Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears: Preview, prediction and odds
The Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. Read our in-depth preview.
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Preview for Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
The Green Bay Packers visit the Chicago Bears on Saturday for a primetime matchup that could effectively decide the NFC North title.
Green Bay suffered a devastating setback last week as edge rusher Micah Parsons, whom they acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Cowboys in August, suffered a season-ending torn ACL in a 34-26 defeat to the Denver Broncos.
The loss of Parsons, who had racked up 12.5 sacks, is a devastating blow that threatens to derail their Super Bowl ambitions.
But the Packers can move into first place in the North with victory over their historic rivals, who bounced back from their loss to Green Bay at Lambeau Field two weeks ago with a routine 31-3 win over the Cleveland Browns last Sunday.
Playing in the friendlier confines of Soldier Field and with Parsons out of action, the Bears have reason to be confident of avenging their recent defeat and taking a stranglehold on the division.
A Detroit Lions loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday would see the winner of this contest clinch a playoff berth.
For the Bears, qualification for the postseason would see them end a four-season absence from the playoffs. They have not won a playoff game since the 2010 season, when they lost the NFC Championship Game to the Packers.
Matt LaFleur’s Packers, by contrast, are playoff regulars, and the Green Bay coaching staff is keen to ensure the loss of Parsons is not something that prevents them from regaining momentum.
“As far as the team goes, I told them you can’t let circumstances dictate behaviour,” defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said of the Parsons injury.
“A week ago we’re in here after we beat the Bears, and we’re all walking in here all upbeat and ready to roll. I said, ‘Shame on you if you walk in here any different today.’ That’s not who we are. That’s our job as leaders and coaches, to make sure that we don’t do that.
“We’ve got really good players. We’ve played good defense, and we’re going to continue to play good defense. Our guys understand that, and I think it’s important for everyone to understand that these guys have a lot of pride, and they’re going to get even closer because of this. And they’re going to play well.
“Our best players are going to step up. And the guys who haven’t played a lot, that’s been our job all year, is to develop those guys, so in situations like this, they’re going to step up. And we’re going to play hard and we’re going to coach hard and we’re going to do everything we can to win. That’s my take on all this. This is press on, full speed ahead, and we’re ready to go.”
Prediction for Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
Green Bay Packers
The Packer offense excelled for long periods last week against the Broncos’ fierce defense last week. On the road again, their attack should be able to give a Parsons-less defense enough support to get the job done and take control of the NFC North.
How to watch Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
The Green Bay Packers-Chicago Bears matchup kicks off at 8:20pm ET.
It will be broadcast nationally on Fox and will be available to stream via NFL +.
Best betting offers for Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
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