2024 NFL Week 18: Packers vs Bears Preview & Prediction

Here we are,  Packer fans: the final game of the 2024 regular season. (Boy, it went fast, didn't it?!) And this game comes against the Pack's longest-standing rival, Da Bearz! What could be better? OK, OK, perhaps a Chicago team that's actually competitive once again. But let's be careful what we ask for, right?

On Sunday, there is a chance to continue to dominate a currently woeful Chicago franchise. That's always a good thing. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is 11-0 heading into this match up with the team from south of the (Wisconsin) border. When the game is finished, that personal coaching record will go to 12-0 and take the Pack to 12-5 on the season overall. More on that in a bit.

But first, a quick return to last weekend's loss vs. the Minnesota ViQueens. Turns out, we were spot on with our score prediction, 27-25. How 'bout that? But ... we just had the teams reversed. Dang it!

Yes, the Pack came up short — again — against Minnesota, just as was the case twice versus Detroit this season. And once against the Eagles. Darn it. One of the keys to victory that we noted in our Minnesota preview was getting to QB Sam Darnold so he wouldn't pick apart the Packers defense. Weeeelllll ... that didn't quite happen the way we hoped. And the Packers offense misfired just enough to let the Vikes take the game. That early fumble on the first drive by Josh Jacobs ... how many times do things such as this seem to be an early indicator of how the rest of the game will go? QB Jordan Love was not as sharp as he needed to be, either. Just too much. And a 2-point loss. (Sigh...)

OK, let's get on to this game against Chicago, shall we?

Packers RB Josh Jacobs scoring vs. Da Bearz. While it is hoped that Jacobs doesn't have to play the entire game on Sunday, we do hope to see him once again entering the end zone a time or two on the way to a Packers win.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

The Packers, sitting at 11-5 currently and in third place in the NFC North, have already locked up a wildcard playoff spot. The only things undetermined are whether it will be the sixth or seventh spot and the resulting first round opponent. For Da Bearz, at 4-12 and on a 10-game losing streak after a 4-2 start, they have already locked up last place in the NFC North and a fast trip to the offseason following the conclusion of the game.

While Chicago has some weapons on offense, particularly at wide receiver, their offensive line has been a sieve, leading to rookie QB Caleb Williams not having exactly the kind of season management had hoped for when he was drafted with the number one overall pick. He's been under pressure and sacked a ton. Combine that with coaching firings during the season and one might speculate that Williams will find himself in the same spot a few years down the road as a few other recent high Chicago QB picks that have fallen by the wayside. Much will depend upon who the McCaskey family decides to hand the head coaching job to in the coming season. Fans at Soldier Field during the game vs. Seattle were chanting "Sell the team" ... so ... things there are not good on just about any front.

That's enough space talking about Da Bearz.

As for the Pack, it should be a matter of getting out to a fast start and putting up points early and often. This has been the key to the Packers success this season, and the key to its five losses when they haven't been able to do so. Pro Bowl RB Josh Jacobs will be important in that effort. Given the amount of work he has taken on this season, it will be most helpful if he can hit the bench early and get some rest going into the playoffs. Coach LaFleur has said he's not going to rest any of the starters going into the game. But he obviously would be in favor of giving as much rest to these players as possible and that means having a comfortable lead at some point in the second half.

The Packers will have all their regular offensive weapons on display. WR Christian Watson should be available, too, and TE Luke Musgrave might also see a bit more action than last week where they eased him back into things. There were hints from the coaching staff that they felt Musgrave could finally be one of those receiving threats they had anticipated when drafting him — in addition to all the others — that could really open up the offense even more during the playoffs.

Defensively, the Packers received the news this week that CB Jaire Alexander underwent surgery for the PCL injury that has been bothering him a good portion of the season. With hindsight, instead of trying to get back on the field, someone in the Packers organization should have pulled the plug on him early, put him on IR, made an additional roster spot available, and now would likely have him back for the playoff run. Instead, the earliest he might be available would reportedly be the Super Bowl. Which raises the question, as we have noted before, as to whether Alexander will even be back with the Packers at all next season despite his contract given his limited availability for the past two years in particular. But that decision is down the road.

