NFL Predictions: Week 7 Picks and Hot Takes From Around the NFL

Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; General view of the golden NFL shield logo at the entrance to the 4th annual NFL Honors at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; General view of the golden NFL shield logo at the entrance to the 4th annual NFL Honors at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace before the game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace before the game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:25 p.m. ET on Thursday, NFLN/Twitter

The Bears win if…

The defense can find a way to keep the Packers off-balance and puzzled from the start.

This Green Bay offense has been far from in-sync, and it’s beginning to appear slightly concerning from an outsider’s perspective. On a short week, it’s difficult to imagine that Aaron Rodgers and Co. can pull off a complete 180-degree shift in direction to revert back to their brilliance in the passing game. Eddie Lacy won’t be available – if Chicago can effectively pressure Rodgers and keep matchups on the outside tight, there’s a chance to grab a win at Lambeau.

The Packers win if…

They don’t panic.

It’s doom and gloom from the national media’s perspective, but those who follow the Packers close know that there’s reason for optimism around town. Even without Eddie Lacy, this offense is among the most talented in the NFL. For whatever reason, things just haven’t been clicking – and on a short week, moving the train in the right direction might be difficult. Luckily here, the game plan can be vanilla and simple. The Bears are who we thought they were (sorry, Chicago readers). As long as there isn’t a widespread panicked mindset heading into this week, Green Bay should find themselves in a good position to feed off the home crowd and cruise to a win.

Packers get back in the win column with short week win over Chicago, 24-16.