The Green Bay Packers host the struggling Chicago Bears, Sunday Dec 25th, as the Bears look to snap a three game losing streak to the Packers. The Packers own the best record in the NFC and should be a lock for home-field advantage. The Bears are still alive for a wild-card spot, but must win both their remaining games, hope either Detroit or Atlanta loses twice and get some additional help. NFL oddsmakers have the Packers as -12.5 point home favorites over the Bears with the over/under set at 43.5 points. Be sure to get the latest Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers Spreads before making your 2011 NFL Picks Week 16.
Chicago (7-7, 2-4 V) lost to Seattle 14-38, at home, in Week 15. QB Caleb Hanie completed 10 of 23 passes for 111 yards with a touchdown pass. Chicago lost its fourth in a row and played most of the game without WR Johnny Knox, who was carted off the field after injuring his back while scrambling for a fumble early in the game. Knox’s injury was the latest setback for the Bears over the past month. QB Jay Cutler (broken thumb) and RB Matt Forte (sprained knee) have been sidelined, and this week, receiver/special-teams player Sam Hurd was arrested on federal drug charges and subsequently cut by the team.
While the Bears playoff hopes might be slim, they remain focused on trying to snap both their overall losing streak and a three-game skid against Green Bay. That includes a 21-14 loss in last season’s NFC championship game at Soldier Field. “We don’t have quitters on our football team, and we have football left, a lot of football left to go hopefully,” Coach Lovie Smith told the Bears’ official Web site. “You want to play better, so that’s what motivates us.” Green Bay is our rival. They’ve dominated the rivalry here lately and we have to take a stand.” That might not be easy for the Bears, who have averaged 11.8 points over the last four games with Jay Cutler sidelined. Trying desperately for that win, Smith will replace struggling Caleb Hanie with McCown. Hanie recorded a 41.8 passer rating with nine interceptions and three touchdowns while starting throughout the four-game skid. McCown, who last started in 2007 for Oakland, threw 35 TDs and 41 interceptions for Arizona, Detroit, the Raiders and Carolina from 2002-09
Green Bay (13-1, 6-0 H) lost their first game after 19 wins to Kansas City 14-19, on the road, in Week 15. QB Aaron Rodgers was just 17 of 35 passing for 235 yards and a touchdown, and he also scampered eight yards for another touchdown with 2:12 left in the game. But the Packers were unable to recover the onside kick. The Chiefs then ran out the clock.
Despite their loss the Packers still own the league’s best record and remain Super Bowl favorites, but they’re battling injuries and could rest more players after their 19-game winning streak was snapped. Green Bay will be without top WR Greg Jennings and likely RT Bryan Bulaga – both due to knee injuries – as it tries to regroup following its first loss since falling 31-27 at New England on Dec. 19, 2010. Green Bay has outscored Chicago 68-21 during a three-game home winning streak in the series. Prior to the Packers’ current run, the Bears had won four in a row at Lambeau.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Chargers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings.
Chargers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog of 0.5-3.0.
Chargers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in December.
Chargers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Lions are 5-0-3 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite of 0.5-3.0.
Lions are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home favorite of 0.5-3.0.
Lions are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. win.
Lions are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Over is 6-0 in Lions last 6 games as a favorite of 0.5-3.0.
Over is 4-0 in Lions last 4 games as a favorite.
Over is 9-2 in Lions last 11 games following a ATS loss.
Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers
When: Sunday, Dec 25th, 2011 8:20 EST
Pick: Green Bay -12.5
Point-Spreads recommends you check the Bears vs Packers Spreads before the game kicks-off.
The Bottom Line: The Packers have offense and the Bears don’t. NFL Point Spreads Expert Tyler Morgan went 2-1 ATS in Week 15, winning on underdogs Kansas City and Carolina to bring his NFL Predictions record to 73-39-4 for the season. Morgan, whose 2011 NFL Picks are hitting at 65% against the spread. Tyler’s moves have put thousands of dollars into his clients hands week after week. The good news for NFL Football bettors is – TYLER MORGAN’S PICKS ARE FREE – unlike most self proclaimed experts who charge big bucks to subscribers. Put a few Morgan Silver Dollars in your bank account by getting Tyler’s winning plays for FREE. Feel free to sign up to get NFL Picks Free!
