Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears: Week 15 game prediction

The Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears game in 2018 actually has considerable relevance for the first time in half a decade, which is awesome.

This rivalry is always better when the two teams are at least in the playoff conversation. Granted it’s a bit more in favor of one than the other this time. Even so, there’s plenty of incentive for both teams to win. The Bears are trying to lock up their first division title in eight years. The Packers are trying to avoid missing the playoffs for two-straight years for the first time since 2005 and 2006. No doubt both teams would love to ruin the others’ day.

So here’s the breakdown of their rematch after a thriller way back on opening night.

Storylines:

The Streak – Aaron Rodgers certainly sounded confident when he indicated a strong expectation the Packers would go down to Soldier Field and take care of business against the Bears. There’s a reason for that too. Green Bay hasn’t lost a game in Chicago since 2010. Rest assured this is a humiliation the Bears haven’t enjoyed enduring over that time. Things hit rock bottom last year when they lost again, but not even to Rodgers. It was backup Brett Hundley doing the honors.

One of the things that head coach Matt Nagy made clear from the moment he took over the team was that top priority was defending Soldier Field. This is something the Bears have done better than most teams in the league this year, holding a strong 6-1 record at home. Getting that coveted 7th would not only end the streak but also knock the Packers out of the playoffs and secure the NFC North crown. So there’s plenty to play for in this game.

Injuries:

Bryan Bulaga – The Packers offensive line is considerably less healthy than the last time these two teams met. That doesn’t bode well for Rodgers’ pass protection. Bulaga would’ve had the primary job of slowing down Khalil Mack, something he handled fairly well in the last game after a rough start. With him being declared doubtful for the game? It’s going to get interesting.

Bryce Callahan – The Bears defense is one of the best in the NFL and Callahan was an underrated reason for their success, holding down the nickel corner spot. He was on track for a big payday before sadly breaking his foot. His absence is likely to be felt both in coverage and as an extra blitzer. Two roles he really excelled at.

Key matchups:

Jason Spriggs vs. Khalil Mack – Wonder why Packer fans are nervous about Sunday? It’s because of this matchup. Spriggs is a last resort at right tackle with Bulaga out. He’s only logged 167 total pass blocking snaps this year and has still managed to allowed eight pressures, a sack, and committed five penalties. Now he gets to go against Mack.

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Cody Whitehair vs. Kenny Clark – Bears center Cody Whitehair was outstanding last week against Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh, particularly with his run blocking prowess. This will be needed again with the Packers in town. That hasn’t always been easy as nose tackle Kenny Clark has given him problems. The winner of this low-key battle could determine a lot.

X-factors:

Jordan Howard – For most of the year, the Bears have struggled to get Howard going. A major source of frustration for fans. That seems to have changed the past two weeks. He ran well in New York despite getting few carries in the second half and then had his first 100-yard game of the season against the Rams. He ran well back in week one against the Packers too, so this is something Chicago will no doubt try to exploit.

Randall Cobb – There has been no greater Bears killer in the past five years than Cobb. His Hail Mary TD in 2013 still induces nightmare for fans and his go-ahead touchdown in the opener was further proof of how much he loves torturing Chicago. Davante Adams may be the best receiver the Packers have, but the Bears defense would be wise to smother Cobb instead.

Prediction: Bears win 27-14

Knowing the history it seems somewhat ludicrous to make this sort of prediction, yet it’s important to understand the backdrop. Facts are facts. The Bears are the better team. Period. Rodgers is the only advantage Green Bay has. Sure that’s a big one but the fact is Chicago has all the motivation in the world to not only win this game but make a statement doing so. Rodgers will get a couple of touchdowns in as he always does, but this time the Bears will put together a full 60 minutes of strong play to take the game and the division.

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