As the NFL season reaches its climax, all eyes turn to the upcoming clash between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. This storied rivalry is set to reignite at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI, on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 1:00 pm ET. Fans can catch the action live on FOX. With both teams coming off losses, the stakes are high, and the betting odds are buzzing.
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
The sportsbooks have spoken, and the odds are in. According to DraftKings, Bet365, and BetMGM, the Packers are favored by 10 points with an Over/Under of 41 points. This spread reflects the contrasting fortunes of the two teams this season. The Packers, with their solid 11-5 record, are aiming to secure a better playoff seeding, while the Bears, languishing at 4-12, are playing for pride.
Season Record
The season has been a tale of two teams. The Chicago Bears sit at the bottom of the NFC North with a 4-12 record, having lost their last ten games. Their season started with promise, but it quickly unraveled. On the other hand, the Green Bay Packers are in third place in the NFC North with an 11-5 record. They have secured a Wild Card spot and are looking to improve their playoff position with a win.
Recent Form
Both teams are coming off narrow losses. The Bears fell to the Seattle Seahawks 6-3, with Caleb Williams struggling to find his rhythm. He completed 16 of 28 passes for 122 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. D’Andre Swift led the rushing attack with 53 yards, while D.J. Moore was the top receiver with 54 yards. The defense, led by T.J. Edwards, put up a valiant effort but failed to secure a turnover.
The Packers, meanwhile, lost a nail-biter to the Minnesota Vikings, 27-25. Jordan Love threw for 185 yards and a touchdown, while Josh Jacobs contributed 69 rushing yards and a touchdown. Romeo Doubs led the receiving corps with 58 yards. The defense, spearheaded by Javon Bullard, managed one interception but couldn’t stop the Vikings’ late surge.
Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers Preview and Analysis
The Bears are in a tough spot, with a dismal 0-7 record on the road this season. Their offense has been sputtering, especially away from home, and they face a daunting task at Lambeau Field. Caleb Williams has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency. The Bears’ defense, while resilient, will need to step up to contain the Packers’ potent offense.
For the Packers, this game is about momentum and seeding. They have been strong at home, with a 6-2 record, and will look to capitalize on the Bears’ vulnerabilities. Jordan Love has been steady, and with Josh Jacobs leading the ground game, the Packers have the tools to exploit the Bears’ defense. The key will be maintaining focus and avoiding costly mistakes.
Bears vs. Packers Prediction
Given the current form and stakes, the Packers are expected to cover the spread. With a playoff spot secured, they will aim to fine-tune their game and enter the postseason on a high note. The Bears, with nothing left to play for, might struggle to match the intensity. Our NFL pick for this matchup is a convincing win for the Packers, 34-10.
NFL Betting Trends
The betting trends offer some intriguing insights. The Bears are 7-16 ATS as a road underdog and 3-7 ATS when revenging a same-season loss. They have struggled after a two-game home stand, going 2-5 ATS. On the flip side, the Packers are 12-3 ATS after playing a division game and 7-4 ATS off a road loss. They have been strong in home games with a total between 35.5 and 42 points, going 6-3 UNDER.
Key Injuries
Injuries could play a crucial role in this matchup. The Bears are missing key players like T. Moore (SAF) and T. Jenkins (OL), while D. Kramer (OL) and A. Ogbongbemiga (LB) are questionable. The Packers have their own injury woes, with A. Dillard (T) and J. Alexander (CB) out, and C. Watson (WR) questionable. These absences could impact the dynamics of the game.
Notable Quotes
After the Bears’ recent loss, Caleb Williams expressed his frustration but remained optimistic, saying, “Frustrating, annoyed but learning I would say. I definitely think this is going to be good for me. I’m excited about this last game and excited about the future.” Meanwhile, Jordan Love of the Packers acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We know what type of team we are. There’s just a lot of stuff to clean up.”
Starting Lineups
Both teams will feature their key players in this showdown. For the Bears, Caleb Williams will lead the offense with D.J. Moore and D’Andre Swift providing support. The Packers will rely on Jordan Love, with Josh Jacobs and Romeo Doubs as the main offensive weapons.
Statistical Leaders
The Bears’ offensive leaders include C. Williams with 3,393 passing yards, D. Swift with 894 rushing yards, and D. Moore with 880 receiving yards. For the Packers, J. Love has thrown for 3,320 yards, J. Jacobs has rushed for 1,285 yards, and J. Reed has 809 receiving yards.
As the Bears and Packers prepare to face off, fans and bettors alike are eager to see how this classic rivalry unfolds. With playoff implications for the Packers and pride on the line for the Bears, it’s set to be an exciting encounter.
