PackerNotes Staff Predictions: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears

The Green Bay Packers have won five of their last seven, while the Chicago Bears have won four of their previous five. The Packers are playing to make the playoffs, while the Bears are playing for pride. Both teams are much different from their matchup earlier this season.

Here are the staff predictions for the game.

PackersNotes Staff Prediction: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears

Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) scores a touchdown against Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) and offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) after intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. Green Bay won 38-20.

Jimmy Malchow (7-8): Packers Over Bears 28-17

The Packers have everything in front of them. They can punch their ticket into the playoffs in a season they were “rebuilding.”

Offensively, the Packers will be without AJ Dillon, but it sounds like they will get Christian Watson back. Watson will force the Bears to play cover two and the safeties to play it safe. This opens the underneath game and the run game with Aaron Jones. The Bears have been good on defense over the past month, but the Packers offense has been even better. I like the matchup for the Packers.

Defensively, the Packers must contain Fields. It could be a long game for the Packers if he gets outside of the pocket and runs. I wouldn’t be surprised if they have Quay Walker spy Fields all game. Hopefully, getting a rejuvenated Jaire Alexander back can help bolster the secondary.

Jordan Love throws for three touchdowns, and the Packers clinch the playoffs.

Zach Weller (7-8): Packers Over Bears 27-16

It’s been 17 weeks since the Packers played the Bears, and a lot has changed. The most notable change is on defense, where they have been playing lights out. They are 4-1 over their last five games, with their only loss coming against the Browns. In those five games, they haven’t allowed more than 17 points on defense. That is a far cry from how the season started for them against the Packers.

The acquisition of defensive end  Montez Sweat was a significant reason for the turnaround. His production over this five-game stretch has been good. He has recorded five sacks, ten QB hits, and two pass deflections to go along with 25 total pressures. He also has 18 tackles, with one for a loss.

That said, I still believe the Packers will win this game. I originally wanted to have them scoring over 30, but with the cold weather and the Bears new and improved defense, I slightly lowered that number. If the Pack can take care of the football and make Fields turn it over, this should be a comfortable win.

I keep hearing from fellow fans about the fear of getting “Lioned,” so to speak. Referring to the Lions eliminating the Packers from the playoffs last season even after their playoff chances were zero. This Bears team doesn’t have a coach like the Lions do, and this Packers team feels more together than in years past.

Give me the Green Bay Packers over the Chicago Bears 27 to 16 at home to punch their ticket to the postseason.

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