Maybe it's okay to relax at the Frozen Tundra after all. The Green Bay Packers had lost three games in a row prior to last week, but they did what they had to do in Minneapolis, taking out the Vikings to get back atop the NFC North. If they do what is again expected of them on Thursday against the Chicago Bears, you can bet that once again, Aaron Rodgers and the gang will be looked upon as the most dangerous team in the NFC.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Chicago Bears +9
Green Bay Packers -9
Over/Under 48
ODDS ANALYSIS
One week changes a lot in the NFL. The sky was falling in Green Bay before it beat the Vikings, while the Bears were the up and coming team until they fell short against Denver. Now, it's like order has suddenly been restored, and that's why the Pack are giving a heavy nine at home on Thanksgiving night.
The over/under in this game is understandably a little high after Green Bay won 31-23 in Week 1, the fourth straight over game in this series. The number started at 48, though it was quickly bet down to 47, perhaps due to the weather report which calls for frigid conditions at Lambeau Field on Thursday night.
WHEN THE CHICAGO BEARS HAVE THE BALL
It's still up in the air whether Matt Forte will be back from his MCL injury on Thursday, but the Bears badly need him back. Sure, Jeremy Langford has put up good numbers for the most part in his absence, but there's no doubt that Forte is the better and more dynamic back, and he acts as a warm, fuzzy security blanket on a night which is going to be cold as anything at the Frozen Tundra for Jay Cutler.
Cutler presents his own share of problems. His history against the Packers has been awful, especially here at Lambeau. That said, he's been the best offensive player this season on a team which has been beaten up at its skill positions. Kevin White has become forgotten, knowing that he has yet to suit up for the Bears, while Alshon Jeffrey has spent more time in street clothes than in uniform on Sundays.
Take Forte, Jeffrey and White away from this offense, and Cutler has been standing behind an awful offensive line trying to get the ball in the hands of Langford, Martellus Bennett, Josh Bellamy and Marquess Wilson. Have fun with that.
The Green Bay defense woke up last week and got after Teddy Bridgewater for six sacks. If Clay Mathews and the gang are stirring up havoc again, it'll be tough to do anything but bet on the Pack in live betting.
WHEN THE GREEN BAY PACKERS HAVE THE BALL
Aaron Rodgers only threw for 212 yards and two TDs against Minnesota last week, but there were a lot of positive signs. Eddie Lacey ran for 100 yards on 22 carries and seems to be back in control of the backfield in Green Bay after a brief absence. Furthermore, Rodgers seems to be more and more comfortable throwing the ball deep down the field to Jeff Janis. Sure, the two didn't connect, but they did get one 50 yard pass interference call in the second quarter which arguably changed the tide of the game.
Still, it's worth watching the connections Rodgers has with his receivers. Even his reliable targets, Randall Cobb and Richard Rodgers just haven't been on the same page with the potential future Hall of Famer all season long. If there's an early sign that Cobb and Davante Adams are set to make huge impacts in this NFL game though, get on the bandwagon early.
Let's not forget that the Packers, save for that one unsightly game against the Lions, had been playing against great competition. With a sometimes woeful Chicago secondary staring Rodgers in the face in this one, he might only need one or two great throws to get back on track once and for all.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The Week 12 matchup between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers will take place Thursday, November 26, 2015, at 8:30 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field. The game will be televised on NBC.
