Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers have a difficult game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday night. Kick off was switched under the new flexible schedule ruling by the NFL and will now be at 8:15 p.m. (EST).
The 7-8 Packers haven’t clinched a wild card spot but hope to with a win against the Bears and a combination of other results around the league. One of those results to watch, the Giants’ game against the Redskins on Saturday night. A loss for the Giants and a win for Green Bay will give the Packers some optimism although it will take a lot more than just that.
Bet on the NFL at BetRoyal and receive 50% in sign-up bonuses!
Though the Packers are looking to win their fourth straight game, they've lost three in a row to the Bears, including a 26-0 defeat at Lambeau Field on Sept. 10th. Favre struggled in that meeting, going 15-29 for 170 yards with two interceptions while being sacked three times. The 37 year old remains quiet on his retirement plan and will need to play better than he has in recent weeks to beat Chicago.
Favre was 26 for 50 with 285 yards but threw two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, in Green Bay's 9-7 win over Minnesota on Dec. 21st. He marched the Packers down field to set up Dave Rayner's game winning 44 yard field goal with 1:34 to play. Despite the comeback, Favre has thrown five interceptions and no touchdowns in his last two games.
Click for Live NFL Point Spreads
In different fashion, The NFC North Division leader Chicago Bears have clinched home field advantage through out the play offs as the unchallenged top seed in the NFC. In spite of criticism, Head Coach Lovie Smith has stuck with Rex Grossman who has improved for the offense. Smith will also replenish the depleted defense by starting Tank Johnson, who’s back from couple of recent off field problems.
Also on Coach Smith’s plate, is how long to play his starters on New Year’s Eve.
The Bears will come into this game looking for a win to finish off their great season but will have to measure how far to play all starting squads considering there are future games to play. Back up quarterback Brian Griese played on Sunday. He was 6-9 for 51 yards and led the team to two fourth quarter field goals.
Griese is expected to see time again Sunday although Grossman's inconsistent season is back on a positive swing. Rex has thrown five touchdowns and no interceptions in his last three games after throwing six interceptions and no scores in his previous two.
Bet on the Packers vs Bears at BetRoyal and receive 50% in sign-up bonuses!
The Bears' only concern might be with their over estimated defense. They allowed an average of 363.0 yards in their last five games which is above the average of 288.9 allowed per game for the season. Chicago has slipped from having the league's top-ranked defense to fifth in the last four weeks. Cornerback Charles Tillman may be back after missing last week with back spasms.
The Bears are a simple -3 with a 36 total. On a cold night in Chicago, bet the under but bet the Bears too, this one will be easy.
