so the defense will have to shine for sure.

Prediction: Packers win 17-13