The Packers look to rebound versus their biggest rival as they host the Chicago Bears in Week two.
After an exciting Week one of the NFL season, it’s already time to look at Week two. After awful weather conditions impacted Solider Field, the Bears snuck out with a 19-10 win over Trey Lance and the San Francisco 49ers while the Packers were smushed by the Minnesota Vikings 23-7 on the road. Now both these teams meet again for the first time since Green Bay’s 45-30 victory on Sunday Night Football. This one is also on primetime but unfortunately, the Packers won’t be seeing Al Michaels on Sunday Night Football this year. Fans have to wait until their Thursday Night Football matchup with Amazon Prime.
Betting Line: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-10) O/U (41.5)
Quarterback Matchup: Aaron Rodgers Versus Justin Fields
As Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers shouted to Bears fans last season, ”I own you!” he wasn’t wrong. The Packers have won 11/12 last matchups against Chicago. Also, Rodgers has thrown over 20+ touchdowns, and zero interceptions and is 8-0 after a loss under Matt LaFleur. Sure he struggled last week, but expect him to have a big bounce-back week, especially if Allen Lazard plays.
For Bears quarterback Justin Fields, he was solid last week throwing for 121 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He picked up in the second half after entering the third quarter with less than 50 passing yards, it’ll be interesting to see how he fairs with Jaire in coverage.
Players To Watch: Aaron Jones (GB) And Darnell Mooney (CHI)
Last week was rough for both of these players. Jones only had five carries and got out carried by backup AJ Dillon. He shined with the ball and if the receivers continue to struggle, the run game is the answer. For Mooney, it was a rough week for him. As the WR1 for Chicago, he only caught one pass for eight yards. He is hoping for a bounce-back week and that is a tough task when visiting Jaire’s Island.
Matchup to Watch: Equanimous St. Brown (CHI) vs Eric Stokes (GB)
An old friend visits Green Bay. A proud WR2 by Bears fans (he was WR4-5 in GB) is guarded by Packers 2021 first-round pick Eric Stokes. Hopefully, this is a matchup he can easily win after his struggle last week covering Justin Jefferson. Another matchup to watch is which rookie has a bigger day, Christian Watson or Velus Jones Jr.
Last Time Around: Green Bay 45, Chicago 30 (December 12, 2022)
This game looked concerning at first for Green Bay, with special teams collapsing and the defense struggling. Fortunately, the offense stepped it up led by Rodgers’ four touchdown passes. Hopefully this time around, Green Bay can win bigger and allow fewer points.
Packers’ Three Biggest Questions:
- Can they rebound after last week?
- Will the receivers be on the same page as Rodgers?
- Will David Bakhtiari play?
Who Does America Think Will Win: Packers or Bears?
According to Microsoft Bing, 56% of voters picked the Packers to win. Surprisingly low number but many might be looking at team records or be skeptical after last week’s loss.
Official Game Prediction: Green Bay Packers 34, Chicago Bears 20
I believe that the Packers will rebound this week and improve to 1-1 on the season. The Bears looked solid last week in their upset win against the 49ers, but both teams struggled due to the weather. As mentioned before, Matt LaFleur is 8-0 after a loss and I think it’s very likely that will become 9-0. The Packers’ defense should have a good day as well as the running game. The last two games have been Packer victories by two scores and I am projecting another 14-point victory. It should be a fun one at Lambeau.
Packers Projected Breakout Player: Jaire Alexander (CB) (27 yds allowed, 1 int, 4 tackles)
The Green Bay Packers (0-1) host the Chicago Bears (1-0) on NBC’s Sunday Night Football at 8:20 pm. Make sure to check out all of Sunday’s games as well such as the Battle of the Mike’s (TB vs NO) and two western 0-1 squads go at it (LV vs AZ).
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