Besides Alexander, the other inactives for the Pack include linebackers Quay Walker and Zane Anderson, S Evan Williams and OT Andre Dillard.

One big highlight in recent weeks for the Packers has been the emergence of LB Edgerrin Cooper. Expect more good things ahead from "Super Cooper". He should have a big day versus Da Bearz.

Now, Seattle had a field day last weekend vs. Chicago, getting to Williams with their blitz schemes. Still, they only won in a snorer, 6-3. The Packers do not and will not blitz anywhere near as much as the Seahawks so they will need to get pressure on Williams with their front four and occasional blitz packages. They can and must do so.

The Prediction

At the time of this writing, the Packers are favored by 10 points. Surprised it isn't more than that. This is a game the Packers should — and will — win. Even with the noon CT kickoff weather conditions in Green Bay those of a typical early January affair, i.e., about 17 degrees at game time and with blustery winds of up to perhaps 23 mph, there is no snow in the forecast at the time of this writing. So the game should favor the running attack and short to medium range passes. Both of which, along with the defensive play, favors the Packers. But, as noted earlier, the Pack need to get up early on Da Bearz. Don't let them hang around. Put them away and don't let up.

We're calling this one Packers 34 - Da Bearz 10.

Go Pack Go!!!

2024 NFL Week 11: Packers vs Bears Preview & Prediction

Coming off the Packers Week 10 Bye, it's now that most special time of the year: Bears Week. Or, more accurately, it has been Bears Week all week, hasn't it? Now, we are on the cusp of the first of the two 2024 regular season games against that NFC North Division rival from south of the (Wisconsin) border: Da Bearz. Eeewww. We know. It is truly the longest-standing rivalry in the NFL, although it may not have felt like it for Chicago fans as Packers head coach Matt LaFleur hasn't yet lost to Da Bearz in his tenure in Green Bay: 10 straight wins. Will that streak continue today? More on that in a bit.

So the Packers have had a chance to get rested, especially one Jordan Love, i.e., the starting quarterback for the Packers. According to him, he stated in interviews he is probably as close to 100 percent as he has been since the opening game where he sustained the MCL sprain in his left knee. After being sidelined with that for two games, as we know, he then sustained a groin injury that has hindered his mobility and accuracy. One could say it has forced him, in his mind, to try to make plays where he shouldn't; i.e., some ill-decided throws which turned into interceptions and points for the opponents. Hopefully, with his body more right his head will be more right as well in his decision-making. The Packers need Love to be more like the second-half of last season Love than the first. That can start today against Da Bearz.

Oh, and during the downtime, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst traded away longtime veteran DE Preston Smith, ostensibly to give some of the younger players more playing time. To be fair, Smith's playing time and impact have been on the downturn this season. So...it was time. Thank you for your service, Mr. Smith. As some pundits speculate, the coaches et al must be seeing something on the part of the young defensive linemen that lead them to conclude they will be just fine moving on from Smith at this time. The end result will hopefully be a reenergized defensive line effort. As Packer fans know all too well, the pass rush in the first half of the season has not been all it should be. Not a lot of sacks. Time to get that turned around. And Da Bearz are just what the doctor ordered after they gave up nine sacks in their most recent game against the Patriots. Chicago's rookie QB, Caleb Williams, may have first-overall-pick talent, but he can't do much if he's lying flat on his back.

Let's get on to a preview of the game, shall we? (Oh, before we go on to the second half of the 2024 season schedule, we should note that in our preseason prediction we had the Packers record at 6-3 at this stage ... in fact, exactly where they currently stand. Well done, us! No applause, just throw money. Thank you.)

A throwback pic: Packers head coach Vince Lombardi and his team before a game against the Bears in 1963 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Yes, Wrigley Field. The most historic rivalry in the NFL resumes Nov. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel files)

The Preview

Let's start with the Packers. As noted above, the Pack now sits at 6-3. Two of those losses, regrettably, are against division rivals Minnesota and Detroit. So picking up a win in Chicago would be a plus, not only in the division but also in terms of overall NFL standings. Gotta stay in the hunt for the playoffs, if not as winner of the division — which seems possible but not probable at this point — then as a wildcard team.

