NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Game Preview: Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
One of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries returns to center stage Saturday when the Green Bay Packers visit the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in a pivotal NFC North showdown. The Bears enter the rematch looking to strengthen their grip on the division, while the Packers aim to overcome mounting injuries and sweep Chicago in the season series. The Green Bay Packers edged the Chicago Bears 28-21 at Lambeau Field just two weeks ago, but the circumstances surrounding this meeting are dramatically different. Early odds opened with Chicago favored by around -3 at home, with a total posted in the mid-40s. This rivalry game sits prominently on the weekly slate alongside other divisional battles covered on the NFL Week 16 odds and predictions.
Dominate the NFL Betting Market
3,000+ monthly picks — NFL included
Odds and Key Information
Opening markets quickly reflected Green Bay’s growing injury list and Chicago’s defensive surge. The Bears were installed as home favorites, a notable shift from the near pick’em feel of the first meeting. The moneyline has leaned toward Chicago, while the total has remained relatively steady, balancing Chicago’s opportunistic defense with Green Bay’s ability to generate explosive plays when healthy.
One strong analytical observation centers on turnover margin. Chicago leads the NFL with a plus-20 differential and has forced 30 takeaways, while Green Bay’s offense has been more vulnerable under pressure. A paraphrased takeaway from Bears coach Ben Johnson emphasized that motivation will not be an issue given the standings and the rivalry itself, suggesting a focused, high-intensity approach rather than schematic surprises.
Green Bay Packers Outlook
Green Bay’s season took a significant hit last week despite remaining firmly in the playoff picture. The Packers fell 34-26 at Denver and lost All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to a season-ending ACL injury. Parsons, acquired in a blockbuster trade before the season, had 12.5 sacks and was the cornerstone of Green Bay’s pass rush. His absence compounds an already thin defensive front that is also missing run-stuffer Devonte Wyatt, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury on Thanksgiving.
Offensively, Jordan Love continues to play efficient football, completing over 66 percent of his passes with 23 touchdowns against six interceptions. He was sharp in the first meeting with Chicago, throwing three touchdowns, including two to Christian Watson. However, Watson’s availability is uncertain after he left last week’s game with a chest injury, though he was limited in practice midweek.
The running game has been steady behind Josh Jacobs, who has 890 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, but Jacobs did not practice Wednesday due to a knee issue. If he is limited, Green Bay’s offense may lean even more heavily on Love’s arm against a defense that thrives on takeaways.
Defensively, the Packers face an uphill battle without their top disruptors. The loss of Parsons significantly reduces pressure rates, which is problematic against a Chicago offense that has improved protection and rhythm in recent weeks. Bettors should closely monitor the Packers injury report for final clarity on Jacobs, Watson, and multiple starters along the offensive line and secondary.
Chicago Bears Outlook
Chicago enters Saturday with momentum and renewed confidence after a dominant 31-3 home win over Cleveland. That performance showcased the Bears’ identity: opportunistic defense paired with an offense capable of capitalizing on short fields. The Bears intercepted three passes last week and remain the league’s top takeaway unit, a critical edge in high-stakes divisional games.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams continues to develop steadily. He has thrown 21 touchdown passes against six interceptions while averaging 225 yards per game. While his completion percentage sits at 58 percent, Williams has shown improved poise in the red zone and better chemistry with his receiving corps. In the first meeting with Green Bay, Chicago struggled mightily in the first half before adjusting and nearly completing a comeback.
The Bears’ ground game remains balanced. D’Andre Swift leads the team with 935 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while Kyle Monangai has added a physical complement with 681 yards and five scores. Swift was limited in practice with a groin issue, making his status worth monitoring, especially given Chicago’s reliance on play-action.
Injuries are not absent on Chicago’s side. Wide receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III did not practice Wednesday, while Cole Kmet and Tremaine Edmunds were limited. Still, Chicago’s depth has allowed it to weather injuries better than Green Bay over the last two weeks. Bettors should confirm final availability on the Bears injury report before kickoff.
Key Matchup Table
| Key Factor | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Turnover differential | Chicago Bears |
| Quarterback health | Chicago Bears |
| Pass rush availability | Chicago Bears |
| Division record | Green Bay Packers |
| Home-field advantage | Chicago Bears |
Betting Trends
Chicago has been profitable at home this season, particularly when favored by a field goal or less. The Bears have also leaned under in games where their defense dictates tempo and generates turnovers. Green Bay, despite injuries, remains strong against the spread in divisional play, but that trend has been tested as the roster thins.
The first meeting landed over the total due to late scoring, but much of that came with Parsons and a healthier Packers offense. With Green Bay’s defense depleted and Chicago emphasizing ball security after last week’s rout, market expectations have slightly cooled on a shootout. Bettors reviewing broader divisional trends can find context on the NFL scores and odds page.
The Lean
This rematch hinges on attrition and execution. Chicago’s defense is built to exploit mistakes, and Green Bay’s injury situation increases the likelihood of negative plays on both sides of the ball. Without Parsons, the Packers may struggle to disrupt Williams, while Love faces constant pressure from a defense leading the league in takeaways.
From a betting perspective, Chicago’s edge in health, turnover margin, and home field makes the Bears a strong candidate to cover as modest favorites. The total is trickier. While both offenses are capable, the stakes and Chicago’s defensive profile suggest a more controlled game than the first meeting.
For additional divisional breakdowns and late-season analysis, visit the full slate on the NFL previews page.
Projected Final Score: Bears 24, Packers 20
Best Spread Pick: Bears -3
Total Lean: Under 45.5
Why You Need Expert Picks
Late-season rivalry games like Packers versus Bears demand more than surface-level analysis. Injuries, turnover profiles, and motivation often outweigh season averages. ScoresAndStats provides bettors with transparency and accountability through the Handicappers Leaderboard and in-depth projections available on the NFL picks page.
Expert insights help identify when a team’s underlying metrics, such as Chicago’s turnover differential or Green Bay’s defensive losses, create betting value before the market fully adjusts. Bettors looking to sharpen their approach can also benefit from resources like the expert betting guide and by evaluating trusted analysts through the handicappers sites reviews.
As betting markets become tighter late in the season, finding value often means looking beyond standalone picks. That’s where advanced strategy comes into play, especially when game flow points toward multiple outcomes lining up together. Resources like the best NFL parlays guide help bettors identify situations where spreads, totals, and alternate lines align under a shared script. At the same time, individual usage trends matter more than ever, and the best NFL player prop bets analysis highlights how snap counts, injuries, and matchup mismatches can create actionable edges the public often overlooks.
