Packers v. Bears: Preview, Injury Report, and Predictions
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers travel to Chicago to take on the Bears in a game that has some pretty big NFC North implications.
To help prepare you for this matchup, below you will find recent articles previewing the game, the most recent injury reports, and predictions.
Packers v. Bears: What to Watch For
Green Bay Packers Injury Report
Elgton Jenkins – QUESTIONABLE*
Kevin King – OUT
Dennis Kelly – OUT
Malik Taylor – QUESTIONABLE
* Ian Rapoport reports that Jenkins is “optimistic” about playing
Chicago Bears Injury Report
Xavier Crawford – QUESTIONABLE
Akiem Hicks – QUESTIONABLE
Caleb Johnson – OUT
Joel Iyiegbuniwe – QUESTIONABLE
JP Holtz – OUT
Khalil Mack – QUESTIONABLE
Allen Robinson – QUESTIONABLE*
Duke Kelley – QUESTIONABLE
Jakeem Grant – QUESTIONABLE
Ryan Nall – QUESTIONABLE
Artie Burns – QUESTIONABLE
Eddie Jackson – QUESTIONABLE
* Ian Rapoport reports that Allen Robinson is “expected” to play
Final Predictions
Matt LeVene (4-1)
This meeting of one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries will feature some new key players, eager to make a splash. Justin Fields is the X-factor for Chicago and will be the first dual-threat signal-caller the Green Bay Packers have faced all season. I am interested to see how Joe Barry utilizes his pieces on defense to contain the former OSU Buckeye. Considering how depleted the Bear running back room is, and the failure to show consistency in the air, Fields’ most dangerous asset will likely be his feet. De’Vondre Cambell has another tough matchup.
I expect Aaron Rodgers to do Aaron Rodgers things on offense. I am not too worried about anything the Chicago secondary brings to the table, but containing Kahlil Mack and the ferocious pass rush will present a unique challenge of its own. Elgton Jenkins being back in the fold will help Green Bay dominate the line of scrimmage.
Aaron Jones will find pay dirt 2 times in this one.
Prediction: Packers 31 – Bears 20
Brandon Sneide (1-0)
The Green Bay Packers have won four in a row and I just don’t see that streak coming to end when they face off with the division rival Chicago bears.
The Bears are coming off an impressive win over the Las Vegas Raiders and have won two straight. Their defense, as usual, remains a tough unit led by Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks. Look for the Bears front-seven to apply pressure to Rodgers and cause some havoc in order to stay in this game.
Unless rookie quarterback Justin Fields goes off for a career day, I’m just not sure how the Bears keep up with Aaron Rodgers & CO. on the scoreboard, especially with their Pro Bowl running back, David Montgomery out with a knee injury.
It won’t be pretty, but if the Green Bay Packers can protect 12, they should walk out of Soldier Field with a victory.
Prediction: Packers 21 – Bears 13
Paul Bretl (3-2)
Which defensive front can generate the most pressure and which offense can handle that pressure the best? Those are going to be the two big deciding factors in this game.
Both Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields rank near the bottom of the NFL in several key statistical categories when under pressure, according to PFF ($$), not to mention that finding success on the ground is important to both teams as well. This game will be won or lost in the trenches.
I have the Green Bay Packers winning this one with the offensive line receiving a big boost with the return of Elgton Jenkins as well as Josh Myers, along with Rodgers’ experience giving him the upper hand over Fields and the Bears offense when it comes to handling the pass rush. But it will be a close, hard-fought game.
Prediction: Packers 20 – Bears 16