It's pretty much all hands on deck for the Pack today. The only players ruled out on the latest injury report are rookie RB MarShawn Lloyd and rookie OT Jordan Morgan. Lloyd has not had the rookie season he or the Packers had hoped for when he was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. A twisted ankle early on and then lingering hamstring issues have kept him on the sidelines. It appeared earlier in the week that he would finally be available for this game ... until Friday when he awoke not feeling well. Turned out it was appendicitis. So his return in a few weeks or at all this season is a question mark. Morgan had been making progress and making spot performances. So his absence today is a hit to an already thin offensive line, at least in terms of reliable backups. In fact, the Packers placed Morgan on injured reserve Saturday and elevated CB Robert Rochel to the game-day roster. The other question mark for today is CB Jaire Alexander who is questionable with a lingering knee issue. Other players have this and that and are listed as questionable. DL Colby Wooden, who has been making an impact in spot play, is listed as doubtful.

For Chicago, they'll likely be missing a couple starting offensive linemen again this week, which certainly should help the Packers get to Williams today. DE Montez Sweat is listed as questionable with an ankle injury but we would expect him to play.

Keep in mind that Packers RB Josh Jacobs should help set the tone today. If the Pack can get the running game going early on that should allow coach LaFleur to open up his full offensive scheme, keeping Chicago on their heels. And if defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley can dial up the pressure from his front on Caleb Williams, Green Bay's turnover margin should increase accordingly.

There's been a little bit of smack talk — shocking! — between Packers S Xavier McKinney and Chicago WR DJ Moore. Let's see what comes of that on the field. Our money is on McKinney if push comes to shove ... which it very well might. Stay tuned. 

The bottom line is that Chicago is going nowhere after what seemed like a fast 4-2 start that fizzled as they now find themselves at 4-5 after a three-game losing streak. They fired their offensive coordinator earlier this week. Yeah, like that'll solve Chicago's problems.

The Packers have more weapons and talent on both sides of the ball than Da Bearz. The Pack have the playoffs in front of them. But they must take care of business. And that's what this trip to Chicago today is all about: TCB, as Elvis would say. (And, yes, Elvis has left the building.) Gotta show up and play the game. Do not take Da Bearz for granted.

Will weather play a role in today's game? It may have an impact: both teams may be dealing with some wind and rain today. Winds are forecast at 10-15 mph, while the chance of rain is near 30 percent. Sounds as if this would likely affect kickers more than anything else if both were to come to pass. We don't see this game as coming down to a field goal differential, so weather should not present a major problem.

The Prediction

The Packers are now favored by 5-1/2 points over Chicago at the time of this writing, down from 6-1/2 earlier in the week. Not sure what moved the line other than the oddsmakers figure Da Bearz desperation may lead them to an upset win at home? Not. Going. To. Happen.

The Pack will take care of business today, despite this being — as seemingly always with Chicago — their Super Bowl. According to PFF, with a win today the Packers have an 80 percent chance of making the playoffs; with a loss, that chance drops to 48 percent. We prefer the 80 percent, thank you very much.

And with all due respect to my friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan, who offered a "prediction" of Bearz 19 - Packers 18 ... not ... going ... to ... happen. Jackie Da Bearz Fan's Wife (and Packers fan ... yes, it happens), was much more realistic, offering a prediction of Packers 27 - Bearz 6. That's better. Much better. And why we love Jackie.

We're calling it Packers 30 - Da Bearz 13.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 14 Review of Packers win vs. Washington, NFL Week 15 Preview vs. Chicago — A twofer once more!

In yet another of our season-long "twofer" type posts, Packer fans, we are heading down the stretch of the regular season, and doing so by entering play against NFC North divisional opponents for the final 3 games.

But first, a very quick review of the game at Lambeau Field vs. Washington: the Green Bay Packers won 20-15. After getting off to a fast start, going up 14-0, the remainder of the game became a bit of a struggle offensively in terms of moving the ball consistently. More on that in a moment. Let's first acknowledge that the Packers defense once again came up big, getting takeaways that definitely helped the Pack hold on for the win. When the defense creates turnovers, the Packers win, simple as that.

