Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears: Week 1 Prediction

Sep 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) makes a catch against Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Green Bay Packers defeats the Chicago Bears 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The oldest rivalry in sports renews right off the bat in week 1 of 2015 NFL action. The Chicago Bears are eager to erase their ugly showings last season against the Green Bay Packers. Can they get it done or will it be more of the same?

Injury News

Morgan Burnett looking iffy for Sunday

In a secondary that is suddenly overflowing with youth, the Packers really need to have a veteran presence to hold it all together. So knowing safety Morgan Burnett may not play due to a nagging calf injury is not the news they want to hear. Not only the most experienced defensive back they have, he’s also a key part of their run defense (+10.1 PFF rating in 2014).

Alshon Jeffery progressing well

Having been declared “day-to-day” for three weeks, it was heartening for the Bears to see their best wide receiver in Alshon Jeffery back on the field. Without him, the passing offense has struggled to get anything going. Recent indications are his own calf problem is healing well and odds are good he should be able to play barring a setback.

Key Matchups

Randall Cobb vs. Kyle Fuller

Few players on the Packers roster have given the Bears fits more than Randall Cobb. The speedy Packers receiver has basically had his way with them the past couple years. So far nobody has stepped up to stop him. All eyes are now fixed on second-year corner Kyle Fuller. A 1st round pick last season, he’s expected to take on a big role this year. Cobb will be his first assignment.

How each performs will greatly determine the outcome.

Packers LBs vs. Matt Forte

Two key defensive linemen in Letroy Guion and Datone Jones will be out for the game due to suspension. That leaves the Packers front awfully thin, and the burden of stopping the run even heavier on their linebackers. Matt Forte has really given them problems at Soldier Field the past two years. Mistakes can be ill-afforded with the added issues in the secondary.

X-Factors

Vic Fangio effect on Bears defense

After two years the worst defensive play in franchise history, the Bears are praying that an upgrade to their coaching staff can be the decisive action to regaining some respect across the NFL. Vic Fangio is one of the best in the league with a wealth of experience and creativity. Stopping the Packers is a tall order, even for great defenses. How he can maximize what the Bears have is crucial to this game.

Aaron Rodgers without Jordy Nelson

Green Bay believes strongly in their roster depth, but a team does not lose an All-Pro player like Jordy Nelson and not feel it. Aaron Rodgers won’t have that safety valve he’s enjoyed, which means he’ll have to adjust to what he has. Yes, there are plenty of other options on paper but none as utterly reliable as Nelson was.

Prediction: Packers win 24-17

The game will be closer than the ones last year but in the end this is a case of not trusting Jay Cutler. He never plays well against the Packers, having posted 20 points on them just once since 2009. For an idea, he has thrown 21 interceptions against them. In essence Cutler has more picks against their defense than he has ever scored points in a game.

Next: College Coaches Who Can Salvage NFL QB Crisis

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