Not only are the Chicago Bears a threat to win the NFC North they proved a threat to the hierarchy in the conference with a dominant defensive showing in a win over the Rams on Sunday night. There is still work to be done however, and the Bears will entertain their longtime rival the Green Bay Packers with a chance to avenge an earlier loss that may have been the catalyst for the surprising run. Or maybe it was the acquisition of Khalil Mack, who transformed a good defense into a great one.
Watch this Week 15 regular season matchup live on Sunday, December 16, 2018, at 1 p.m. ET at Soldier Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Green Bay Packers +5.5
Chicago Bears -5.5
Over/Under 45.5
The Packers aren’t done yet, but their chances of reaching the postseason are slim. They showed signs of life under new coach Joe Philbin, stomping the Falcons, 34-20, on Sunday in what was their most explosive offensive performance of the season. The Pack put a season-high point total on the board, topping the 30-point mark for just the third time this season and the first time in a month. And they did all their damage in the first three quarters against a banged up Atlanta defense. Still, the output was a welcome sight for the Packers.
The coaching change didn’t have a major effect on Aaron Rodgers’ numbers as he threw for just 196 yards while being sacked four times. The biggest difference was on third down plays where the Packers converted 54 percent of their chances. And it was Rodgers leading the way. He was 5 of 6 for 70 yards and a touchdown on third down against the Falcons and also beat the defense for a pair of first downs on the ground. The last six games under the previous regime were tough as Rodgers completed just 44 percent of his third-down throws and totaled two first downs on the ground.
The offense is feeling energized and obviously so is Rodgers. But all that good feeling will be tested against a Bears defense that just held the high-flying Rams without a touchdown in a 15-6 win on Sunday night. And it’s hard to imagine Chicago having any kind of letdown following their most impressive victory of the year. They have the NFC North title and their first playoff appearance since 2010 in their sights and they can’t let up with the Vikings still on their heels.
Rodgers knows how to beat the Bears since he’s done it regularly over the years. And we can’t forget that memorable showing in Week 1 when Rodgers was carted to the locker room only to come back in the second half to bring his club all the way back from a 20-point deficit. That memory is fresh in the minds of the Bears, who knew they were going to be a good team and overcame that tough opener to lead the division.
Playing behind a makeshift offensive line, Rodgers had to change things up a bit against Atlanta. His throws were quicker and the running game became a huge part of the offense. It worked against the Falcons, but it will be more difficult against the Bears. Rodgers won’t be as effective and I expect the Bears to be flying all over the field, holding Rodgers below his projected passing yard total on a prop bet at BookMaker.eu.
We also have another interesting storyline between Rodgers and the Bears defense entering this matchup. Rodger set a league record for consecutive pass attempts without an interception and has tossed only one pick this season. Meanwhile, the Bears lead the league with 25 interceptions and just picked of Jared Goff four times on Sunday night. The relentless pressure of the Bears pass rush puts opposing quarterbacks in compromising situations and the ball-hawking defenders are sure to make a play. Kyle Fuller had a chance at a pick of Rodgers in the season opener and dropped the ball, which led to the game-winning score. Given that chance again I doubt he blows it. All good things come to an end, and I’m leaning toward the Bears getting at least one interception to end the streak on a prop bet at BookMaker.eu.
Packers at Bears Live Betting
Mitchell Trubisky had his own struggles last week returning after a two-game layoff due to a shoulder injury. He compiled only 110 yards on 30 pass attempts with three interceptions and the Packers have been good defensively all season. I don’t see a lot of offense in this one, but with the Bears opportunistic defense and Rodgers on the other side, there should be enough points scored to cash the over.
NFL Betting Odds
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!