But back to the offense...it's inconsistency has been, unfortunately, a season-long problem for the Packers. Despite the 10-3 record going into today's game, even QB Aaron Rodgers and head coach Matt LaFleur concur that the offense has yet to find its "identity" and at this stage of the season "what you see on film is who you are".

So, we can rejoice in the fact that, somehow, someway, through 13 games the Pack has found ways more often than not to win. There are weapons on offense, although not as many in terms of young wide receivers stepping up as was anticipated. The Packers need someone other than Davante Adams to be a consistent threat at wide receiver. Barring that, the Packers tight ends become better options in the receiving game, along with Aaron Jones who occasionally lines up as a receiver. That versatility offered by RB Aaron Jones, along with the pounding style of Jamaal Williams, makes the running game a legitimate threat each and every game.

Packers rookie left guard Elgton Jenkins has been a great fit and performer
this season along the O-line and will be counted on again today against a stout
Chicago Bears defense.
(Photo: Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

The Preview and Prediction

Let me first of all just say that my friend, Billy Da Bearz fan, is heading to Green Bay as this is being written. He doesn't think Chicago will win, he told me yesterday, but still holds out hope that Da Bearz will somehow pull off the upset. I've always admired him for his insights. Especially, in this case, about how he doesn't expect Da Bearz to win today.

In the 200th meeting of these teams (the Packers currently lead the series, by the way, 98-95-6), in what will be a cold, 18-degree Lambeau Field, the Pack is favored by 4-1/2 points. While Chicago still has a shot at the playoffs after their 3-game win streak, the Packers have more to play for in the form of the NFC North title, playoff seeding and perhaps even a first-round bye and home field advantage through the playoffs; they'll need to win the 3 remaining games in order to have their best shot at all that.

In looking at today's game, the Packers are the healthier of the two teams, they have the better quarterback and offensive weapons (if they can all step up at the same time) and a bend-don't-break defense that is usually adept at getting pressure on the opposing quarterback and in generating turnovers. If all that holds today, the Packers will go to 11-3.

We're calling it Packers 20 - Bears 17 in yet another close game in this epic NFL series.

Go Pack Go!!!

Week 9: Packers vs. Bears Preview and Prediction

The oldest rivalry in the NFL hits the field for the first time in the 2013 season tonight at Lambeau Field: the Green Bay Packers vs. the Chicago Bears. This will be the first Monday night game between the two teams since 1997 (or thereabouts).

There are many takes on this game.

There's a great article on the TMJ4 sports site, "Packers, Bears are franchises going in different directions." You know you are going to want to read that one. You can do so here.

There's of course the analysis, none better than by the radio Voice of the Packers, Wayne Larrivee; check that out here.

Of course, a look at how Aaron Rodgers is now "The new master of the Bears" by ESPN.com's Packers writer, Rob Demovsky, also shouldn't be missed. (By the way, did we mention that Rodgers is 8-2 during the regular season against Da Bears? The only losses came -- gulp -- on Monday night. But both of those losses were in Chicago...whew!)

Any surprises tonight? Packers WR James Jones is listed as questionable for tonight, but a report yesterday by ESPN's Adam Schefter said Jones would play. He may indeed, but we can probably expect a lot more of Jarret Boykin and Myles White than Jones, unless the game stays tight. Expect James Starks to get more carries tonight after looking good last week. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy indicated during the last few days he wanted to cut back on Eddie Lacy's carries a bit. The two running backs can make a very good one-two bunch. Look for that this evening.

Anyway, we're running out of time to get this posted so will cut to the chase.

The Packers are favored by 10 points. The over-under, according to some sources, is 51 points. Time to call it...

We're calling it 34-20 Packers. Go Pack Go!!!

Packers vs. Da Bearz Championship Week - Part 3

Two days to go before the showdown in ChiTown...man, doesn't it seem like an eternity since last weekend's game? Good thing the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears can generate a lot of talk to fill up the time. As noted here yesterday, the talk isn't from the players; they are playing things close to the vest and not generating any bulletin board material for their opponent.

Fans and pundits, on the other hand, well...fugetaboutit.

