The Green Bay Packers host the playoff bound Chicago Bears, Sunday Jan 02, as a Packers win and they’re in, while the Bears try to clinch a first round bye. The Bears won their last meeting 20-17, at home, in Week 3. NFL oddsmakers have the Packers as -10 point home favorites over the Bears while the game's total has been posted at 41.5 points. Be sure to get the latest NFL Point Spreads for your NFL Week 17 Predictions on the Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers Betting Odds.
The Bears (11-4) (5-1 V) beat the NY Jets 38-34, at home, in Week 16 and can secure a first-round bye with a win over the Packers. QB Jay Cutler completed 13 of 25 passes for 215 yards with three TD’s and one interception; he also added a three yard rushing TD. RB Matt Forte had 19 carries for 113 yards with a TD, while WR Johnny Knox made four catches for 92 yards with two TD’s. Devin Hester added a TD. Their defense got no sacks and one interception. the Bears don't plan on taking a breather Sunday by resting their starters against the Packers, despite the club clinching the No. 2 seed for the NFC playoffs and a first-round bye. QB Jay Cutler needs to continue developing chemistry with the receivers. The offensive line needs more work in pass protection, and the performance of the defense — which surrendered nearly 400 yards to the Jets. "I expect to play the whole game," Cutler said. "That's how we're preparing at this point. [Coach] Lovie [Smith] said we're going to be going hard in that game, and we're going to be going full-go on Sunday. Cutler has thrown for multiple touchdowns in five of eight outings since the bye, while generating a passer rating of 104.2 or better in four of the past five contests, the unit has still managed to struggle on third down, converting just 29.6 percent over the last three games. The Bears haven't allowed more than two sacks in a game for three consecutive weeks, after surrendering three or more in the three previous contests (11 total) from Nov. 18 to Dec. 5. The Bears are ranked 30th on offense (293ypg) with a 27th ranked pass game (193ypg) and a 24th ranked running game (100ypg). RB Matt Forte leads their offense with nine TD’s. The Bears square off against the Packers ninth ranked defense (314ypg), their fifth ranked pass rush (199ypg) and their 19th ranked rush defense (115ypg). The Packers give up the second least amount of points per-game (15.8ppg). Tramon Williams has six interceptions for the Packers.
The Packers (9-6) (6-1 H) beat the NY Giants 45-17, at home, and must beat the Bears secure the final NFC wild card spot. QB Aaron Rodgers completed 25 of 37 passes for 404 yards with four TD’s and no interceptions. RB Brandon Jackson had 18 carries for 39 yards, while FB John Kuhn had six for 22 yards with two TD’s and he caught a TD pass. WR Greg Jennings made seven catches for 142 yards and Jordy Nelson chipped in with a TD. WR Donald Lee added a three yard TD. The Packers defense got one sack and four interceptions. FB John Kuhn has the ability to get tough yards, especially near the goal line, that has put him on the track to folk hero status in Green Bay. After a season-ending injury to Ryan Grant in Week 1, Kuhn steadily has worked his way into the Packers' running back rotation. Kuhn hasn't rushed for more than 50 yards in a game. But he seems to be at his best near the goal line; he has six TD’s this season, four rushing and two receiving. He also is a key player on special teams. He earned not one, but two, game balls from the coaching staff for his efforts Sunday – one on offense and one on special teams. The Packers offense is ranked eighth overall (363ypg) with an fifth ranked pass game (260ypg) and a 22nd ranked running game (103ypg). They score the eighth most amount of points per-game (25.2ppg). Greg Jennings leads the Packers offense with 12 TD’s. The Packers battle the Bears 10th ranked defense (316ypg), their 18th ranked pass rush (224ypg) and the NFL’s third best ranked rush defense (92ypg). The Bears give up the fourth least amount of points per-game (18.4ppg). Chris Harris has five interceptions for the Bears.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
- Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
- Bears are 5-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
- Packers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.
- Packers are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games as a home favorite of 3.5-10.0.
- Packers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a home favorite.
Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers
When: Sun, Jan 02, 4:15 PM ET
Pick: Bears +10
Point-Spreads.com recommends you get your NFL Picks Week 17 in early!
The Bottom Line: The Bears are getting great offense and defense to match. Be sure to get your NFL Week 17 Predictions on the Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers Betting Odds in early.
