Bears at Packers: NFL Thursday Night Football
Packers a Solid Favourite After Week 1 Loss
After dominating the NFC North last season, the Packers already find themselves looking up at the Bears in the standings. Green Bay struggled to break through against San Francisco’s defence last week, while Chicago overcame a slow start to pound the Indianapolis Colts. Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers finished with 303 passing yards to go along with two touchdowns and one interception, but the Pack couldn’t generate any sort of running game. Chicago’s offence lived up to its preseason billing, piling 41 points on the Colts. Jay Cutler threw for 333 yards with two touchdowns and one pick, while Matt Forte and Michael Bush combined for 114 yards on the ground. Sports Interaction has Green Bay set as a 6-point home favourite with the total at 51.5.
Bears Look to Snap Skid vs. Green Bay
The Bears have lost four straight games to their Cheesehead rivals and covered just one pointspread during that slump. While both teams offences appear potent, sharp bettors have pounded the under in the recent meetings between the two clubs. The over in the most recent matchup between the Bears and Packers, but that was the first time in nine meetings that the over cashed in.
Cutler Issues Warning to Packers
Jay Cutler doesn’t seem concerned about the press coverage the Green Bay Packers have used in the past against him. Now that he has two big, physical receivers in Brandon Marshall and rookie Alshon Jeffrey, Cutler wished the Packers secondary “good luck” if they tried to play physical with his two wideouts. "We invite press coverage,” Cutler added. "We invite man." Marshall finished with nine catches for 119 yards and a touchdown last week while Jeffrey grabbed three balls for 80 yards and a score.
Walking Wounded
Packers wideout Greg Jennings is currently listed as questionable after leaving Week 1's loss early with a groin injury. He didn`t practice Tuesday or Wednesday, so he`ll likely be limited at best if he does suit up. Chicago corner back Charles Tillman is also questionable after suffering an undisclosed leg injury last week, but he is expected to play Thursday. Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher was held out of practice this week but should also play.
Prediction
Could the Packers really start the season 0-2? Absolutely. Chicago has the firepower to keep up with the Packers now and still has the knack to force timely turnovers. Green Bay will need to get more from its running game or Chicago will start coming at Rodgers in waves. Cedric Benson was supposed to be the Packers’ answer at running back, but he managed just 18 yards on nine attempts last week. That won’t cut it against Chicago.
Final Score: Chicago 31, Green Bay 27