Predictions generally call for a close game. And depending upon which colors you happen to wear, the nod for the victor goes one way or another. No surprise there. But sometimes it's interesting to notice nuances in the conversations.

For example, I happened to be in Chicago last evening and struck up a brief conversation with a desk security guard at the office building I was at for a meeting. He was wearing a Bears hat. He's seen me before coming in wearing a Packers jacket. We don't know each other's names, but we know we both love football. It's always a friendly and good-natured chat. He picks Da Bearz 24-17, not surprisingly. I said I thought that was probably a pretty reasonable score, although I'd have the Pack coming out on top, also not surprisingly.

But then he started to expound just a bit, ever-so cuatiously, measuring his words so he wouldn't have to reconsider his prediction. He said, "If we had Rodgers....Super Bowl, no doubt. If we had Rodgers...". I quickly reminded him that Da Bearz don't, the Packers do, and that will indeed be the difference. (Oversimplifying, of course, as one does in these types of conversations.) I then opened the conversation door a bit more by saying, "Yeah, Cutler...". That's all it took. He was off to the races on how you never know which Cutler is going to show up. He laughed as he recalled some pundit saying that Cutler is colorblind and that's why he'll throw the ball to anyone.

From other things I've read and heard on the airwaves this view seems to be the general feeling among a good number of Bears fans. They believe in Da Bearz, but they just aren't so sure about their quarterback.

The Packers on the other hand, have it rolling now. And Bears fans know that, too. As huge as this game is for the Packers, in some ways it seems to be even more so for Chicago and its fans. After all, Da Bearz won the NFC North. Yet, they are currently listed as 3-1/2 point underdogs on their home field. They haven't gotten a lot of respect this season. Pretenders not contenders was the tag. But here they are, and here the Packers are, playing for the right to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. In the longest rivalry in the NFL, there has never been a match up like this before. "This is the Super Bowl," I opined to my security guard compadre. "Ya got that right," he nodded in agreement.

For as much as both teams want to get to and win the Super Bowl -- it is the biggest prize, of course -- at least in this corner of the world, among the fans of both teams that live and die with each victory and loss, this Championship game is THE game. Chances are, a meeting with stakes like this will not happen between Green Bay and Chicago again for a long, long time. Each team's fans want to have the bragging rights. For the losing side, it might be another 70 years before there's a chance for redemption. Some of us (gulp) probably won't be here then.

Go Pack Go!!!

Pack Must Cherish This Win

Tough wins like this will lead to character development of this Packer team. I am very happy about the outcome and the learnings that can come from this game. They will have to realize that they are in a very difficult battle in the division this year.

Rodgers now remembers what it is like to be hit, hit often, and hit hard. I can not imagine a game in which it will be worse, though future Bear and Vikings games will likely be as tough.

Observations: running game was average - there is ample room and real potential for improvement; Donald Driver will not drop more than one pass in a game from here on out, and in most games he will have none; Rodgers needs to learn to escape to his left on occasion - he has a clear tendency to his right; Bears' players should be fined for Urlacher hit on Rodgers early in game and others for the hit on Rodgers during last drive; Barbre can only get better; O-line needs to do a pride-check regarding pass protection; McCarthy did not game plan Chicago's zone pass defense well-enough - he needs to prepare for new schemes that opponents will develop to stop the offense; Back Judge (or, whichever official) who threw the flag on Harris ought to be fined!; Woodson should be confident and not cocky - I think "cocky" cost him on Knox and Hester long plays; Collins needs to learn what it takes to stay hydrated - this is "professional" football and physical preparation like hydration is key.

Let's hope the Packers have fake field goal and punt plays that do not rely upon the center to make the call! I can't wait to hear the full explanation on the Bears call. There is no way the center should be allowed to make that call, for us!

Finally, as Packrphan likes to repeat, and is known to have chanted as far away as the Superdome in New Orleans after a Packer win against the Saints: "The Bears still suck!" (Inebriated Saints fans, and sober as well, did not understand the timing of this chant within the bowels of their stadium. But, Packrphan clearly explained to the uneducated that "the Bears suck, always and everywhere!)