The Green Bay Packers host the Chicago Bears in the season opener on Sunday night at Lambeau Field. These two teams are fierce and hated rivals, and this should be a highly entertaining game. Green Bay has dominated the rivalry over the recent years, but the Bears are starting to show signs of life.
The Chicago Bears finished with a 5-11 record last season to wind up in last place in the NFC North. Green Bay had a disappointing 2017 season that saw them finish 7-9 and miss out on the playoffs. Both teams should factor into the playoff discussion in 2018, but are trying to catch the Minnesota Vikings in the division. The Green Bay Packers are -7.5 over the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night.
Bears Defense Is Back
The Chicago Bears have a long history of dominant defenses and it appears that the 2018 version will live up to this tradition. The Bears recently acquired defensive end Khalil Mack from the Oakland Raiders and now have one of the best defenses in the NFL. Rookie Roquan Smith and Leonard Floyd should put a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks all season. The Bears hope that their improved defense can finally find a way to slow down Aaron Rodgers.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Bears hope that quarterback Mitchell Trubisky will take a big step forward this season. Trubisky threw for just seven touchdowns last season as a rookie while also throwing seven interceptions. The Bears feature a talented duo of running backs with Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen poised for big years in Matt Nagy’s offense.
Rodgers Continues To Dominate
Aaron Rodgers is back for another season as the Packers quarterback and will look to continue his dominance over the Chicago Bears. Rodgers missed nine games last season after suffering a broken collar bone, but is healthy to begin this season. The future Hall of Fame quarterback still managed to throw 16 touchdown passes in 2017 despite playing in just five games. In his career, Rodgers is 15-4 against the Chicago Bears.
The Green Bay Packers must fix their defense if they are going to make a return to the playoffs this season. The Packers were near the bottom of the NFL in team defense last season, giving up 24.0 points per game. Clay Matthews and Nick Perry are the leaders of the defense, but they will be counting on some youth in the secondary this season.
Packers Defeat Rival Bears
The Chicago Bears seem very confident leading up to this game, but they must prove that they can take down their rivals. Green Bay is expecting to have a huge bounce-back season in 2018, but their defense is still shaky. Chicago needs Trubisky to show a ton of improvement if they are going to leave Lambeau Field with a huge win.
The Bears have assembled a terrific defense, but it still won’t be enough to beat Aaron Rodgers on Sunday night. Look for Rodgers to have a huge night in leading his team to a double-digit win. Bet on the Green Bay Packers -7.5 over the Chicago Bears.
